Microsoft has announced that its dual-screen Android “phone,” the Surface Duo, is coming out on September 10 and available for preorder starting today for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless networks. While its bookish form factor and second display look like a genuine boon for productivity, the pricing is a little shocking: prospective owners will be paying $1,400 and $1,500 for the 128 GB and 256 GB models, respectively. Obviously, that’s a bit higher than many of the flagship smartphones on the market today, approaching mid-ranged laptop territory.
“Starting at $1399, Surface Duo opens into the thinnest mobile device on the market, connecting two PixelSense Fusion Displays to create one expansive 8.1-inch screen,” wrote Chief Product Officer Panos Panay. “The Dynamic 360-degree hinge allows you to use each screen individually or together, across a variety of modes.”
We’re assuming that the majority of cost is attributed to the dual displays, which, according to the official specifications, are AMOLED panels. The open screens (8.1 inch) provide a 2700 x 1800 (3:2) view, while a single screen (5.6 inch) offers a resolution of 1800 x 1350 (4:3). Other key specs include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 and 3577 mAh battery, which provides up to 27 hours of talk time, 15.5 hours of video playback, and 10 days of standby. It also features a USB-C 3.1 port.
You can check out the end of Microsoft’s new promotional video below to get an idea of how it works as a phone. Does that look comfortable to use?