A first look at the Microsoft Surface Duo which is a phone-tablet-hingey device which is expected to revolutionize the way we use smartphones r should I say Microsoft’s introduction to the dual-screen mobile smartphone industry.

The device was announced last year during an event and expected and we’re excited to see it right on here again. The device sports some interesting design aesthetics as well as good hardware-based uniqueness that makes it outstanding from the pack.

The device much like the LG V series has two standalone screens which I might not be comfortable to call “foldable” but it folds anyway. While we’ve not been able to interact with the device just yet in order to see how well the Android-based device works, what we saw is quite amazing plus the device costs a whooping US$1,400.

Hardware designs and specs of the Surface Duo

The distinct hardware feature of the Surface Duo is the unique display design which flips much like a Galaxy Fold device. But then this device compensated for it’s dual screens by being extra slim measuring just 4.8mm when unfolded while the size increases to just 9.6mm when it gets folded.

Now if you’re to place that right beside the Galaxy Fold, Huawei Mate X or the Royole FlexPai, you’ll see that there is a very much visible change and difference between the two altogether. I like the device for some peculiar reasons such as being able to use it as a gaming smartphone or for excess multi-tasking.

The drawback here is that there is no external or primary screen like the Galaxy Fold or the Huawei Mate X a using the Surface Duo demands you completely open the device up every single time in order to be ale to use it at all.

Plus you can’t just use a single hand to use this device as you would be required to use both hands when the device gets opened up since it gets really wide looking much like a tablet. And if you think about it, we can all see now why Microsoft was trying to not call this a smartphone but something else instead.

Away from the design aesthetics of the device, there is a USB Type-C port right at the bottom of the device with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner as well as a power button with the volume rockers by the right side of the device. The top has nothing on it.

The hinge of the Surface Duo is on of the best in the market considering the quality and how well it works compared to other folding smartphones currently being offered by other OEMs. Another sweet spot of the Surface Duo is the fact that you can rotate the device to a full 360 degree so it can either be used like a laptop being placed on a desk or like a tent.

The screen of the device is a nice 5.6-inch AMOLED panel but then there is the olden bezel at the top and bottom of the display with a single 11MP camera with a flash on the right display which seems to be the primary display.

It seems Microsoft isn’t laying too much emphasis on the camera specs for this device making it seems to be much more of a utility smartphone. There is also a silicon case to protect the device in case of accidental drop because you don’t want to mes u a US$1k smartphone.

Microsoft Surface Duo accessories

The unboxing experience is fairly simple much like others. This time around, Microsoft did include an 18W fast charger with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a silicone bumper case in the box. Speaking of the silicone bumper, it uses an adhesive which allows it to protect he device with much effort in case of accident.

Aide all the normal stuffs you get unboxing the device, there is obviously nothing more to see within the device. Meanwhile other things I do wonder as well includes how the software will play well on the independent display which probably put you on with two distinct smartphones that can be used independently or separately.

Take your time to enjoy the images of the Microsoft Surface Duo below and tell us what you feel about the smartphone in the comment sction below.