14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft’s Surface Duo is now officially available, as the Redmond-based software giant has started shipping the device to customers who pre-ordered it since the August announcement.
Surface Duo is Microsoft’s very first Android device, and it marks the company’s return to the mobile hardware market, albeit it’s a completely different beast as compared to what the software giant has previously launched as part of the Windows Phone ecosystem.
And since Surface Duo is finally up for grabs, here are the three most important things that you need to know.
Android 10 out of the box
Google has recently announced Android 11 for its Pixel series of phones and a bunch of other mobile devices from various brands, but the Surface Duo will come with Android 10 out of the box.
What this means is that Microsoft will actually ship the update to Android 11 at some point in the coming months, but an ETA isn’t available just yet.
The custom Android experience is powered by Microsoft Launcher, so despite running the previous version of Android, you really shouldn’t feel like you’re missing on anything.
Sure, the update to Android 11 will bring a series of extra improvements, but the Surface Duo is already equipped with the essential feature package that you’d otherwise need on Android.
Hardware specs
The technical specs have been overly-discussed, especially because many believe that a device like the Surface Duo should come with latest-generation hardware.
However, the Duo is powered by a 2019 processor, namely the Snapdragon 855 chip, and this is paired with 6GB of RAM. This is more than enough to run Android just flawlessly, and there’s a good chance 99 percent of the users wouldn’t even feel the need for a newer processor.
In addition, the device is available with a choice of two storage options, namely 128GB and 256GB.
There are two separate AMOLED displays, each measuring 5.6-inch, and when used together, they provide users with an 8.1-inch 3:2 panel. This is actually the magic thing about the Surface Duo, as it allows several form factors, including both the standard phone design, but also a large tablet that makes it a joy to watch videos or play a game.
Where to buy
Unfortunately, the Surface Duo is only available in the United States, and rumor has it that Microsoft wants to bring it to international markets at some point in early 2021.
While this is obviously bad news for those not living in the U.S. and planning to get a Surface Duo, Microsoft is using a very cautious approach, as it just wants to determine if the device is worth expanding to more markets or keep the first generation exclusive to Americans.
Microsoft is believed to already be working on a second-generation Duo, and this one could see daylight in late 2021, this time with upgraded specs and latest-generation hardware that would address all the criticism received for this first model.
The device is currently being sold only by the Microsoft Store, Best Buy, and AT&T, so these are the places to go if you want to get the Surface Duo. You can find it both in online stores and in physical locations across the United States.
Pricing for the Surface Duo starts at $1399 for the 128GB storage version, while the configuration with 256GB can be yours for $1,499. Several financing options are also available for buyers in at Best Buy and AT&T, and Microsoft is also accepting a series of trade-ins if you want to give up on your existing phone for a Surface Duo.