Surface Duo specs: 11MP camera, Snapdragon 855, 6GB RAM and more

Surface Duo
Surface Duo (Image credit: Windows Central)

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

Surface Duo Press Thin Profile

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)
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CategorySurface Duo
Operating SystemAndroid 10
DisplaySingle: 5.6 inch (1800x1350), 401 ppi, 4:3 aspect ratioOpened: 8.1 inch (2700x1800), 401 ppi, 3:2 aspect ratioType: AMOLEDWide color gamut: 100% SRGB and 100% DCI-P3Corning Gorilla Glass
ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 855
NetworkWiFi-5 802.11ac (2.4/5GHz)Bluetooth 5.0LTE: 4x4 MIMO, Cat.18 DL / Cat 5 UL
SIMNano SIM + eSIM (no eSIM on AT&T model)
Network BandsFDD-LTE: 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,13,14,19 20,25,26,28,29,30,66TD-LTE: 38,39,40,41,46WCDMA: 1,2,5,8GSM/GPRS: GSM-850, E-GSM-900, DCS-1800, PCS-1900
Memory6GB RAM
Storage128GB or 256GB UFS 3.0
Expandable StorageNone
Camera11MP, ƒ/2.0 1.0um, PDAF, 84.0° diagonal FOVOptimized with AI for front and rear
AudioMono speakerDual mic with noise suppression and echo cancellationQualcomm aptX Adaptive
SecurityFingerprint
Ports1x USB-C 3.1
Battery3,577mAhUp to 15.5 hours of Local Video PlaybackUp to 10 days of Standby TimeUp to 27 hours of Talk TimeFast Charging using 18W in-box power supply
PenSurface Pen (not included)
DimensionsOpen: 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)
Weight250 grams

Snapdragon 855 vs Snapdragon 865

Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c

Source: Qualcomm (Image credit: Source: Qualcomm)

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.

Zac Bowden
Senior Editor

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 on Twitter and Threads