Microsoft has finally unveiled their version of a folding phone with a dual-screen display being the standout feature. This will add to the arsenal of Surface devices and extend the range of productivity and application to much greater heights.
The Surface Duo device has baked two 5.6-inch displays very similar to the Samsung Galaxy Fold. The screens individually are 4.8mm thick and about 9.6mm thick when folded. However, it differs for the fold by having two distinct displays instead of one. The screens are calibrated together for color and luminance. It rotates on a 360-degree hinge so that it works as an 8.1-inch tablet with a 3:2 aspect ratio. The displays on their own have a 4:3 aspect ratio. Each display can run two different apps at the same time. You can even use one of the displays as a keyboard or even in-game as a controller. The screens can also be used with a Windows PC as an extended display. They will also support the Surface Pen for further needs.
The Surface Duo uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor. The system has storage capacities of 6 GB of memory and 64/256 GB. Charging and access to the data are via USB-C.it packs a dual-battery granting 3,577mAh which is a bit short compared to the Samsung Galaxy Fold but still should last you a day full of power.
The Surface Duo also has an 11 megapixel f/2.0 lens that supports 4K and Full HD video at 60fps. It features image stabilization (digital not optical) with a 7x zoom and HDR support. However, picture optimization from these isn’t going to be world-class because of its tablet-like limitations.
Surface Duo is seamlessly integrated with android. The Google Play Store is available for all the traditional apps meanwhile, Microsoft owned apps like Office will work seamlessly with the dual-screen layout. Alongside its windows integration, they have also worked with google — YES! There is a google search bar on the top. The device supposedly will also get the quick update to Android 11, and have software support for 3 years. Microsoft has also hinted about working with Android development behind the curtains with a 3rd party called Movial, which should bring the better application of android with the devices
The Surface Duo has currently only available in a “Glacier” variant and is slated at $1,399. Microsoft is trying something new here — the true foldable devices of this form factor, while futuristic, cost near $2,000. Providing a great productivity experience for much less seems to be the strategy here. Although considering smaller true foldables like the Galaxy Z Flip exist at the same price, what would you get? A greater productivity experience or the bleeding edge of experimental technology?
Android Foldable Microsoft Surface SurfaceDuo
Last modified: August 16, 2020
