Microsoft Surface Duo 2: Release date rumours, specs and what's new
O
Microsoft Surface Duo
last year was an intriguing device. The clamshell earphone was somewhere between a tablet and a folding tablet. unlike the next one
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3,
Microsoft's device doesn't use a single foldable screen, but rather two that sandwich together.
While there was a lot to like about Microsoft's approach to folding phones, the Surface Duo lacked some key areas. The original 2020 Surface Duo exceeded 2019 specs while charging $1,400. This delta price-performance was too much for many reviewers and enthusiasts, leading to their less than stellar ratings.
Nine months after its launch, the phone has received numerous discounts, reaching $410, almost $1,000 less than the original price. Those who bought the Surface Duo are still waiting for the Android 11 update, which which Microsoft has promised but has yet to deliver. Even though Microsoft is releasing Android 11 for the Surface Duo,
The Android 12 beta test
is already underway.
Despite these errors, Microsoft seems to have a continuation of its dual-screen phablet underway.
Surface Duo 2 pictures
land online and according to our sister site
Windows Central
, the device will be released later this year.
Below is everything we know about Microsoft Surface Duo 2 so far.
Microsoft Surface Duo 2: release date
(Image credit: Tech Rat | YouTube)
There is currently no definite release date for Microsoft Surface Duo 2. Thankfully, sleuths at
Windows Center
can confirm a general launch window. There are currently rumors that the device will arrive in September or October this year.
Microsoft Surface Duo 2: Price
(Image credit: Tech Rat | YouTube)
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 has yet to be announced, which means there's no official price for the dual-screen flip phone. We do know that last year's Surface Duo debuted at $1,400.
It's unclear how many $1,400 Surface Duos Microsoft managed to sell, but seven months later the phone
fall
for a more reasonable $699. And, not so long ago, the phone could be found on sale for
as low as $410
, nearly $1,000 off the original retail price.
The one thing we can say with confidence is that it would be foolish for Microsoft to try to charge that much this time around unless the phone offers the specs to back that price up.
Microsoft Surface Duo 2: Design
(Image credit: Tech Rat | YouTube)
Based on images that have leaked online, the Surface Duo 2 appears to be a very similar device to last year's mode. However, there is one glaring exception: camera impact.
According to Windows Central, Microsoft will use a more traditional camera cluster on the Surface Duo 2 this time around. It will feature a standard sensor, an ultra-wide, and a telephoto lens. The original Surface Duo was mediocre at best.
Still, some of the camera compromises made sense. The Surface Duo, when opened, was just 4.8mm thick. intentionally wanted the camera system to be level, as it allowed the phone to rotate 360 degrees.
The extra camera boost will make full 360 degree flexion impossible, eliminating one of the Surface Duo's main party tricks.
Other than that, it looks like the fingerprint reader will also be moved and will be integrated into the power switch. It is uncertain whether Surface Duo 2 will retain the chunky bezels of the original.
As for the colors, it looks like Microsoft will have a matte black finish alongside the white. Windows Central also thinks the device will have frosted glass on the outside.
Microsoft Surface Duo 2: Specifications
(Image credit: Tech Rat | YouTube)
We don't have a full list of specs yet, but Windows Central can confirm that this year's Surface Duo 2 will have hardware compatible with Samsung's latest flagships. This includes a Snapdragon 888 processor, 5G support, and NFC communication for wireless payments. USB Type-C is also moved to the right side of the device
Unfortunately, not much else is known. We do know that the camera system on Microsoft Surface Duo 2 will feature a standard sensor, as well as a telephoto and an ultra-wide.
Like last year's phone, we expect the Surface Duo 2 to have at least a 2700 x 1800 display, 6GB of RAM, and two 3,577mAh batteries. Hopefully the RAM will be upgraded as multitasking may sometimes fail on the original device.
Microsoft Surface Duo 2: Outlook
In a world of flat glass slabs, Microsoft's Surface Duo offered a nice change of pace. It brought with it a lot of great ideas, even if the execution wasn't great. Our review unit found a few bugs and software support from Microsoft has been poor.
Still, the concept of a phone that puts multitasking first is a great idea. And splitting the device into two screens was like having a dual-monitor setup.
Unfortunately for Microsoft, all eyes are set on Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3. Rumors indicate that Samsung is dropping the price to between $1,660 and $1,750. Although pricey, this is Samsung's third attempt at the concept , and many bugs will have been fixed. For those looking to spend over $1300 on a device, they will want the best bang for their buck.
If Microsoft wants the Surface Duo 2 to succeed, especially when competition from folding heats up, it doesn't need to push.