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Unboxing Microsoft's Surface Duo: Here's what comes with the dual-screen phone

Let's take a look inside the box of Microsoft's new Android phone, the Surface Duo.

Scott Stein Editor at Large
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Expertise VR and AR, gaming, metaverse technologies, wearable tech, tablets Credentials
  • Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps
Scott Stein
2 min read

Update, Sept. 21, 2021: Microsoft will hold its 2021 Surface event on Sept. 22, when the Surface Duo 2 is rumored to arrive.


The Microsoft Surface Duo may be one of Microsoft's most unusual experiments. It's a dual-screened Android phone. And I have one. But for now, I'm just looking inside the box. A full review of the Duo is coming soon, but in the meantime I opened it up to see what's inside. I got a look at a see-through version of the Duo to peek at its circuits a while back, but didn't have the retail boxed device. We don't know the international price of the Duo yet, but its $1,200 price tag converts to about £920 or AU$1,700.

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The Surface Duo comes with the Duo (of course), USB-C charger, and rubber bumper. No Surface Pen.

Scott Stein/CNET

The Duo comes with a USB-C charger and a weird rubber bumper that sticks onto the Duo to protect it. Microsoft claims the Gorilla Glass-covered Duo is sturdy, but I have no idea how well it will survive a drop. The bumper is a sign that maybe you should treat it with care.

One thing the Duo doesn't have is a pen stylus. The Duo is Microsoft Pen compatible, but Microsoft doesn't include a pen in the box. I would have preferred one over a USB-C charger.

Because I have a Duo and the see-through special model, I thought I'd compare.

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Duo, meet Duo. (The one on the right is a special demonstration version with glass to see the internals.)

Scott Stein/CNET

Sure enough, they feel identical. The hinge is extremely smooth and stable-feeling at most angles, and the sleek book-like design is even better in person... to hold, at least.

Will the Duo live up to its promise of being a dual-screen productivity savior for phones? I can't say yet. But I'll let you know as soon as I can.

Inside the Microsoft Surface Duo

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