Microsoft Corporation Rumored Lumia X Smartphone: The Long-Awaited Savior?

When Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) launched the Lumia 950 and 950 XL in October last year, many expected the smartphones to take the market by storm. Three months down the road, however, the phones still haven't made strides in the industry, mostly due to the iPhone's dominance. In what appears to be a move to turn things around, Microsoft is rumored to introduce a new Surface phone codenamed "Lumia X."

Rumors about a new Microsoft Surface Phone have been doing the rounds for some time now, but most lacked any concrete sources — until now. It all started when Microsoft China accidently posted a video showcasing the new Windows 10 Mobile flagships using Continuum, a feature that allows you to use your smartphone as a PC via a Display Dock. The video didn't exactly expand on a new Lumia device, but contained a description that read that the feature will be supported by not only Lumia 950/950XL and Acer's Jade Primo, but also a certain Lumia X.

Although Microsoft quickly edited the description in the video, the damage was already done; the leak fueled speculations about the new smartphone. We can't say whether the device will launch as Lumia X or Surface Phone, but we think a Surface device makes more sense. Here, we discuss why, and also whether the company should go ahead with it at all.

Why Should a Lumia X be Introduced?

Ever since Microsoft decided to step into the smartphone market, we have seen the sole Lumia series of smartphones, which cater to not only the premium but also the lower-end segments of the market. The smartphones, however, have not fared very well — at least not as well as the company expected. The latest Lumia flagship devices didn't make it big either.

As the company remains upbeat about its smartphone business, its only chance to remain successful in the near future is to introduce something new and much more powerful. If rumors are to be believed, the alleged smartphone will sport a 4GB RAM and will be powered by an Intel Atom processor — certainly on par with, if not better than, the existing flagship devices.

The name Lumia X itself carries the image of a flagship device capable of taking the top spot in Microsoft's smartphone lineup. If the company wants to succeed in the Herculean task of luring users to switch to Windows Phone, it would have to introduce a device that gives users the power of a PC in their palms. Apple and Google have still not come up with anything of the sort; can Microsoft be the pioneer?

Will the Lumia X Survive?

The Lumia X is tipped to run on the latest Windows 10 Mobile OS, to be launched next month. However, if the device runs on the same Windows 10 Mobile found on the Lumia 950, users shouldn't get their hopes high. The phone would very likely disappear soon.

The iPad Pro runs on a more powerful operating system than other iPads, which makes it far more superior and productive. If Microsoft employs a similar strategy for the alleged Lumia X smartphone, it can carve out a concrete place for it in the market.

While we have seen the company's history with Windows RT versions, we hope that the one powering the upcoming high-end Windows Phone complements its hardware. It may actually go a long way in ensuring the company garners some success in the smartphone industry. Let's wait and see if the rumored smartphone comes laden with features that can ensure its success, amid cut-throat competition in the smartphone industry.

Source: Microsoft Corporation Rumored Lumia X Smartphone: The Long-Awaited Savior?