Microsoft Surface Pro 5 release date, latest news: Microsoft chooses Qualcomm chipset over Intel for upcoming Surface lineup?

After several hits and misses, Microsoft finally unleashed a tech innovation that effectively tickled consumers' fancy with their Surface product line. And because it has been a year since its flagship Tablet device, Surface Pro 4, was released, many are expectant that Microsoft will be unveiling the Surface Pro 5 next year.

Speculations about the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 has been very promising so far. Numerous rumors suggest that the Microsoft gadget will be featuring robust specs that its competitors won't be able to contend against.

As reported by Inquisitr, one persistent rumor is that the Surface Pro 5 would be released in two variants, one will be the top-tier Pro version while the other will be the entry-level non-Pro gadget. There are also speculations which suggest that the Surface Pen, one of the selling-points of the hybrid Microsoft device, will be rechargeable, similar to the Apple Pencil in Apple's iPad Pro.

Furthermore, there are also rumors that the 2-in-1 tablet will be powered by Intel's Kaby Lake processors, with around 16 GB of RAM and a 2K screen at the very least. However, a recent report from PC Advisor indicates the possibility that Surface 5 model will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 635 processor instead of an Intel chipset.

This speculation is further supported by the recently reported announcement by Microsoft at the WinHEC event in Shenzhen, China this December that it has forged a partnership with Qualcomm. Their partnership will be focused on adapting the Windows 10 desktop experience to smartphones. Microsoft has even shared a video on Twitter demonstrating Windows 10 running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.

While the Surface Pro 5 will have a lesser computer power with the ARM-based processor compared to Intel's Kaby Lake processors, the awaited 2-in-1 table will be equipped with a longer battery life and possibly even LTE connectivity.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is expected to be released sometime in spring 2017.