The Surface Duo 2 is official. Microsoft announced the second-gen foldable at its 22 September event, alongside four new Windows 11 devices.
As a dual-screen phone, the Duo runs Android instead – even if it’s not Android 12 out of the box.
However, the big changes here are on the hardware side. The Duo 2 uses a flagship 2021 chipset in the Snapdragon 888, bringing 5G and NFC to the device alongside it. Both AMOLED displays are slightly larger and now 90Hz, while there’s a brand-new triple rear camera system.
Elsewhere, you get a much bigger 4,449mAh battery (vs 3,577mAh on the original) and a new “Glance Bar”, which lets you check notifications without opening the device. The existing Glacier (white) model is now joined by an Obsidian (black) option, too.
There’s also been significant progress on the time between announcement and release – you’ll be able to get your hands on one from October. But where from? Here’s all you need to know about buying the Surface Duo 2 in the UK and US, whether you’re looking for a model SIM-free or on contract.
When does the Surface Duo 2 go on sale?
Unlike some of the other new Surface devices announced on 22 September, you only have a few weeks to wait. The Surface Duo 2 will go on sale from 21 October 2021 in the UK and US, with pre-orders live right now.
Where to buy the Surface Duo 2
In the UK, the Microsoft Store is the only place offering pre-orders at the time of writing. However, the company has confirmed that the following retailers will be selling the Duo 2 once it’s released:
The only other retailer stocking the original Duo in the UK was Amazon, so there’s a chance we’ll see the Duo 2 become available there too. On contract, there’s no indication the device will be available via O2, Vodafone or Three – the other main networks in the UK.
In the US, no third-party retailers have been confirmed to stock the Duo 2. However, the following all sold the first-gen model SIM-free, so it’s likely they’ll do the same for its successor:
In terms of carriers, the original Duo was also available via these networks and its subsidiaries:
We’ll update this article once any more listings pages are live. Expect that to happen closer to the 21 October release date.
How much does the Surface Duo 2 cost?
Despite the upgrades, the Duo 2 is priced similarly to its predecessor. The £1,349/$1,499 starting price is identical in the UK, and $100 more expensive in the US. Here’s the full breakdown:
8GB RAM, 128GB storage – £1,349/$1,499
8GB RAM, 256GB storage – £1,429/$1,599.99
8GB RAM, 512GB storage – £1,589/$1,799.99 (only available in black)
Compared to the original Duo, the 512GB model is also new.
Look out for more coverage as we approach the Duo 2’s release. You may also be interested in our where to buy guide for the Surface Pro 8.
For more news on the September Surface event, here’s everything that was announced.
