Achim Maier
To say that Microsoft misjudged the market with its Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 foldable smartphones would definitely be an understatement. Just as devices with foldable screens were beginning to assert themselves, Microsoft took a completely different approach and preferred to install two flat displays. And while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4 and Oppo Find N2 are setting sales records, Surface Duo devices are almost never seen in the wild. According to “sources familiar with the company’s plans”, that should change with the Microsoft Surface Duo 3.
Microsoft Surface Duo 2
The Surface Duo 3 will use a foldable main display and a flat outer screen. The form factor is similar to the vivo X Fold and the Honor Magic Vs. Microsoft’s foldable has reportedly already had “a long year of hardware prototyping and experimentation”, so we can’t wait to see the result. Originally, Microsoft wanted to launch the Surface Duo 3 late last year and keep the dual-screen design. Narrower edge-to-edge displays, wireless charging, and other undisclosed improvements would only have resulted in minor upgrades, though.
In fact, the design process for the device was already complete when Microsoft decided to go for a true foldable display for unknown reasons. This meant that the release plan for the end of 2022 was no longer valid and there is no new date for the Surface Duo 3 yet. Nothing is known about the technical data either.
Surface Duo 3 without 360 degree hinge
The last reports had brought a 360 degree hinge into play for the Surface Duo 3. The sources of today’s leak, on the other hand, assume a 180-degree hinge, like most other foldable phones. However, Microsoft wants to use software to make its future Android models stand out more from the competition. Accordingly, the Redmond company is planning an “ecosystem experience” with strong integration between Android devices and Windows PCs. Something similar is known from Apple and its interfaces between iPhones and MacBooks.
In addition, the company wants to offer more Android smartphones and not just the Surface Duo. Microsoft already tests various form factors including traditional bar phones.
