Surface Duo 2 benchmark leak confirms specs, hints at possible launch date

By Arif Bacchus Published August 27, 2021

After photos of an initial Surface Duo 2 prototype leaked online, another fresh benchmark leak has revealed some alleged specifications of the device, suggesting that internal testing is being done and the next-generation Microsoft dual-screen foldable could be coming as soon as this October.

The leak doesn’t really provide anything that we didn’t already know, but it does fall in line with previous rumors. The benchmarks in the leak suggest that Microsoft could include the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset and a total of 8GB of RAM on the Duo 2. It also reveals that the phone is powered by Android 11, and has an Adreno 660 GPU inside for gaming and other intensive tasks. Of course, it’s best to take these details with some skepticism, as benchmark results can easily be faked.

The Surface Duo 2 now in Black. — Tech Rat / YouTube

Looking beyond just the specs, if the Geekbench results are indeed true, there could be some decent performance improvements between the original Surface Duo and the Duo 2. The original Duo picked up a 735 single-core score and a 2,678 multi-core score. Based o these leaked benchmarks, the Surface Duo 2 jumps up to a 1,091 single-core score and a 3,519 multi-core score. The difference in performance is mainly thanks to the newer Qualcomm processor.

Recommended Videos

We’ve been keeping up with Surface Duo 2 rumors, and it’s looking more than likely that the device could be coming soon — especially given the recent “flash sales” of the original Duo. The new device is highly anticipated, as it addresses concerns from the first generation by introducing a three-camera setup on the rear. It’s also rumored that the Duo 2 could bring a new back variant, changes to the USB-C port, afingerprint reader, 5G support, and even support for NFC.

An October announcement and holiday 2021 launch for the Surface Duo 2 would be highly likely. Microsoft is set to launch Windows 11 this holiday season and it would benefit from new flagship PCs and also a Surface event to showcase the features of the operating system.

Alongside a potential Surface Pro 8 and the rumored redesigned Surface Book 4, this Surface Duo 2 would be a nice addition to the 2021 Surface lineup. There’s even a chance of a Surface Go 3, which also was recently spotted in benchmark listings.

Former Computing Writer

Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…

Topics

Computing

South Korea wants to give every citizen free, unlimited access to its own AI chatbot

The government-backed service could turn generative AI into public infrastructure instead of another monthly subscription

Electronics, Mobile Phone, Phone

South Korea wants to give every citizen free access to an AI chatbot with no usage limits. That puts the technology closer to a public utility than another premium service demanding a monthly subscription.

The Ministry of Science and ICT announced the AI for Everyone project on July 13. Private companies will build the platform around locally developed models, while a separate AI agent will help people navigate government services. It’s a more practical job than generating emails or settling arguments nobody wanted to research themselves.

Computing

Falling in love with a chatbot is now off limits for kids in China

The crackdown targets emotional AI relationships as regulators worry about the country's record low birthrate.

Replika AI companion app on an iPhone in hand

Ever since AI chatbots arrived on the scene, there has been one aspect that has worried lawmakers and experts a lot: humans forming emotional connections with chatbots. There have been plenty of cases where over-reliance on these AI companions or partners has resulted in medical emergencies, lost lives, and triggered multiple lawsuits against the likes of OpenAI and Meta.

China cracks down on AI companion apps

Computing

Russian hackers keep finding their way into critical networks through neglected routers

A multinational warning says outdated firmware, weak passwords, and insecure settings are giving state-backed attackers an easy opening

A Wi-Fi router next to a laptop.

Russian state-backed hackers have spent more than a decade exploiting a stubborn weakness in critical infrastructure networks. Organizations are still leaving poorly configured and outdated routers exposed to the internet.

In a joint cybersecurity advisory, the NSA, CISA, FBI, and international partners warn that hackers linked to Center 16 of Russia’s Federal Security Service are continuing to target vulnerable networking equipment. Energy, healthcare, and government networks are among the sectors facing the highest risk.