Microsoft Surface Duo spotted in the wild with possible front-facing flash

Surface Duo
Surface Duo (Image credit: Israel Rodriguez)

What you need to know

  • Surface Duo devices are now in more Microsoft employee hands.
  • A prototype has been spotted on public transport.
  • It appears to reveal a new front-facing flash sensor next to the single camera lens.

Microsoft's Surface Duo is coming soon. In fact, I hear it might launch sooner than expected, and that Microsoft is now seeding Surface Duo devices to more employees internally at Microsoft, encouraging them to use and test the product. As a result, we're going to start seeing more people with Surface Duo's out in the wild, and our first device has already been spotted.

The photo appears to showcase what appears to be a new front-facing flash that wasn't there on the original prototype that was shown to the world in October. If it is a flash, this likely confirms that Surface Duo will not have a rear facing camera sensor, and that the single front-facing camera will be all that the Duo sports.

Why I don't care if the Surface Duo's camera is bad

We're yet to receive any details around the Surface Duo's camera sensor, but many are concerned that it won't be good enough in a market where most phones come with two, three, even four camera sensors. It's possible that the single sensor on the Surface Duo will be good enough, but it's unlikely to be up there with the likes of the iPhone or Pixel.

What are your thoughts on the Surface Duo's camera setup? Let us know in the comments.

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