After copious amounts of leaks, Microsoft finally launched the successor to the Surface Duo, the Surface Duo 2. The device was featured at the Microsoft Surface Event and is powered by Android. Likewise, the refresh brings about various improvements in the display, processor, and camera department over its predecessor.
Considering how the initial Surface Duo failed miserably, this might be Microsoft’s chance to get back on track. The new dual-screen smartphone features two 90Hz displays, a brand new camera setup, and now comes with 5G. Here’s an overview of the newly-launched Surface Duo 2.
Surface Duo 2 price and specifications
The Surface Duo 2 received various hardware changes this year, and Microsoft flaunted them with full glory. We already knew of the Duo 2’s existence, thanks to more and more leaks. Above all, here are the Surface Duo 2 specifications.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 SoC with 5G support
- 8.3-inch 90Hz dual curved display with Corning’s high-durability glass
- First of its kind Glance Bar to display notifications and device status
- Triple camera setup with OIS and fast autofocus consisting of:
- 12MP f/1.7 wide angle lens
- 16MP f/2.2 ultrawide angle lens
- 12MP f/2.4 Telephoto lens
- New software features in the Camera app, Microsoft Launcher, and games to make use of the dual-screen display
- Fingerprint sensor on the power button
- NFC support
- Pen cover, and wireless charging
The new Surface Duo 2 is surely a major step-up over its predecessor. Microsoft claims that the Duo 2 is the world’s thinnest dual-screen phone that features a PixelSense Fusion 90Hz display. Further, one of the new additions to the Duo 2 is the Glance Bar, it basically is a tiny screen that spans across the length of the Duo 2 when you have it folded. In the same vein, the Glance Bar displays the notifications, device status, and battery level when the Duo 2’s screens are folded.
Dual Screen Features The Glance Bar
The Duo 2 is made for productivity, and Microsoft is making efforts to exaggerate everything you can do with the real estate of two screens. More and more apps will be getting dual-screen support, such as Outlook and Teams which Microsoft showcased in the event itself.
Considering a foldable device, especially a second-generation one from Microsoft, the hinge should be concerning. Apparently, Microsoft has redesigned the hinge to be “the most durable and toughest hinge ever” in the foldable department. Also, the Duo 2 supports seamless integration with any Windows 11 PC via the Your Phone app.
Pricing and availability
The Surface Duo 2 comes in two color variants – Glacier and Obsidian. Hence, you can pre-order the new Duo 2 starting at $1499.99 in select markets from today.
Consequently, the entire surface event brought about several product launches. Make sure to check our entire coverage of the event.
