Surface Duo renders reveal minor design changes, preloaded Google, Microsoft apps

Surface Duo is set to launch later this year. The device is going to be a reference hardware for several OEMs which plan to experiment with dual-screen phones in the near future.

Another variant of the Surface Duo that has been spotted on the UL certifications for Canada with the model number 1930r. Reports speculate that this could be the high-end variant of the Surface Duo or its locked/unlocked version. (Twitter )

Microsoft's long-awaited dual-screen device ‘Surface Duo' is inching closer to the commercial launch. Leakster Evan Blass on late Monday shared new renders of the Surface Duo. These images reveal a modified Surface Duo with some big changes to the design. For instance, there is an LED flash on the front.

Another key takeaway from these renders is the pre-loaded Android and Microsoft apps on the dual-screen phone. In what appears to be a customised version of Android, Surface Duo is seen running LinkedIn, Teams, YouTube, and the official Google Play Store.

As far as the design goes, Surface Duo is seen sporting a familiar Surface-like design. The cover has a Microsoft logo and hinges at the top and bottom for folding. The corners are more curved than what we saw in the older official and unofficial posts.

In case you did not know, Microsoft had unveiled the Surface Duo at an event in New York City last year. The company does not call the Duo as a phone, but it does come with calling facility.

Microsoft Surface Duo features as many as two screens -- two slim 5.6-inch screens that unfold to an 8.3-inch screen. The device runs Android apps and comes with special software optimisation for a dual-screen design.

It is said to run on Qualcomm's top-end Snapdragon 855 processor coupled with 6GB of RAM, and up to 256GB built-in storage. Surface Duo will is likely to have a 3,460mAh battery with USB Type-C charging.

We still do not have an official launch date except for a “Holiday 2020” timeline, which usually refers to late December.