What you need to know
- The Surface Duo 2 is now just $999 (128GB) and $1,099 (256GB) at Best Buy, Amazon, and Microsoft.com, a savings of $500 off the original price.
- This new price is the lowest yet since the Surface Duo 2's launch in October 2021.
- It's not clear if this is another temporary sale or a new permanent price.
Microsoft is listening to some of its critics who admire Surface Duo 2 but feel the $1,499 starting price is just too high. The Microsoft Store, Amazon, and Best Buy are now offering Surface Duo 2 for just $999 for the 128GB model, while the 256GB version is just $1,099. That's a substantial $500 off the original price.
Customers could save up to $700 more of that $999 price at Best Buy if they trade in their existing phone, making the Surface Duo 2 a viable option for those curious about a dual-screen experience.
Both Microsoft and Best Buy recently had a temporary sale on Surface Duo 2, knocking down the price to $1,250, but that ended two weeks ago.
While some may see this as a sign of an impending Surface Duo "3," our sources suggest that Microsoft won't refresh this hardware until sometime in 2023.
Save on Surface Duo 2
The Surface Duo 2 is a unique foldable with two displays. It can run apps side-by-side or span apps across both screens. The second-generation Duo improves upon its predecessor in several key areas, including having better cameras, displays, and software. Later this year, the Duo 2 should receive an update to Android 12L, which is optimized for tablets and foldables.
While Surface Duo 2 had a difficult launch, Microsoft has since delivered three substantial updates that have significantly improved the device. We recently reexamined the topic a few weeks ago, noting that all of the major gripes and bugs of Surface Duo 2 have been addressed making it much easier to recommend to those wanting to try something new.
Our colleague MrMobile (aka Michael Fisher) also did a 13-minute long-term review, where he also noted that Surface Duo 2 has substantially improved since its initial launch.
Interestingly, one of Fisher's complaints about the device was the price, noting that "… $999 is a better price point for a device with this many compromises," referring to the mid-range camera. Today's price drop at least knocks the criticism off the table.
Of course, Microsoft could still do more with Surface Duo 2. Enhancements to the Glance Bar to allow access to third-party app notifications is one area (something that we hear is in the works), improvements to the camera software are never a bad thing, and more abilities for the optional Surface Slim Pen 2 for inking is welcomed. It'd also be good to see advancements with typing (SwiftKey) and Microsoft Launcher (more customizations).
Extending the longevity of Surface Duo 2 is Android 12L, which is expected "later this year" according to Google. That OS update should refine the dual-screen experience while also letting app developers easily optimize apps for spanning across both displays.
Either way, if you were eyeing Surface Duo 2, heading down to your local Best Buy to try one out for $999 seems like a no-brainer if the design piques your interest. If you're uncertain about committing, ordering through Microsoft also gives you a generous 60-day return policy. And don't forget to pick up the best Surface Duo 2 accessories to complete the experience.
