Surface Duo specs: 11MP camera, Snapdragon 855, 6GB RAM and more
Here’s the official specs list for Microsoft’s Android phone.
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TheSurface Duois 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
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 havetouted the Snapdragon 865 as a step backwardsin 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 ourbest Surface Duo accessoriesroundup.
Two screens are better than one.
Microsoft delves into the future of foldables with an ambitious dual-screen device, featuring two ultra-thin 5.6-inch AMOLED displays bound by a 360-degree hinge. This pocketable inking-enabled Android smartphone marks the latest in the Surface lineup, geared for mobile productivity.
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Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch onTwitterandThreads
