Microsoft’s Surface Duo made quite the splash in its initial outing. The smartphone rethought the notion of foldable devices with a more productivity centred approach. This year, Microsoft is doubling down on their approach with the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 which bumps the specs and functionality of the smartphone.
The Surface Duo 2 comes with the Snapdragon 888 paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. Microsoft has also increased the size of the screens on the Duo 2 to 5.8 inches with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Both screens individually have a resolution of 1892×1344 pixels. When viewed side to side, it has an 8.3-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and resolution of 2688×1892 pixels.
The cameras on the Surface Duo 2 have also been updated. The foldable now comes with a triple camera array for its main camera setup. The array is made of a 12-megapixel wide sensor with an f/1.7 aperture, a 12-megapixel telephoto sensor with an f/2.4 aperture and a 16-megapixel ultra-wide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. This is a big upgrade from the single sensor that was on the Surface Duo. On the front, the Duo 2 still sports a single 12-megapixel sensor with an f/2.0 sensor.
Aside from that, the Surface Duo 2 remains one of the thinnest smartphones in the market. It comes in at 11mm thick when closed and 5.5mm when opened. It supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth5.1 and has a fingerprint reader. It’s powered by a 4,449mAh battery with support for fast charging.
It’s Not Just About Hardware
Microsoft leaned into innovating technology which made an impact. With the Surface Duo 2, they are staying true. The focus isn’t just on the hardware, Microsoft has been working on the software of the Duo. They have optimised their version of Android 11 for the Duo 2 packing it with features that make sense for the dual-screen setup.
They have created an extended experience that takes advantage of the slight curves of the Surface Duo 2’s screens when closed. With the Glance Bar, you will now be able to tell how many notifications you have when the screen is closed. The same feature can also be used to tell your battery capacity when charging.
Microsoft is also banking on a more seamless experience across its Windows 11 devices and the Surface Duo 2. They have updated the Microsoft launcher with a UI that is both familiar and utilitarian – similar to the one we see on Windows 11. These optimisations also include widgets that share the same approach.
Aside from this, the Surface Duo 2 comes with a lift to wake feature. This wakes the screen as soon as you lift it making things feel snappier and quicker. Of course, Microsoft XBOX App with Game Pass also makes an appearance on the Surface Duo 2. In fact, it comes with optimisations that turn one screen of the Duo 2 into a controller. This will allow you to have an uninterrupted gaming experience across the two screens.
Pricing & Availability
The Surface Duo 2 will be available in select countries starting October 21, 2021. It will be retailing at USD$1,499.99 (MYR6,271.80) for the 128GB version, USD$1,599.99 (MYR6,690.38) for the 256GB version and USD$1,799.99 (MYR7,526.69) for the 512GB version. It will be available in two colours: Obsidian and glacier.
Pre-orders are starting today in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany and Japan. Units will start shipping on October 21, 2021.
There is no indication just yet if the Duo 2 will be making its way to other countries after its initial rollout.