The Surface Duo 2 was one of the highlights of Microsoft’s Surface event last week, though the $1,499 price tag should make even the most hardcore Surface fans hesitate. If the Surface Duo 2 hardware seems really solid, Microsoft is still a novice at making Android phones, and the software giant has yet to prove that it has nailed the software part.
If the original Surface Duo shipped with Android 10 and should receive last year’s Android 11 before the end of the year, the Surface Duo 2 will come with Android 11 out of the box. “We are committed to providing three years of OS and security updates,” a Microsoft representative also told Android Authority, matching what the company previously promised for the original Surface Duo.
The Surface Duo 2 will come with a custom version of the Microsoft Launcher that’s optimized for dual-screen use. Microsoft has also optimized several apps including the photo experience to make the camera app span across both screens to view photos and videos.
If you’re interested by the Surface Duo 2, the dual-screen phone is already available for pre-order on the Microsoft Store and it will start shipping in select markets on October 21, 2021. The $1,499 price is definitely a lot to task, though be aware that for a limited time, the Microsoft Store will offer up to $700 when you trade in an eligible device.
