The Surface Duo is now official! Microsoft has unveiled everything you need to know about its first dual-screen Android smartphone, including specs, price, and release date. It's coming September 10 for $1,400, and features a Snapdragon 855, 6GB RAM, and 128GB and 256GB storage configurations. Here's the full specs list:
Surface Duo specs
| Category | Surface Duo |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10 |
| Display | Single: 5.6 inch (1800x1350), 401 ppi, 4:3 aspect ratio Opened: 8.1 inch (2700x1800), 401 ppi, 3:2 aspect ratio Type: AMOLED Wide color gamut: 100% SRGB and 100% DCI-P3 Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 |
| Network | WiFi-5 802.11ac (2.4/5GHz) Bluetooth 5.0 LTE: 4x4 MIMO, Cat.18 DL / Cat 5 UL |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM (no eSIM on AT&T model) |
| Network Bands | FDD-LTE: 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,13,14,19 20,25,26,28,29,30,66 TD-LTE: 38,39,40,41,46 WCDMA: 1,2,5,8 GSM/GPRS: GSM-850, E-GSM-900, DCS-1800, PCS-1900 |
| Memory | 6GB RAM |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.0 |
| Expandable Storage | None |
| Camera | 11MP, ƒ/2.0 1.0um, PDAF, 84.0° diagonal FOV Optimized with AI for front and rear |
| Audio | Mono speaker Dual mic with noise suppression and echo cancellation Qualcomm aptX Adaptive |
| Security | Fingerprint |
| Ports | 1x USB-C 3.1 |
| Battery | 3,577mAh Up to 15.5 hours of Local Video Playback Up to 10 days of Standby Time Up to 27 hours of Talk Time Fast Charging using 18W in-box power supply |
| Pen | Surface Pen (not included) |
| Dimensions | Open: 145.2mm (H) x 186.9mm (W) x 4.8mm (T) Closed: 145.2mm (H) x 93.3mm (W) x 9.9mm (T at hinge) |
| Weight | 250 grams |
Snapdragon 855 vs Snapdragon 865
I'm sure many of you are wondering why Microsoft isn't using the latest Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm inside the Surface Duo, and the reason seems to be rooted in the fact that Qualcomm requires all smartphone makers to include a separate 5G chip with the Snapdragon 865. Surface Duo's internal design was finalized way before that requirement was known about, and therefore doesn't have room for the additional 5G chip that's required when using the Snapdragon 865.
If Microsoft were to use the Snapdragon 865 inside the Surface Duo, it would have to significantly redesign the hardware inside and out to accomodate the required chip, throwing out most of the work that Microsoft has put into Surface Duo V1. Critics have touted the Snapdragon 865 as a step backwards in smartphone design for this very reason, as it also uses more battery and increases the price of smartphones. This should change when Qualcomm builds a 5G modem into the System on a Chip (SoC.)
Either way, the use of last year's flagship processor shouldn't degrade the experience in any way. The Snapdragon 855 is still an excellent chip with great performance and efficiency.
It's important to remember that Surface Duo isn't about raw specs; it's about form factor. Most of the innovation coming out of Surface Duo is in the 360-degree hinge and dual-display setup. That said, for $1399, there's a lot of old tech in here that many people won't be able to justify.
If you are able to justify it, make sure you kit out your new Surface Duo with some accessories. Need some inspiration? Check out our best Surface Duo accessories roundup.
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