The Microsoft Surface Phone may finally be released this year with the confirmed arrival of Redstone 3 later in 2017. 

The Surface Phone is still pretty much a rumor right now, but there is plenty of evidence that point to its existence. Many have been waiting for Microsoft to confirm what is being anticipated as a flagship killer for years now, and this may be the year that it will finally be unveiled.

According to the Inquisitr, the confirmation of the arrival of Redstone 3, which follows the Windows 10 Creators Update in April, is a hint that the Surface Phone will arrive as well. There are speculations that the device will be revealed alongside the second update this year, which means a launch may not be too far away from now.

The speculations are based on the fact that the first update this year might also be released together with Surface gadgets, namely the Surface Pro 5 and Surface Book 2. The said devices are said to be sporting the latest update, and this may also be the case with the Surface Phone.

When the rumored mobile is released this year, it may sport the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 with up to 8GB RAM and 512GB storage option. Three variants are rumored to be coming that are targeted toward different markets: Consumer, Business, and Premium. Different RAM and storage offerings are expected for each edition.

A 5.5-inch QHD display might also be on the cards, 1reddrop reported. If true, Microsoft may be planning to release a powerhouse that can efficiently showcase virtual reality, gaming, and intensive apps.

Of course, the Surface Phone will be a Windows Phone through and through. It would not be a surprise to see a feature that will connect it seamlessly to other Surface devices, much like the iOS. Seeing as the Surface tablets and laptops are going head to head with Apple's, Microsoft's rumored device might also compete directly with the upcoming iPhone 7s/iPhone 8.