The new Microsoft Surface Duo recently launched, marking a significant entry into the dual-screen Android smartphone market. This innovative device has piqued the interest of tech enthusiasts and professionals alike, eager to explore its unique features and capabilities. Now, thanks to the meticulous efforts of the team at iFixit, we get an in-depth look at what lies inside this intriguing handset.
The guys from iFixit have taken the new Surface Duo apart, and the video below provides a comprehensive teardown of the handset, revealing its internal components and design intricacies.
Display and Battery Specifications
The Surface Duo features two 5.6-inch AMOLED displays, each boasting a resolution of 1,800 by 1,350 pixels. These high-resolution screens are designed to provide a seamless and immersive viewing experience, whether you’re multitasking or enjoying media content. The dual-screen setup allows for enhanced productivity, enabling users to run two apps simultaneously or extend a single app across both screens for a larger workspace.
Powering these displays are two batteries with a combined capacity of 3,577 mAh. This dual-battery configuration is essential for maintaining the device’s slim profile while ensuring adequate power to support its dual-screen functionality. However, the battery life may vary depending on usage patterns, particularly when both screens are in use for extended periods.
Performance and Camera Capabilities
Under the hood, the Surface Duo is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor, a robust chipset that ensures smooth performance and efficient multitasking. Accompanying the processor is 6GB of RAM, which provides ample memory for running multiple applications and handling intensive tasks. The device also comes with 128GB of internal storage, offering sufficient space for apps, media, and documents.
The Surface Duo features a single 11-megapixel camera, strategically designed to serve both front and rear camera functions. This versatile camera setup simplifies the device’s design while still delivering quality photos and videos. Although it may not compete with the multi-camera systems found on other flagship smartphones, the 11-megapixel camera is adequate for everyday photography and video calls.
Repairability and Design Challenges
One of the critical aspects of any new device is its repairability, and iFixit provides valuable insights in this regard. Devices are scored on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 indicating a very challenging repair process and 10 signifying ease of repair. Unfortunately, the Surface Duo only managed to score 2 out of 10, indicating that it is a difficult device to repair. This low score is primarily due to the intricate design and the extensive use of adhesive, which complicates the disassembly process.
The Surface Duo’s repairability challenges highlight the trade-offs often encountered in modern smartphone design. While the device’s slim profile and dual-screen functionality are impressive, they come at the cost of repairability. Users should be aware that any damage to the device may require professional repair services, potentially leading to higher costs and longer downtime.
The Microsoft Surface Duo represents a bold step forward in the realm of dual-screen smartphones. Its innovative design, high-resolution displays, and robust performance make it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts and professionals seeking enhanced productivity. However, potential buyers should consider the device’s repairability challenges and weigh them against its unique features and capabilities.
Source iFixit
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