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Microsoft Surface Duo 2 revealed with plenty of changes from the original model

The Surface Duo 2 is better than its predecessor, but it is incredibly expensive. (Image source: Microsoft)
The Surface Duo 2 is better than its predecessor, but it is incredibly expensive. (Image source: Microsoft)
The rumours were true, Microsoft has overhauled the Surface Duo with numerous changes for the second-generation model. The Snapdragon 888-backed device is about as expensive as a Galaxy Z Fold3, though.
Android Foldable Smartphone

The Surface Laptop Studio may be catching the headlines, but the Surface Duo 2 could excite Android fans. On the face of it, the Surface Duo 2 makes amends for almost all of the Surface Duo's shortcomings, as Samsung did with the Galaxy Z Fold2.

Specifically, the Surface Duo 2 has a Snapdragon 888 SoC, an NFC chip and a larger display. According to Microsoft, the second-generation Surface Duo has a 0.2-inch larger display than its predecessor that supports 90 Hz. Large bezels remain, though.

Additionally, the Surface Duo 2 has three rear-facing cameras, a huge upgrade on the original Surface Duo. The new model even has a secondary display of sorts that allows you to view some notifications without opening your device. The outer display is actually the two displays peaking through the hinge.

The Surface Duo 2 has an outer display of sorts. (Image source: Microsoft)
The Surface Duo 2 has an outer display of sorts. (Image source: Microsoft)

We have outlined the Surface Duo 2's specifications in the table below. Supposedly, the device's 4,449 mAh battery should last a full day on a single charge, which is much larger than the 3,577 mAh battery inside the original Surface Duo.

The Surface Duo 2 is only available with 8 GB of RAM and in Obsidian and Glacier. However, Microsoft offers its latest foldable in 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB storage variants, starting at US$1,499.99. Currently, only the 256 GB edition is available to pre-order, which will begin shipping on October 21.

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Microsoft Surface Duo 2
Dimensions & weight 145.2 x 184.5 x 5.5 mm (open)
145.2 x 92.1 x 11 mm (closed)
284 grams
Software Android 11
Display Dual PixelSense Fusion display
2x 5.8-inch AMOLED - 1,344 x 1,892 pixels (8.3-inches - 2,688 x 1,892 pixels)
90 Hz refresh rate, 800 nits
Gorilla Glass Victus
HDR, 100% sRGB, DCI-P3
Chipset Snapdragon 888 5G
RAM 8 GB LPDDR5
Storage 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
Front camera 12 MP, f/2.0, 24 mm, 1.0 um
Rear-facing cameras Main camera: 12 MP, f/1.7, 27 mm, 1.4 um, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
Telephoto: 12 MP, f/2.4, 51 mm, 1.0 um, PDAF, OIS, 2x zoom
Ultra wide angle: 16 MP, f/2.2, 13 mm, 1.0 um, 110 degree FoV, distortion correction
Camera Features Automode with lowlight and HDR capture, night mode, smooth zoom up to 10x digital, portrait mode, panorama, 4K to 60 fps, 1080p to 60 fps, slow motion up to 240 fps
Audio Stereo speakers, aptx and aptx HD
Other Fingerprint sensor, support for Surface Pen, Surface Slim Pen, Surface Hub 2 Pen
Connectivity USB-C 3.2 Gen2, eSIM and Nano-SIM, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, 5G, LTE

Source(s)

Microsoft

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2021 09 > Microsoft Surface Duo 2 revealed with plenty of changes from the original model
Alex Alderson, 2021-09-22 (Update: 2021-09-23)