Microsoft testing the Snapdragon 820 chip for 2016 models? Latest rumor on the Surface phone

posted by Alan F. / Nov 01, 2015, 11:39 AM

Microsoft testing the Snapdragon 820 chip for 2016 models? Latest rumor on the Surface phone

Reportedly, Microsoft plans on trumping the soon to be released Microsoft Lumia 950 and Microsoft Lumia 950 XL with a pair of new flagship handsets that will be released around the third quarter of 2016. As you might surmise, there really is not much known about the two phones except for one rumor. According to this speculation, these 2016 Windows 10 Mobile powerhouses are being tested with the Snapdragon 820 chipset inside.

The 64 bit Snapdragon 820 chipset, built with the 14nm process, offers four Qualcomm produced Kryo cores, and the Adreno 530 GPU. The graphics processor is 40% faster than the Adreno 430 GPU used with the Snapdragon 810 SoC. To keep components from overheating, the 2016 top-shelf models are expected to use the same advanced cooling technology employed by the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL.

Some fresh new rumors are also circulating about the Surface Phone. According to a report published today, the Surface Phone will be given flagship status even though the focus will be on productivity, not specs. The Surface Phone will be marketed to businesses and will reportedly support Win32 apps and offer "enhanced continuum."

source: NPU via WMPoweruser

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Display 5.2" 1440 x 2560 pixels

Camera 20 MP / 5 MP front

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 808, Hexa-core, 1800 MHz

Storage 32 GB + microSDXC

Battery 3000 mAh(18h 3G talk time)

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Display 5.7" 1440 x 2560 pixels

Camera 20 MP / 5 MP front

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 810, Octa-core, 2000 MHz

Storage 32 GB + microSDXC

Battery 3340 mAh(19h 3G talk time)

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75 Comments

1. tahnik

Posts: 200; Member since: Jul 17, 2011

Mobile market is just getting more interesting. Sony is catching up, now Microsoft with surface phone. Nice !

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 10:51 AM 5

69. Shocky unregistered

Sony and Microsoft catching up by sing off the shelf SoC from Qualcomm? Okay.

posted on Nov 02, 2015, 4:53 AM 0

72. MojoDojo

Posts: 102; Member since: Jul 11, 2013

Imagine a phone with an powerful Intel processor running continuum wireless. Liquid cooled and Microsoft playing their cards right about the universal apps. If only apps like Snapchat comes to Windows 10 as Universal app that can sync trough all Windows 10 devices. Continuum on the 950 and 950xl is only the beginning. I'm so excited about this "Surface Phone". Now that Panos Panay also is the head of the phone department, there will be no disappointment of the design, hardware, features and uniqueness. That guy knows how to make good looking products. Just look at the Surface devices.

posted on Nov 04, 2015, 7:33 PM 0

2. IAMBLCKJ3ZUS

Posts: 399; Member since: Sep 29, 2015

I just can't see how google can compete. If Apple does a similar thing to Microsoft continuum it's game over for google. Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft cheer with my fellow Windows Mobile 10 fans. Google just got scroogled.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 10:57 AM 1

9. TerryTerius unregistered

The only way your statement makes sense is if you mean from a power (productivity) standpoint, since Google doesn't directly compete with OSX or Windows 10 and therefore can't really answer a system that combines a mobile platform with a full fledged desktop OS. Or a set up where they are one of the same, like Windows 10. Granted, who knows if that will always be the case? Google certainly has the money, talent, and resources to build a more powerful OS if they truly wanted to. Or the reach and cash to find the talent elsewhere if it's not within their own campus. It's not like software development is all that expensive to begin with. But that doesn't at all seem to be the direction they are headed in, or even want to go; and that's a whole other much more lengthy conversation altogether. In any case, in terms of financial health or market share, Google is more than fine. I'm not exactly sure why you think they're screwed.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 11:27 AM 8

35. TSMan2

Posts: 363; Member since: Aug 20, 2015

Actually Google is merging Chrome and Android just for this reason. But I wander why you even mention Apple here. They will be last , as usual.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 1:07 PM 8

58. ibend

Posts: 6747; Member since: Sep 30, 2014

just look at how the push ipad pro for "productivity" but still use iOS, lol

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 7:12 PM 0

73. MojoDojo

Posts: 102; Member since: Jul 11, 2013

I don't think he means that they will get bankrupt. I think he meant that while Microsoft and Apple have Windows and OSX and Google have their haha Chome OS... Lets Imagine that the future is going towards a time that your phone will be powerful enough to do your everyday tasks. Continuum for an example, You edit files, answer emails, play store games, stream youtube videos, stream online movies trough Microsoft Edge. Apps like Netflix let you watch movies while you have a phone working as a phone. (Hardcore gamers and enterprises that uses programs that need powerhouses are excluded from this argument) Since that's the first step of Continuum you can realize that shy is the limit for such a feature. Google doesn't have such a strong desktop OS that can compete with Microsofts and Apples. So I think that's what he meant when he wrote that they cant compete.

posted on Nov 04, 2015, 7:51 PM 0

15. lpratas

Posts: 398; Member since: Nov 09, 2011

We will see that about Google. They would make a Tablet with Nvidia Denver 2 or a phone with Samsung Exynos M1 (Mongoose). Then is over the competition.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 11:38 AM 1

17. jellmoo

Posts: 2530; Member since: Oct 31, 2011

This is an honest question: What is the real value of Continuum right now? It's an interesting proof of concept, but I'm still not seeing how it's going to make any impact in an average person's work day.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 11:48 AM 6

20. TerryTerius unregistered

It will if all of your products already run on Windows 10. But It's more useful for enterprise than anything else, IMHO. Just like the ability to plug your windows phone into a hub and turn it into a full computer It's something that has the potential to one day become far more powerful than it already is. Much like Google now on tap. Microsoft seems to be aiming squarely at the enterprise market at this point. For good reason too.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 11:53 AM 6

22. snowgator

Posts: 3614; Member since: Jan 19, 2011

I agree 100% with both your responses- this and post #9. MS is looking to get mobility into enterprise hands. They seem to be ready to shoot for the next "phase" of mobile production, as opposed to fighting for the scraps off of Androids and Apples tables in the consumer market. It is smart, though for a casual user like me that prefers WP it is a little hard to watch. I think MS will give a token effort to get apps ported to Windows 10 mobile and at least try to increase it's presence in the consumer market back into the 5-8% range, but they want enterprise. Like you said- they have good reasons to do so. And a very strong chance of succeeding and getting that market.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 12:17 PM 0

25. TyrionLannister unregistered

It's not a full computer. It's just apps that will run on that screen. All those legacy programs, my computer etc won't work. Essentially, it's Windows 10 RT. Or a windows phone on your PC. It's not even close to full Windows 10. Almost 90% of programs which I use are legacy programs and I doubt they will have a universal w10 app anytime soon, if ever. So for me, it's like 10% of Windows 10. And even Windows 10 isn't enough for work. I have a dual-boot system including Ubuntu and w10 and I switch according to need.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 12:25 PM 5

51. GuyWolfe

Posts: 7; Member since: Dec 31, 2014

The rumors state that it will be able to run win32 apps, so that 90% will become usable again. THAT is when Windows 10 for phone becomes an interesting contender.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 2:57 PM 1

57. ibend

Posts: 6747; Member since: Sep 30, 2014

even if its run "full windows 10", I dont think current phone spec can run fullblown adobe photoshop/illustrator, or open multiple ms.word with hundreds of pages, and other simple stuff that $600 laptop can easily do (also it doesnt even have legit vga for DX12)

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 7:09 PM 0

60. Scott93274

Posts: 6025; Member since: Aug 06, 2013

Well, you never know. First of all, I would like to point out that no one in their right mind would want to use a phone for Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, secondly, It's been reported that Adobe is working on a web solution for their software similar to what Google's doing with their Chrome OS apps, so it's not absolutely out of the question for mobile platforms to have Adobe's key software on them.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 7:14 PM 0

37. Extraneus

Posts: 121; Member since: Jun 02, 2012

Or someone with a limited need for computing power. Like, say, my mom. She could buy a cheapish smartphone which she'd need anyway, inherit some old monitor from me, buy a cheap mouse and keyboard, and be rocking a functional desktop for all intents and purposes... At an extra price of 30$ on top of the price of the phone!

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 1:25 PM 0

74. MojoDojo

Posts: 102; Member since: Jul 11, 2013

Just a question. How do you watch movies or stream videos on you computer/tablet? If you have one

posted on Nov 04, 2015, 10:15 PM 0

31. medicci37

Posts: 1361; Member since: Nov 19, 2011

I don't even use Windows anymore so continuum is useless to me. And by the time this phone comes out there will be better processors on the market

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 12:44 PM 0

38. Extraneus

Posts: 121; Member since: Jun 02, 2012

"I don't even use Windows anymore" That puts you in a very small minority segment. Nothing wrong with that, of course, but your scenario is in no way typical...

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 1:28 PM 4

3. valapsp

Posts: 565; Member since: Aug 12, 2011

Imagine the surface phone with android, instant buy. Even with Windows phone AND project astoria an instant buy.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 11:10 AM 4

4. IAMBLCKJ3ZUS

Posts: 399; Member since: Sep 29, 2015

Get that crap out of here People like myself don't like Android which is kind of boring. I like Windows as a whole if you want Microsoft Android just download the launcher and Microsoft Apps and have your Android Pro. Windows Mobile 10 Phone is actually better than Android in many ways.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 11:13 AM 7

7. DeusExCellula

Posts: 1390; Member since: Oct 05, 2014

Lol. Android is boring? atleast we have the option to download a launcher. WP is boring. Crappy list of apps and the WP apps that exist all have crappy interfaces because the developers dont care. Instagram still in Beta? Please. With all the customization available its anything but boring. that being said I actually like WP and I would jump on that new Lumia flagship in a heartbeat if the WP interface (and appstore) improved. Currently IOS and Android Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint,Outlook) are all superior to the WP apps.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 11:25 AM 12

13. StreetNerd

Posts: 870; Member since: Dec 08, 2010

currently using a nexu5, and yes it is boring....

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 11:35 AM 5

23. DeusExCellula

Posts: 1390; Member since: Oct 05, 2014

so then what phone do you want?

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 12:22 PM 1

34. IAMBLCKJ3ZUS

Posts: 399; Member since: Sep 29, 2015

You do realize the reason the people have made launchers is because their bored. Android is like Myspace it too much and at sometime is can be good, but it's overbearing. I've had a S6, Xperia Z3, Z3 compact, Nexus 6. You get the point after all those phones I went back to my Lumia 930 it just works. Sounds like what someone says with a Iphone it just works. Plus you get timely updates!

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 1:04 PM 0

39. Extraneus

Posts: 121; Member since: Jun 02, 2012

"I actually like WP ... if the WP interface improved" That makes so little sense. The UI is what really sets WP/WM apart; not liking it is in all practicality the same as not liking the OS.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 1:31 PM 1

10. TerryTerius unregistered

Better is subjective. All the OS's have their strong points and weak points. Variations on the same core concepts. Personal preference at this point. I'm not exactly sure why you're telling OP he's wrong for wanting a surface phone running Android. He was only speaking for himself. He never said anything about anyone else or what would be good for them.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 11:31 AM 12

11. DeusExCellula

Posts: 1390; Member since: Oct 05, 2014

+1 to this

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 11:33 AM 0

62. joey_sfb

Posts: 6794; Member since: Mar 29, 2012

WP fans are a group that feel a strong consolidation of bitterness towards anything android. I understand and are not bothered. I use what i like anyway. Right now its Android hand down.

posted on Nov 01, 2015, 10:48 PM 0

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