When Microsoft released the Surface Duo three years ago on this date, it looked like the beginning of a successful new smartphone line for Microsoft. The dual-screen phone had some flaws to be sure, including the use of a dated chipset and a single camera that did double work as a rear camera and a front-facing selfie snapper. It also did not support 5G but did come with a $1,399 price tag. The phone had two 5.6-inch screens that together created an 8.1-inch display when the device was fully opened.
Software support schedule for Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2. Image credit Windows Central
The Surface Duo 2, which was released about a year after the OG model, launched with Android 11, and its three years of support will come to an end on October 21, 2024. So far, the Surface Duo 2 has received one major Android update (to Android 12L) which took place last October at the same time that the first-generation model was updated to the same build. The sequel needs one more update to match the number received by the OG Surface Duo.
The Surface Duo 2 had slightly larger dual 5.8-inch AMOLED screens which became an 8.3-inch panel when both were open. It launched with a current high-end chipset (the Snapdragon 888) and a triple camera array on the back (12MP primary camera, 12MP telephoto camera, and 16MP ultra-wide camera). There is also a 12MP front-facing camera on one of the screens, and the phone had 5G support.
