The Surface Duo Android device is now official

Aug 12, 2020 08:31 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft has just announced the Surface Duo dual-screen device, with sales to begin next month, earlier than the original holiday 2020 target.

The Surface Duo is a dual-screen device that marks Microsoft’s debut in the Android mobile hardware market. The new product runs Android 10 but will receive the upgrade to Android 11 in the coming months.

The Duo is very likely to be just the first of Microsoft’s new mobile devices, with the company possibly already working on the next-generation model.

“Surface Duo represents the next wave of mobile productivity, inspiring people to rethink what is possible with the device in their pocket,” Microsoft says.

The company explains that while consumers can buy it too, the Surface Duo is ready for the enterprise, coming with security that’s been improved specifically for this market.

“Surface Duo has protection built in at every layer with deeply integrated hardware, firmware, and software to keep your devices, identities, and data secure. Part of what makes this happen is that we built in our custom engineered Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) which enables full control over firmware components. Microsoft delivers Enterprise-grade security to Surface Duo by writing or reviewing every line of firmware code in house, enabling Microsoft to respond directly and agilely, to potential firmware threats and to mitigate supply chain security risks,” Microsoft says.

The Surface Duo comes with Microsoft Launcher pre-loaded and with a series of Microsoft apps pre-installed, including the Office productivity suite.

Technical specifications

First and foremost, Microsoft Surface Duo uses two different 5.6-inch AMOLED screens, each with an 1800x1350 px resolution. When used together, the two screens generate an 8.1-inch display (interrupted by the hinge) with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 2700x1800 px resolution.

Unfortunately, the Surface Duo is indeed powered by a previous-generation processor, as it runs on a Snapdragon 855 chip paired with 6GB RAM. There are two storage options, namely 128GB and 256GB.

As far as the camera is concerned, there’s a chance that you won’t be impressed here, at least not comparing the Duo with the latest-generation iPhones or Samsung flagships. There’s an 11-megapixel sensor with f/2.0, and Microsoft also promises 4K 60fps video with several modes, including a portrait setting.

The device features a 3,577 mAh battery and comes with 18W fast charging. Wireless charging doesn’t seem to be available.  

  • Display: 2 x 5.6-inch AMOLED 1800x1350 px resolution; combined: 8.1-inch, 3:2 aspect ratio
  • CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
  • RAM: 6GB
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB
  • Camera: 11 MP, f/2.0, portrait mode
  • Battery: 3,577 mAh, 18W fast charging
  • Weight: 250 grams

Microsoft says the Surface Duo is the thinnest mobile device on the market.

“Surface Duo opens into the thinnest mobile device on the market with an 8.1" PixelSense Fusion display connected by a revolutionary 360-degree hinge, allowing you to use each 5.6" display individually or together, across a variety of modes.”

Pricing

Microsoft Surface Duo starts at $1,399 for the base version, which includes 128GB storage. No specifics have been offered on the upgraded models but expect to add at least $100 for the storage upgrade.

Extras would include cases and other accessories – a Surface Pen seems to be offered with the Duo.

Availability

Microsoft Surface Duo is available for pre-order today from Microsoft’s online store, and it is projected to ship on September 10.

The device will also be sold by a series of other Microsoft partners, including Best Buy, and AT&T will also offer a locked version exclusively available in its network. No 5G version of the Surface Duo is offered.