5 things we’re hoping to see in the Microsoft Surface Duo
Source: Windows Central
The Microsoft Surface Duo is arguably one of the more exciting hardware products that Microsoft is launching this year, if only because it’s Microsoft’s first phone device since it killed off Lumia in 2016. It’s also one of the first dual-screen smartphones and is Microsoft’s first Surface to run the Android OS. It’s a whole lot of firsts, but that doesn’t mean it can’t impress right out of the gate. So, here’s five things we’re hoping to see in the Surface Duo when it launches later this year.
Wireless Charging
Source: Microsoft
While it wouldn’t be the end of the world of Surface Duo doesn’t have it, I consider wireless charging to be a given when you pay more than $800 for a phone, which the Surface Duo almost certainly will easily exceed. The Duo is glass on the front and back, so it can be done with its current design. Microsoft hasn’t confirmed if the Surface Duo has wireless charging, unfortunately, and I’ll be disappointed if it isn’t there.
5G support
Source: Microsoft
I recently switched to a 5G data plan with my carrier and upgraded to a 5G phone. So I hope the Surface Duo has 5G support so that I can continue using the 5G speeds I get through my cellular plan. That said, true 5G coverage where I live in the UK (and everywhere) is still incredibly sparse, and I’ve barely seen my 5G phone connect to a 5G cell site. This will change in the coming year or two, so it’s down to whether or not Microsoft wants to future-proof the Surface Duo. I hope they do.
A good camera
Source: Microsoft
Of course, Microsoft could add one to the final product, but Microsoft hasn’t revealed if that is the plan. The size of the single front-facing sensor doesn’t mean it’s going to be terrible, though. The original Google Pixel has a relatively small primary sensor, yet produced great photos thanks to post-processing. If Microsoft can nail post-processing with the Surface Duo, we should end up with a device that can take good photos. I’m not expecting it to be the best on the market, however.
A single sensor isn’t going to be able to beat out competing devices that have two, three, even four sensors of varying types. I think it’s fair to say that if you’re a smartphone photography enthusiast, the Surface Duo isn’t going to be for you unless Microsoft surprises us with a dedicated set of cameras on the rear before launch.
Good haptics
Source: Microsoft
More and more people are starting to become familiar with better haptics, and it would be a real shame if Microsoft opts for a standard haptic driver in the Surface Duo. There are better ways to do haptics on devices in 2020, and I hope Microsoft opts for one of the more premium methods. It just feels better and helps out when it comes to the overall user experience of a premium device.
Colors!
Source: Marques Brownlee
Being able to stand out from the crowd with a colorful phone that also happens to have two screens and folds would be pretty cool. Don’t get me wrong, the white version that Microsoft has also unveiled looks fantastic, but having the option for a red or blue one also wouldn’t hurt.
What are you hoping to see?
That’s our list of things we’re hoping to see with the Surface Duo, but we know you’ve got opinions too. Let us know in the comments what you are also hoping to see in the Surface Duo.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.