Microsoft Surface Duo hands-on preview — here's what we think so far

Microsoft Surface Duo hands-on preview — here'due south what we recall so far

(Paradigm credit: Tom'south Guide)

Microsoft's dual-screen Surface Duo is about hither. Although the device doesn't continue sale until September x, we've been fortunate enough to receive our phone today, and tin share some pictures and video of the device'southward outside as well as the unboxing experience.

The Surface Duo is unlike any phone I've held in recent memory. While it'southward folded upwards, yous accept the temptation to hold the device similar a traditional candybar-style phone, though information technology's not really intended for that. In this configuration information technology's very wide, but not every bit heavy as you might expect.

The best Android phones for work and play
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review
Plus: Forget iPhone SE: Motorola'southward new telephone packs massive bombardment for half the price

Unfold the Surface Duo, with the two 5.6-inch AMOLED panels outstretched before you, and the device takes the course of a pocket-sized tablet, with an impossibly slender frame, connected by a very sturdy hinge. Microsoft says it spent a lot of time and care ensuring the Surface Duo is perfectly balanced on both sides, and it certainly feels that way.

Interestingly, the swivel doesn't click into place when both panels are approaching a flat position. It tin stop at whatsoever betoken, but in that location are no notches in the swivel'south design, which is unusual compared to whatever hinged device I've ever used.

I was too surprised to find how softly the Surface Duo closes. The muffled clap you typically hear when closing up a device like this, when the two slabs of glass meet each other, is most silent on Microsoft's phone. I'thousand non exactly certain how Microsoft was able to accomplish this, equally there doesn't appear to exist whatever safety stopper or cushion present around the perimeter of the chassis.

Overall, the build quality of the Surface Duo feels fantabulous, just as you'd look from a Surface-branded product. The gleaming, gunmetal chrome double-barreled hinge looks especially precipitous, and plays off against the glossy white exterior and soft matte greyness frame very nicely. The side-mounted ability key and volume rocker look and experience great. This is an understated elegance that pays off.

Epitome 1 of 7

Image 2 of seven

Paradigm 3 of vii

Prototype iv of 7

Image 5 of 7

Image 6 of 7

Image 7 of 7

In the box, Microsoft provides a silicone bumper which, only like the Surface Duo itself, is pretty unique. This bumper is divided into two parts, and actually sports an adhesive on the within to stay on the sides of the phone. Yous have to peel the bankroll off the inner part of the bumper earlier y'all slide it on, which I oasis't attempted yet.

As it stands, that'due south about all we tin can share on the Surface Duo thus far. Closer to release, you can await forward to our full review and impressions of the device's software, functioning, battery life, camera quality and so on. Indeed, September 10 tin can't come soon enough.

Adam Ismail is a staff writer at Jalopnik and previously worked on Tom's Guide covering smartphones, auto tech and gaming. His love for all things mobile began with the original Motorola Droid; since so he's owned a variety of Android and iOS-powered handsets, refusing to stay loyal to 1 platform. His work has also appeared on Digital Trends and GTPlanet. When he'southward not fiddling with the latest devices, he'south at an indie popular show, recording a podcast or playing Sega Dreamcast.