A lot of tech enthusiasts expected Microsoft to release the rumored Surface Phone this year, but, with only two days left in 2016, that does not seem at all likely. Speculations have since turned to the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona as the potential platform where the Redmond-based company may unveil the hotly anticipated device. However, there has also been talk of the opposite.

Rumors have run rampant over the past few weeks regarding the Surface Phone's possible launch date. There is some belief that the upcoming handheld may debut simultaneously with another Microsoft product — the Surface Pro 5. Both devices were speculated to be showcased at the upcoming MWC in February 2017, but Microsoft has not broken silence on the issue.

However, according to Forbes' Ewan Spence, one could also make the case that the Surface Phone may not be arriving at the MWC. In fact, Microsoft may not debut any smartphone at all at the event and may just offer support to a partner, HP. 

There is apparently reason to believe that HP is releasing a midrange smartphone that will be powered by Microsoft's Windows 10. This nameless device is expected to be unveiled in Barcelona in February, instead of the Surface Phone. However, that does not mean that Microsoft will not present anything at the event. On the contrary, the tech giant is believed to exhibit its upcoming Windows 10 Mobile.

HP released the Elite X3 earlier this year — a device that managed to earn positive reviews from critics. Much like HP's upcoming smartphone, the Elite X3 runs on Windows 10.

As for the Surface Phone's rumored specifications, it will reportedly sport a 5.5-inch Quad HD screen and will run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835. In terms of memory, there has been talk of 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM. Needless to say, the smartphone will be powered by Windows 10 Mobile, and some believe that it will be the latest Redstone 3.

However, since these rumors have not been confirmed, readers are advised to take this news with a grain of salt.