Microsoft has been pretty upfront about its plans for Windows 10 as a true cross-device platform, and how this will be implemented in the smartphone space. The firm confirmed it will be developing new smartphones running the latest software, as well as offering an update to Windows Phone 8 handsets.

While several devices have been rumoured to be in development inside Microsoft, so far we've seen little information, images, or any other leaks relevant to these phones. Until now, that is. 

A photo has emerged via a Chinese website, which shows what is alleged to be a test prototype of the Microsoft Lumia 950. According to earlier rumours Microsoft was developing a Lumia 940 and Lumia 940 XL, but it's believed that the firm may have adjusted the number to 950 for both devices. As the names suggest, it's thought the XL device will be a bigger phablet version of the 950.

Microsoft is gearing up to release two smartphones before the close of the year, contrary to what we previously thought. Initially, it was reported this handset would be the Microsoft Lumia 950. However, reports are now claiming there will be two handsets which go by the name of the Microsoft Lumia 940 XL and the Microsoft Lumia 940.

A bunch of hardware and specs have been leaked online, and the handsets appear to have A LOT in common with some of the best Android phones currently available, as you can see below:

“The Microsoft Lumia 940 XL is expected to feature a 5.7-inch display with a 1440 x 2560 QHD resolution," reports Phone Arena. "The Snapdragon 810 SoC is under the hood, with an octa-core CPU and the Adreno 430 GPU. 3GB of RAM is inside, with 32GB of expandable storage. A 20MP PureView camera will be on the back with a 5MP front-facing camera handling selfies. An iris scanner is on board, along with a USB Type-C port, and a native pen.”

The device shown is understood to be inside an exterior shell casing and it isn't known whether this is the regular edition or the XL. However, we can still make out the approximate shape of the device - the outer case is highly angular, but slightly transparent, and we can just make out a more rounded corner inside. It's not possible to be certain, but at a quick eyeball of the handset next to that keyboard, we would estimate it may have a 5.5in-5.7in display or thereabouts, leading us to believe it could be the regular Lumia 950.

Earlier rumours indicate the handsets will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 3GB of RAM, and the new USB Type-C port, as well as dual-SIM support and QHD display panels (1440 x 2560 pixels). We've also learned the Lumia 950 is designated with the model number RM-1116.

The latest rumours, as of August 20, suggest a 5.2in QHD display, a hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chip with 3GB of RAM, 32GB of onboard storage and microSD support, a 20MP PureView camera and a 3,000mAh battery pack with wireless charging.

Microsoft Lumia 940 & Lumia 940 XL Release Date

According to reports from August 20, Microsoft may be gearing up to announce the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL during October, alongside other Windows 10 devices, including the Surface 4. The rumour also suggest a wearable dubbed the Band 2 and a "mini" Xbox One!

Things start to get a bit overzealous with suggestions that as well as the flagship model there may be a selection of mid and low-end devices including a Lumia 550, 750 and 850.