Microsoft’s Surface Phone has a feature that many Android handsets lack

[Chris Smith]

• After revealing the Surface Duo price and release date, Microsoft made a surprising announcement regarding its new Android endeavor.
• The Surface Duo will receive three years of Android updates, which matches Google’s guarantee for the Pixel but also Samsung’s recent decision to support some of its Androids for three years.
• Not many Android handset makers are willing to provide steady Android updates to their devices, which remains one of Google’s main Android weaknesses.

Microsoft earlier this week revealed the price and release date of its first Android handset ever, the Surface Duo that was unveiled almost a year ago. The device is a different take on the foldable phone concept, as Microsoft is using two standalone displays connected by a 360-degree hinge to deliver a smartphone with a larger overall display than traditional smartphones. The handset is hardly perfect, featuring last year’s best mobile chip but lacking the allure of other Androids. It’s got no 5G support and no NFC, and the single camera might not measure up to your mobile photography needs. It’s also expensive, starting at $1,399, compared to other 2020 flagships. But the Surface Duo does target a specific set of consumers. Buyers who need both Android and Windows in their lives might benefit from this particular contraption, especially if Microsoft will be able to make Windows shine on an Android device.

What makes the Surface Duo interesting is a detail that’s just come to light, a feature that many of the traditional Android handset makers aren’t willing to guarantee: Updates.

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Microsoft’s Surface Phone has a feature that many Android handsets lack originally appeared on BGR.com on Fri, 14 Aug 2020 at 07:31:20 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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