Get to Know the Microsoft Surface Duo & Neo

The flip phone once dominated the mobile market but fell out of favor once the iPhone came on the scene. Now, however, folding devices are about to make their long-awaited return. These futuristic gadgets look little like the classic flip phone of the 2000s, but they promise to deliver a variety of advanced features that rival those included on some of today's hottest devices, along with folding functionality to make them uniquely convenient.

Microsoft is betting on a surge in popularity for foldable devices. The tech giant unveiled its plans for the Microsoft Surface Duo and the Microsoft Surface Neo in 2019 — nearly ten years after initial reports revealed that plans for foldable options were in the works. All signs suggest that these devices will have been worth the wait.

Early feedback on the Microsoft Surface Duo phone suggests that it is lightweight and highly practical. Some fans of the device claim that using it feels a lot like reading an extremely high-tech book. This appeals to those who have never particularly loved the feeling of holding the brick-like smartphones that have long dominated the market.

The dual-screen concept has a lot to offer, but some consumers are skeptical. Is it really possible to deliver full smartphone functionality on a device that folds open and closed? Those who are willing to take a leap of faith could be rewarded with revolutionary gadgets that completely change how we think of mobile devices.

Before you decide whether to invest in a dual-screen device, it helps to know what to expect and whether this cutting-edge tech is worth the price. Keep reading to get the scoop on the Microsoft Surface Duo release date and Microsoft Duo specs, as well as anticipated features for the upcoming Microsoft Surface Neo.

Exciting Features to Expect

A variety of unique features set the Microsoft Surface Duo and Neo apart. The multiple screens and foldable functionality stand out, of course, but they represent only the beginning. Microsoft's attention to detail should immediately be evident with these devices, which are clearly designed with the intention of helping users be as productive as possible.

Duo

Chock full of fun features, the Surface Duo offers plenty to keep users entertained and when needed, working productively. To that end, the device includes the following noteworthy elements:

• AI-optimized camera with a variety of image quality tuning modes that adapt according to posture.
• Gyro-based digital stabilization for optimizing 4K video recording.
• USB-C® power supply to support fast charging. Some users may be disappointed to find that the device lacks a headphone jack.
• A fingerprint reader designed to provide greater security when locking and unlocking the device.
• The Surface Slim Pen, which makes it easy to take notes or doodle on the screen.
• An adaptive keyboard that is optimized for intuitive use when the device is set to multiple modes.

Neo

Top features on the Neo largely resemble those offered for the Duo, with the foldable design, in particular, echoing the smaller version of the dual-screen phenomenon. When folded, the Neo looks a lot like a Chromebook or other small laptop. Once opened, however, a second screen rests where a keyboard might be situated on a conventional laptop.

• Keyboard Accessory - Those who prefer to type on typical keyboards can clip a special accessory on to the Neo. When not being used, this keyboard can be attached to the back of the device for simple storage. This transforms the Neo into a unique blend of tablet and laptop that, in addition to providing an exceptional level of convenience, is designed to enable unmatched productivity.
• Wonder Bar - The Neo incorporates a useful Wonder Bar strip, which is utilized when the device functions as a laptop. When a keyboard is attached to the lower portion of the Neo, the Wonder Bar retains a significant expanse of screen space, which can be called upon to display videos and a variety of graphics. The Wonder Bar also comes into play when an on-screen keyboard is used in lieu of the available attachment.
• 360-degree Hinge - Like the Duo, the Neo includes a 360-degree hinge that allows it to rest flat. This hides within a metal seam that is perfectly polished, and, more importantly, situated in a way that makes it possible to drag and drop between screens.

Price and Release Date

The Microsoft Surface Duo price may keep some people out of the dual-screen market for the time being, as the device retails for $1,399. Given the revolutionary nature of this technology, however, this price shouldn't be regarded as exorbitant. After all, many prominent smartphones without folding functionality already cost over $1,000.

The expected price point for the Neo remains a matter of debate, but it likely will cost more than the average tablet or Chromebook.

Those willing to pay for the convenience of a folding smartphone or tablet are at the edge of their seats, waiting for these exciting devices to hit the market. Depending on the preference for a smartphone or tablet, however, that wait might last a little longer.

While both of Microsoft's dual-screen devices were originally expected to become available during the 2020 holiday season, only the Duo has met that deadline. Pre-orders began in August, 2020, with retail sales launching a month later.

The Neo's release date has been under speculation for some time, with reports in April, 2020 suggesting that Microsoft would not launch any Windows 10X powered devices at all in 2020. Windows Latest executive editor Mayank Parmar believes that the first preview of Windows 10X will arrive in the second quarter of 2021.

Unfortunately, foldable devices such as the Surface Neo may not be available until the second half of 2022, as Microsoft hopes to perfect the Windows 10X operating system on single-screen devices before moving forward with dual-screen.

This wait may be frustrating for those who were excited to begin using a dual-screen tablet as soon as possible, but it's worthwhile if it means that the operating system will run glitch-free when it's finally released. Until then, the Surface Duo phone should provide plenty to keep tech enthusiasts happy.

Specs

Depending on consumer preferences, the Duo and Neo's specs could either impress or disappoint. The devices aren't necessarily meant to be the fastest or contain the most storage, but they certainly excel in other areas.

The specs outlined below underscore the importance of sizing for these devices, with the quest for a thin build sometimes pursued to the detriment of other qualities. Still, given the cutting-edge use of dual screens, these devices exceed all expectations.

Duo

The Microsoft Surface Duo knows it cannot compete with Apple's iPhone or Samsung's Galaxy line of smartphones. These two companies have a stranglehold on the industry and are unlikely to give up market share in the near future.

With the Duo, Microsoft hopes to give consumers an entirely new way to use a smartphone —one that will appeal to users looking for an innovative experience as well as those with unique needs that may be more inclined to make use of the dual-screen setup. Given these unique parameters, the Surface Duo's specifications are custom-tailored for what it's trying to accomplish. Remember, this is not simply the next generation of a well-worn cell phone brand with a bigger screen and a better camera.

Size

Prior to its release, some skeptics expressed concern that a dual-screen smartphone would be, by nature, inconvenient due to the very folding design that is supposedly meant to improve portability.

In reality, however, the Duo is just 9.9 millimeters thick when closed — and a mere 4.8 millimeters while open. What's more, the phone weighs just 8.8 ounces, or 250 grams. These measurements make it easy to stow the device in pockets and other small spaces. This is particularly remarkable given the phone's inclusion of not only two screens, but also, two batteries.

Processor

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor inside the Surface Duo isn't likely to attract much attention. After all, this older processor was launched in March 2019. However, it's still a rock-solid chip that powers some of the best Android phones on the market. It should have no problem keeping the Surface Duo feeling fresh and fast for years to come.

Storage and Memory

Both 128GB and 256GB versions of the Surface Duo are available. These options should be kept in mind, as the device does not offer expandable storage. The Duo also comes standard with 6GB of RAM — a decent amount but somewhat lacking when compared to the Galaxy S20.

Neo

Microsoft's next ambitious move involves pairing the functionality of a laptop with the portability and ease-of-use of a tablet — and do it all with a new version of Windows called Windows 10X. The Microsoft Surface Neo will be the first device to attempt such a feat. It's looking to be one of the most anticipated tech items in recent memory.

Size

At just 5.6 millimeters, the Neo is, as Microsoft claims, the thinnest LCD ever created. It also weighs in at significantly less than a typical laptop: just 655 grams to tote around. As with the Duo, the diminutive size of the Neo is especially impressive given all that it's capable of accomplishing.

Processor

Intel's Lakefield chip has been tapped to power the next Surface Neo, with Intel shooting for laptop-level performance out of a CPU that can fit inside a tablet. The innovative design of the Lakefield chip promises a huge leap in performance all while situated in a chipset small enough to fit in foldable devices with ease.

Storage and Memory

While the exact amount of RAM and storage for the Surface Neo has not been confirmed, it's a pretty good guess that 128GB and 256GB versions of the tablet will be available. Comparable tablets typically clock in with 16GB of RAM — and the Surface Neo should be no exception.

Display

The dual screens on the Duo and Neo will transform how people interact with their mobile devices. With such a major step forward, some might expect the quality of each individual screen to diminish — or for a diminished experience to take over. In reality, however, both devices offer seamless functionality, in which both screens work together as needed to provide crystal-clear visuals.

As mentioned previously, 360-degree hinges ensure that the Duo and Neo are able to lie flat, thereby improving the general quality of the display.

When fully open, the Surface Duo phone spans 8.1 inches, providing more than enough space for using favorite apps. Alone, each OLED screen spans 5.6 inches. Operating the device with one hand can be a chore, but users have experienced this with most modern phones as sizes expand with each new release.

The Neo offers a considerable step up in terms of screen size, with each half covering a full nine inches. Once it's fully expanded, the conjoined screen extends 13.1 inches.

The Corning Gorilla Glass used in these displays may be thin and light, but it is also notoriously resistant to damage. Durability is a chief concern among skeptics, who will be pleased to see that the Duo and Neo are built to last.

Show Off Your Microsoft Surface Duo Phone with MightySkins

As you await the release of the Surface Neo, feel free to show off your Duo while giving it the protection it needs. Trendy skins and wraps allow you to customize the phone’s design and enhance its already impressive aesthetic.