Samsung is reportedly readying a new Windows Phone powered device, which has been linked with availability through US operator Verizon Wireless.

According to speculation, the smartphone (which has been referred to as SM-W750V) has a 5-inch full-HD screen and includes LTE connectivity.

Some contrasting reports have suggested a 4.3-inch screen and 1280×720 resolution, although this may indicate that two smartphones are in the works.

Unconfirmed reports earlier this year suggested that Microsoft is paying support fees to all vendors creating Windows Phone products, similar to the arrangement it has in place with Nokia.

And with Microsoft in the process of buying the bulk of the Finnish company’s Devices & Services unit, it will be important to maintain the support of third-party vendors in order to keep the platform positioned as a cross-vendor proposition.

Indeed, it has been suggested that Microsoft is looking to support the development of a device by Sony, bringing the first new hardware maker to the platform for some time.

Outside of Nokia, vendor support for Windows Phone has been lukewarm. Samsung, HTC and Huawei have offered a couple of devices each, but across the board these vendors’ portfolios are dominated by Android.

Interestingly, HTC is not included on the list of companies apparently receiving support payments from Microsoft, perhaps indicating that the troubled device maker has turned its back on Windows Phone completely.

However, there is also an allocation assigned to “others”, which may well include support payments to HTC.

And Microsoft’s PR head, Frank Shaw, disputed the figures, describing them as “complete fiction”, while acknowledging that Microsoft does undertake co-marketing efforts with its partners.