Microsoft's scrapped Surface Duo emerges — a mid-range phone with a dual-camera array

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Images of a low-cost model of Microsoft's foldable appear

Leaked image of mid-range Microsoft Surface Duo (Cronos)
(Image credit: Windows Central)

Microsoft is expected to have had plans to ship a low-cost version of its Surface Duo 2, as an eBay listing showed images of the now-canceled foldable.

According to sources speaking to sister-site Windows Central, a "lite" addition to Microsoft's phone lineup was expected to launch later this year, offering users a mid-range option with a dual-camera array and plastic exterior. Images of the device popped up on a now-deleted eBay listing, titled as a "dev unit" of the Surface Duo 2. 

Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Dev Unit eBay Listing  (Image credit: Windows Central)

While the images offer a look at the device, including a camera bump and a matte finish, the report states the listing didn't offer any details on its specs. If anything, it looks very similar to the Surface Duo 2. However, it's tipped to have a fully plastic exterior and no Glance Bar. 

Leaked image of mid-range Microsoft Surface Duo (Cronos) (Image credit: Windows Central)

Sources state that the mid-range model was dubbed "Cronos," and was canceled in late 2021 to focus on the next Surface Duo device, which is expected to launch sometime in late 2023. The report confirms that the listing and device is real, and also offers details on its specs.

Apparently, the "Cronos" Surface Duo was set to have an upper mid-range Qualcomm SoC, non-curved displays without the Glance Bar, and a dual-camera array. This is all a step down compared the Surface Duo 2, presumably to keep the cost down. 

Leaked image of mid-range Microsoft Surface Duo (Cronos) (Image credit: Windows Central)

Since the product has been scrapped, we may not see another Surface Duo device for a while. In our Microsoft Surface Duo 2 review, we stated the foldable proves that Microsoft can make a decent foldable after its failed predecessor. However, there’s still room for improvement. A mid-range version likely wouldn't have helped its case.

The report also notes that Microsoft is working on bringing Android 12L to existing Surface Duo products, which is expected to roll out over the next few months. While we may never see a low-cost Surface Duo, it's clear Microsoft is thinking about bringing different models to its foldable lineup.

Speaking of rumored foldables, check out everything we know so far about the long-rumored Foldable iPhone and Google Pixel Fold. 

Darragh Murphy
Darragh Murphy
Editor

Darragh Murphy is fascinated by all things bizarre, which usually leads to assorted coverage varying from washing machines designed for AirPods to the mischievous world of cyberattacks. Whether it's connecting Scar from The Lion King to two-factor authentication or turning his love for gadgets into a fabricated rap battle from 8 Mile, he believes there’s always a quirky spin to be made. With a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from The University of Sheffield, along with short stints at Kerrang! and Exposed Magazine, Darragh started his career writing about the tech industry at Time Out Dubai and ShortList Dubai, covering everything from the latest iPhone models and Huawei laptops to massive Esports events in the Middle East. Now, he can be found proudly diving into gaming, gadgets, and letting readers know the joys of docking stations for Laptop Mag.