Microsoft's dual-screen Surface Duo is coming soon. It goes on sale September 10, but fortunately it arrived in our hands today, so here are some exterior and pre-boxing photos and video.

The Surface Duo is unlike any phone I've had recently. While folded, there is a temptation to hold the device like a traditional candy bar style phone, but that is not really the intent. In this state, the device is very wide, but not as heavy as one might think.

When the Surface Duo is unfolded, the two 5.6-inch AMOLED panels spread out before you, and the device takes the form of a small tablet with an impossibly thin frame connected by a very sturdy hinge. Microsoft says it spent a lot of time and care to ensure that the Surface Duo is perfectly balanced from left to right, and it certainly feels that way.

Interestingly, the hinge does not click into place when both panels approach the flat position. It stops in any position, but there is no notch in the hinge design, which is unusual compared to any hinged device I have used.

I was also surprised by how soft the Surface Duo closes. The muffled sound that one normally hears when closing such a device, when two sheets of glass meet, is near silent on the Microsoft phone. I am not sure how Microsoft achieved this, as there does not appear to be a rubber stopper or cushion around the perimeter of the casing.

Overall, the build quality of the Surface Duo feels great, as one would expect from a Surface-branded product. The glossy gunmetal chrome double-barrel hinges look particularly sharp and blend nicely with the glossy white exterior and soft matte gray frame. The side-mounted power key and volume rocker look and feel great. This is understated elegance that pays off.

Out of the box, Microsoft offers a rather unique silicone bumper as well as the Surface Duo itself. This bumper comes in two parts, with an adhesive on the inside. The inner part of the bumper needs to be peeled off before it can be slid on, but I haven't tried that yet.

That's about all I can tell you about the Surface Duo for now. I can't wait for September 10, and I'll have more reviews and impressions of the device's software, performance, battery life, camera quality, and more as it gets closer to launch.