The Microsoft Surface Duo is a distinctive dual-screen smartphone that hasn’t exactly taken off. However, it turns out that there was a third model in the works, a mid-range Surface Duo made of plastic that unexpectedly appeared on eBay to give us a glimpse of what may have been.
Microsoft’s relationship with the Surface Duo has been fraught with difficulties. The Surface Duo 1 received negative reviews in large part because of its subpar software and extremely subpar camera performance, while the Surface Duo 2 had many of the same software flaws. Both gadgets received criticism for their exorbitant costs, which may have been a factor in Microsoft’s decision to develop a less expensive model of the product.
Windows Central discovered a deleted eBay listing from last month that purported to display a Surface Duo 2 development unit. The tablet actually appears to be a scaled-down version of the Surface Duo, a more reasonably priced mid-range product that was later discontinued.
This device, apparently called Cronos, was planned to launch this year as a more affordable alternative to the Surface Duo 2.
This Surface Duo entry that was rejected had a plastic case.
Only the device’s physical design was described in the eBay listing. From there, we can see the altered camera bump and the plastic body’s matte texture. However, it appears that the mid-range Surface Duo model was going to forgo the curved display of the more expensive model in favor of a Qualcomm chip.
Microsoft reportedly canceled Cronos late last year in favor of the following flagship model, which is scheduled to launch in late 2023. According to Windows Central, the gadget may have been branded as the Surface Duo Go to match Microsoft’s other products.
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