Microsoft might be a non-player in the mobile segment at the moment, though that's likely to change drastically once the Surface phone is launched. However, that is not likely to happen anytime soon given the earliest estimate for the launch of the device is around spring 2017.

That again is several months behind the earlier expected launch schedule of late-2016, though the delay could well be worth it given the likely specs Microsoft is speculated to feature in the Surface handset.

According to rumors doing the rounds in the tech circle at the moment, the upcoming Surface phone could eventually have three variants to cater to three different price segments.

According to PC Advisor, The entry-level model could be seen sporting a 3 GB RAM along with 32 GB of storage while the mid-tier Surface is touted to have a 6 GB RAM along with 128 GB of storage. The top-of-the-line Surface device would come with 8 GB of memory together with a range-topping 500 GB of storage.

These apart, the handsets would be seen sporting a 5.7-inch AMOLED display. Further, a 21 MP rear snapper featuring a Carl Zeiss lens along with an 8 MP front camera should be enough for shutterbugs.

On the software front, the Surface handsets would be running the Redstone 2 build of Windows 10 Mobile OS, which is expected to be ready only towards early 2017. It is the specific build of Windows 10 Mobile together with the availability of Intel Kaby lake chips which are likely to be ready around the same time that has led to the delay in the launch of the Surface smartphones, Learn Bonds claimed

Microsoft has had a very dismal show in the hot mobile segment with its Lumia-branded devices. In such a backdrop, it is good to see the company taking its time to perfect its strategies and come up with a really well-made product right out of the gates.

Also, with the Surface range of devices, Microsoft would be chasing the mid-tier to high-end business segment where the productivity-oriented qualities of the Windows 10 platform can be put to use. As with the Surface Pro devices, Microsoft would be leaving it to third-party developers to cater to the budget smartphone segment while it redefines the performance bracket of smartphone usage.

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