Microsoft unveiled today the Surface Duo 2 during its much-anticipated Surface event ahead of the launch of Windows 11 next month. The Surface Duo 2 is Microsoft’s second attempt at creating an innovative Android-based dual-screen device, and it seems to address most of the issues early adopters have been complaining about, including the Surface Duo’s lackluster front-facing camera.
Many Surface fans expected Microsoft to add more features and provide a better software experience with the Surface Duo 2, and the new device looks really promising on paper. Microsoft hopes to entice more users with an updated design and better camera capabilities, as well as top-of-the-line specs. Indeed, the Surface Duo 2 features a Snapdragon 888 SoC with a 5G modem, 8GB RAM, larger dual 8.3″ PixelSense displays, a triple camera system on the back, and NFC support for contactless payments.
Surface Duo 2 technical specifications
- Operating System: Android 11
- Display: Dual 8.3″ PixelSense displays with 90Hz refresh rate
- SoC: Snapdragon 888
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB
- Rear Camera: Wide (12MP), Telephoto (12MP), Ultrawide (16MP)
- Front Camera: 12MP
- Security: Fingerprint Reader
- Connectivity: 5G, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC
- Ports: 1 x USB-C
- Audio: Stereo Speakers
- Battery: 4,400mAh (approximate)
- Colors: Glacier (white), Obsidian (black)
If Microsoft didn’t drastically change the design of the Surface Duo 2, the new triple camera system on the back creates a noticeable bump, though this is a common trait on most premium smartphones these days. The Duo 2 also adds a fingerprint sensor that’s integrated into the power button, and Microsoft has also made the hinge more useful by making notifications and time visible from the edge of one of the screens, and this feature is called the “Glance Bar.”
Microsoft will offer the Surface Duo 2 in two colors, Glacier white and a new and sleek Obsidian black. Surface Duo 2 pricing starts at $1,499 for 128 GB storage and $1,599 for 256 GB storage, and you can pre-order it today ahead of its October 21 release date in the US.
The new Surface Duo 2 announcement joins a number of other Microsoft devices getting a Fall 2021 refresh, including the Surface Go 3, Surface Pro 8, Surface Pro X, and the new Surface Laptop Studio, and we invite you to check out our dedicated hub for more details.
