Images of a more affordable plastic version of the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 leaked on eBay. The eBay listing of the leaked images is now deleted, as per The Verge.
According to Windows Central, the leaked images were dubbed as a "Surface Duo 2 dev unit" on eBay.com. It was a midrange or "lite" version of the Surface Duo 2 that Microsoft already canceled in late 2021.
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 shows immense strengths, a clear improvement from its original version that left many users disappointed. But clearly, this new version of the Android device is still a work in progress.
What Does the Plastic Version of Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Look Like
The now deleted images of the midrange Surface Duo 2 sport a rounded design. It has a plastic matte finish, plus a slightly smaller camera bump. It also has a flat displays which resembles Surface Duo 1.
The eBay listing provides photos of the midrange device only. No other details were included in the description.
Accordingly, Microsoft was attempting to make changes to the "form factor of the Surface Duo 2" in order to be able to market it as a lower-cost model.
The Verge reported that it was codenamed Cronos. The device could possibly have a more midrange Qualcomm processor, plus a dual-camera on the rear instead of a triple one.
Codenamed Cronos is also speculated to have a non-curved displays without Microsoft's glance bar, plus a plastic exterior.
For comparison, you'll find the flagship Surface Duo 2 equipped with Snapdragon 888 SoC, a triple-camera array on the back, 90hz curved displays with the glance bar, and a plastic + glass exterior.
The changes in Cronos appearance and specs were aimed to lower its price in the market. But it's unknown how much Microsoft was planning to charge for the device.
Based on Windows Central speculation, the handset would have been introduced as the "Surface Duo Go."
This isn't Surface Duo first time to have photos leaked online. Last year, before Surface Duo 2 was launched, images of the device also circulated in the internet.
Read Also: The Highlight of This Year's Microsoft Surface Launch: A Preview of The New Surface Products
Why Did Microsoft Cancel Cronos
Window's Central said that Microsoft decided not to push through with Cronos in the late 2021 because the company shifted its focus on the next Surface Duo flagship.
Moreover, it's also highly possible that Microsoft wants to wait for the product line "to mature a bit more first."
By then, the company might consider releasing various models at varying price brackets.
However, the existence of Cronos is an evidence that Microsoft is planning to expand Surface Duo's product line in the future. We might have to wait for some time to see this happen.
At present, without any product in sight for launching for the Duo, the company is busy improving its current flagship.
Currently, Microsoft is after putting Android 12L to existing Surface Duo 2 units instead of working on the midrange Surface Duo 2 later this year. The company will be ready to roll out the improve Surface Duo 2 in the next few months.
However, according to Windows Central, we won't see a Surface Duo flagship until late 2023.
Related Article: Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Reviews Are Mixed: Great Futuristic Design, But Full of Bugs?
