The Surface Duo 2 is out now. Microsoft announced the second-gen, dual-screen foldable at its 22 September event, and it’s now available to buy.

Unlike the other devices revealed at the event, the Duo 2 runs Android, even if that’s not Android 12 out of the box.

However, the big changes here are on the hardware side. The Duo 2 uses a flagship 2021 chipset in the Snapdragon 888, bringing 5G and NFC to the device alongside it. Both AMOLED displays are slightly larger and now 90Hz, while there’s a brand-new triple rear camera system.

Elsewhere, you get a much bigger 4,449mAh battery (vs 3,577mAh on the original) and a new “Glance Bar”, which lets you check notifications without opening the device. The existing Glacier (white) model is now joined by an Obsidian (black) option, too.

There’s also been significant progress on the time between announcement and release, with the Duo on sale less than a month after it was officially revealed. It makes the prospect of Black Friday deals unlikely, but they can’t be ruled out completely.

Here’s all you need to know about buying the Surface Duo 2 in the UK and US, whether you’re looking for a model SIM-free or on contract.

When did the Surface Duo 2 go on sale?

The Surface Duo 2 was officially announced at Microsoft’s Surface event on 22 September. It’s officially available to buy now, having been released on 21 October. However, it’s only currently on sale in the UK, US, France, Germany, Australia and Canada.

It’s not clear if Microsoft is planning an expanded release at some point. The original Duo eventually went on sale in nine other European countries, including Ireland, Italy and Netherlands.

Where to buy the Surface Duo 2

With the Duo 2 now on sale, you don’t have to go direct. Here are all the retailers currently selling the device in the UK:

• Microsoft Store – 128GB and 256GB models in stock, 512GB out of stock
• Currys PC World – 128GB and 256GB models both in stock

You can also get the phone via EE, with contracts starting at £73 per month with £150 upfront for 4GB of 5G data. Better value for money can be found on the 40GB plan, which costs £81 per month with £70 upfront.
Check out the full range of options on the EE website.

There’s no indication that the device will be available via the other main networks in the UK – O2, Vodafone and Three – but unlocked versions will work with all UK networks. The only other retailer stocking the original Duo in the UK was Amazon, so there’s a chance we’ll see the Duo 2 also become available there at some point.

In the US, here’s where you can buy the Surface Duo 2 right now:

The device isn’t currently available via B&H Photo Video, although it did sell the original Duo. There’s a chance we’ll see the Duo 2 on sale here at a later date.

No US carriers for the Duo 2 have been confirmed yet, although the following stocked the first-gen model:

• Verizon
• AT&T – “currently, we have not been provided with information as to if AT&T will be carrying the device on our network” (according to forum post)
• T-Mobile

While you can’t buy the device on contract yet, unlocked versions will work with all of the above. The only feature you’ll miss out on via Verizon is Wi-Fi calling, according to a post on Reddit.

How much does the Surface Duo 2 cost?

Despite the upgrades, the Duo 2 is priced similarly to its predecessor. The £1,349/$1,499 starting price is identical in the UK, but $100 more expensive in the US. Here’s the full breakdown:

• 8GB RAM, 128GB storage – £1,349/$1,499.99
• 8GB RAM, 256GB storage – £1,429/$1,599.99
• 8GB RAM, 512GB storage – £1,589/$1,799.99 (only available in black and from the Microsoft Store)

Compared to the original Duo, the 512GB model is also new.

You may also be interested in our where to buy guide for the Surface Pro 8. For more news on the September Surface event, here’s everything that was announced.

When is Black Friday 2021? Should you wait for a better deal?

Black Friday arrives on 26 November this year, followed by Cyber Monday on 29 November, which leads to the question: should you wait until then for a better deal?

In the case of the Surface Duo 2, there’s no need. Given the device went on sale so recently, the chances of significant discounts around Black Friday are highly unlikely. There may be some bundles here and there, but you can buy one right now without too many regrets.

If you are looking for a bargain on Microsoft hardware, we have a dedicated guide to the best Surface deals.