Microsoft's Long-Lost Smartphone Prototype Emerges After Years in Stealth

Leaked images have revealed an unreleased Microsoft smartphone prototype that may date back to 2013 or 2014. The device, which resembles early Surface devices, features a silver metal frame and Windows Phone software, specifically linked to an internal build of Windows Phone 8.1 dated September 2013.

The suspected Surface-branded phone was never confirmed by Microsoft, but its existence has been tied to the company's acquisition of Nokia's Devices and Services business in September 2013. This deal gave Microsoft control over Nokia's phone operations and the Lumia product line, potentially explaining why the device was held back from launch.

The images obtained by Windows Central through an anonymous source show a phone with a 720p display, navigation keys below the screen, and a Microsoft logo on the back. However, the chipset model, RAM, storage, battery size, or camera specs remain unknown.