The design language will also follow in the footsteps of Surfaces before, with an elegant and simple industrial design, but perhaps a tad less angular, as the latest Surfaces are mortal enemies of handheld ergonomics.

As for ports, USB-C will definitely be there. A headphone jack will most likely be included, unless Microsoft decides to beat Apple to the punch and start a USB-C-connected headphone revolution.

It’s What’s Inside that Really Counts

Intel Inside™, more specifically. Yes folks, Intel. Microsoft will most likely make the departure from the ever-popular Qualcomm processors that have powered Windows Phones for years, moving, at least in the high-end, to more capable Intel processors.

Now, there has been much debate, not over whether Intel will be under the hood, but exactly what Intel chip that will be. Most agree that a low-power Intel Atom CPU, the ones Intel has specifically made for smartphones, will be featured. But some argue that these low-end Atom x3 chips, and even the higher-end Atom x7 chips (meant for devices like the Surface 3), are no match for the latest-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 and Apple A9 phone chipsets.

And that’s why I propose Microsoft and Intel will debut the Surface Phone with a custom Core M processor. It makes perfect sense, as Microsoft has been rumored to be working closely with Intel on this phone. This news more than suggests the phone will feature a better and more-optimized processor than any of the Atom CPUs can offer.

Not to mention, the Intel Core branding carries much more weight than the Atom line, as Atoms have been dismissed as rather wimpy processors. A full “Intel Core processor” would definitely spark the interest of consumers.

Paired with this CPU will be 4GB of RAM, with configurable storage options of 32, 64, 128, and 256GB of very fast storage, whether it be solid-state or some other type. With these storage options, as well as the metal design limitations, the phone probably won’t include a microSD card slot, but will have a dual-SIM option.

Software — Project Centennial to Play a Big Role

The Intel processor on the Surface Phone opens up new opportunities for Windows 10 Mobile phones, specifically in the department of Continuum. No doubt will this phone be able to run full Win32 programs.

Microsoft will design this new software around Project Centennial, hoping developers will bring their Win32 apps to the Windows Store and Surface Phone users will install their programs from there, allowing the phone to retain its secure, sandboxed state. Of course, users will be able to install applications from other sources, but in order to maintain security, their function may be impaired.

Accessories, Accessories

Microsoft will go pretty big on accessories for this device. I fully expect compatibility with the Surface Pen, but it probably won’t be included with the Surface Phone.

Microsoft Research has also been working vigorously on a concept for a second e-ink display accessory for Windows phones, that will be able to house a keyboard and other useful shortcuts and functions. This concept will also debut for the Surface Phone, although it will, like the Surface Pen, come as an extra accessory. I don’t expect it to be quite as pricey as the Surface 3 and Pro 4’s keyboard attachments though; it will come in at $50–$75.

Launch

Such a device will definitely be featured at a Microsoft keynote, but when exactly that keynote will be is somewhat of a mystery. The first candidate for announcement would be a special Microsoft devices event in the early summer, with the phone launching in conjunction with the Windows Redstone update. That may be considered a premature release, though, if Microsoft wants to iron out the inevitable bugs to come along with the phone. The other, more reasonable announcement date would be an October event, with the phone revealed alongside the Surface Pro 5, Surface Book 2, and maybe even Surface 4 and Surface Desk.

Conclusion

The Surface Phone is coming, and with it some inevitable and downright awesome features. These are my speculations on what the Surface Phone, and ultimately, the future of Windows phones, holds.