The Microsoft Surface Duo looms as an interesting device to check out, something that could come out later this year. Based on leaks, the upcoming device will have two screens that initially makes it look like a smartphone or phablet. But Microsoft is claiming that the Surface Duo is not a smartphone despite something the fact that it can send text messages and make calls.
Regardless, it remains a device to watch out for. The last time Microsoft ventured into the smartphone segment was back in 2015 with its Windows Phone. That offering did not hit it off well but some see the Microsoft Surface Duo as another attempt to do so.
Specs of the Microsoft Surface Duo made rounds recently. At the top of the list is a device having two 5.6-inch displays boasting of 1800x1350 resolution (401 pixels per inch). There will be a 360-degree hinge between them. It should be noted that these screens are not foldable, meaning flexibility will depend entirely on the hinge. The Surface Duo measures 4.8 mm thin when opened and 9.6 mm thick when closed, GSM Arena reported.
Under the hood, the Microsoft Surface Duo will run on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset. The device will not have support for 5G according to Windows Central. Apparently, making it 5G capable would require a major internal redesign. There is no room inside for adding an X55 G5 modem which is required to be in place for a Snapdragon 865.
Aside from that, the Microsoft Surface Duo will also come armed with 6 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage but not expandable. It will have a singular 11 MP camera, hinting that this is not exactly a design that happy snapping buyers may find useful as far as taking high-resolution photos. It also comes with a fingerprint scanner and a 3,460 mAh battery.
As far as charging, the Microsoft Surface Duo will have no provisions for wireless charging. This means the only way to juice it up is through traditional wall charging. With the small battery, it may be best to always have the charger along. The device will come with Android 10 out of the box and likely be eligible to be upgraded to Android 11 once the latest OS is available. The Surface Duo will also have built-in support for the Surface Pen.
With Microsoft not wanting to call it a phone, it could come close to being classified as a tablet. Its scheduled release is for late this year even if some believe it is ready to go.
