Surface Duo 3 - The First Microsoft Foldable Smartphone
Mondo Admin / 21-12-2022 / Tech
When it comes to the foldable smartphone segment, Samsung sits at the top. But we expect a shake-up in 2023 as new releases by Oppo, Huawei and Xiaomi aim to cause a disruption. Spicing things up even more is a rumoured foldable Microsoft Surface Duo 3 smartphone, which looks set to offer something completely different for those who prefer this form factor. Let’s take a closer look.
Third generation Surface Duo remains a secret
Microsoft Surface Duo 3 is the highly anticipated third generation of the Surface Duo series. The first and second gen launched in September 2020 and October 2021, respectively. For 2022, the Duo series didn’t get a refresh, but this was no surprise, as the Senior Editor of Windows Central announced early in the year that a new smartphone was not on the cards. This was later confirmed at the Microsoft hardware event on October 12, which showcased interesting devices like the new Surface Laptop 5, the upgraded Surface Pro 9 lineup, and the powerful Surface Studio 2 Plus. Those who hoped for a surprise announcement of the Duo 3 were sorely disappointed.
Right now, it’s difficult to predict when the third-gen Surface Duo will be released. But many tipsters say Microsoft may opt for a two-year update cycle, meaning we could see the Surface Duo 3 announced in September or October 2023.
A one-of-a-kind foldable
The current design of the series is a dual-screen with a hinge at the centre. Although the screens are separate, cutting-edge technology enables users to enjoy a seamless form factor. However, rumours are rife that the upcoming Surface Duo 3 will ditch the dual-screen for a foldable design, meaning this could be the first-ever fully-fledged foldable smartphone from the tech giant.
The rumours have a solid foundation, rooted in a patent application which Microsoft describes as a “foldable display device”. The patent shows a design that bends inwards and outwards with a reduced gap between the displays. Although patent applications don’t depict the final design, it does indicate that Microsoft has an ambitious vision for their foldables, aiming to offer something other manufacturers are not currently exploring.
More time for better specs
With a lengthier release date between generations, rumours suggest this provides Microsoft ample time to equip the series with the latest specs and design styles. Some of the anticipated specs for the Duo 3 include slimmer bezels, a smaller camera bump to make it easier to add Qi wireless charging, Android 13 software, and the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset or its successor, the 8 Gen 2.
If the rumours prove true, we can expect Microsoft’s first foldable smartphone in 2023. More interesting, will the Surface Duo 3 stay true to the game-changing patented design? If so, Microsoft will be navigating uncharted territory that could see it leading the pack in foldable innovation.
