Microsoft Surface Duo 2 review

Up to date August 2022: The Floor Duo 2 acquired a number of software program updates and dropped in value since our authentic assessment, so we’ve up to date it to mirror that. A lot of the assessment stays unchanged, however there are key updates to the software program, pricing and verdict sections, alongside a new rating from 3/5 to three.5/5.

When Microsoft revealed the Floor Duo 2 again in October 2021, it was arguably overshadowed by the Floor Professional 8 and Floor Laptop computer Studio that launched alongside it. 

These have been units that individuals would realistically take into account shopping for, whereas the Duo 2 remained a distinct segment system with out mainstream attraction. For all of the {hardware} enhancements that Microsoft made, the software program expertise was nonetheless severely missing.  

That’s been the corporate’s precedence within the months since, making the Duo 2 you purchase immediately way more usable than it as soon as was. There’s additionally been an enormous value drop, with seemingly no plans for it to return to full value.  

However is that sufficient to make the Duo 2 value shopping for in 2022? Following my authentic assessment, I spent one other week with the system to seek out out. 

Design & Construct

• Two 5.8in shows, whole display screen space 8.3in
• New triple rear digicam module
• Premium design and construct

In fact, the design of the Duo 2 hasn’t modified since launch. It has the identical primary type issue as its predecessor, consisting of two shows connected through a robust hinge. Close to-identical dimensions masks the truth that Microsoft has managed to extend the display screen sizes right here.  

Each panels at the moment are 5.8in, up from 5.6in on the unique. That gives a complete display screen actual property of 8.3in, making it similar to a small pill. I’ll speak concerning the high quality of those screens in additional element within the subsequent part. 

It’s straightforward to grasp how Microsoft has managed to extend the show measurement with out vital adjustments to the entire footprint of the system. The Duo 2’s bezels are noticeably smaller than the unique, making it really feel extra premium and futuristic than earlier than. 

They’re nowhere close to as slim as you’ll discover on fashionable smartphones, although – you continue to want room for a tricky steel hinge above to attach the shows. It feels impressively strong, strengthened by aluminum that extends down the again of the cellphone the place the screens meet. At no level all through my testing did it really feel something however robust and durable – that’s a testomony to Microsoft’s engineering. 

Having a 360-degree hinge you’ll be able to depend on makes the Duo 2 impressively versatile. Microsoft formally advertises 5 key modes: common Ebook (each in portrait and panorama), Compose (with the underside display screen used as an on-screen keyboard), Single display screen and Tent. Every has its personal strengths and weaknesses, however it’s nice to have so many potential use instances inside one system.  

Even when the Duo 2 is closed, you’ll be able to nonetheless examine key info. The within of every show curves barely on the edges, that means it’s nearly seen from the skin. Microsoft is looking this characteristic a “Look Bar”, however there are two huge caveats right here.  

Firstly, there’s no elevate or transfer to wake performance – it’s worthwhile to press the facility button for it to point out up. You’re additionally at present restricted to incoming calls, messages, present quantity and battery proportion. Assist for different app notifications would make it way more helpful. 

One of many huge upgrades on the Duo 2 is new triple rear cameras. They’re housed inside a big module which protrudes considerably from the again of the cellphone. With none rear cameras, this wasn’t a difficulty for the unique Duo, however I’d a lot quite take care of this minor inconvenience.  

Except for a slight wobble when face down on a desk, I had no different issues with it – as you’ll see from the digicam part, each these and the 12Mp selfie digicam have been value together with.  

Nevertheless, the latter doesn’t assist face unlock of any description. It means you’ll need to depend on the fingerprint sensor constructed into the facility button, however this was quick and responsive all through my testing.  

This rear digicam module is the defining characteristic on the again of the system. The truth is, the shiny Microsoft emblem on the opposite display screen is the one different factor value noting. 

It tends to choose up fingerprint smudges, however that’s much less of a difficulty elsewhere on the glass exterior – particularly should you go for the Glacier White mannequin. In contrast to the unique, it’s additionally accessible in Obsidian Black. 

Nevertheless, even when closed, the Floor Duo 2 remains to be a cumbersome system. In addition to being a lot wider and round twice as thick as common smartphones, it additionally weighs in at a hefty 284g – that’s up from 250g on the unique Duo. You can argue that you simply’re getting two screens for that, however it’s undoubtedly much less transportable. Storing the Duo 2 in your pocket remains to be potential, simply much less comfy than a candybar cellphone. 

The design of the system additionally makes it tough to make use of as an everyday smartphone at occasions. You’ll be able to fold away one of many shows and use it as a single-screen system, you’ll haven’t any entry to the rear cameras. Utilizing the latter feels awkward in consequence, and also you’ll in all probability miss out on time-sensitive photographs. 

Elsewhere, ports are stored to a minimal – there’s a single USB-C port, plus area for one SIM card and no expandable storage. A 3.5mm headphone jack would have been good, however it’s removed from a precedence nowadays. 

Show

• 5.8in AMOLED shows
• 90Hz adaptive refresh fee
• Nice viewing expertise

The design components talked about above are all vital, however they’re in the end a supporting solid to the principle occasion – the show. Because the title suggests, the Floor Duo 2 has two of them, though each at the moment are 5.8in as a substitute of 5.6in on the unique.

When absolutely open, that offers you a complete display screen space of 8.3in – the identical as you’ll discover on the newest iPad mini.

In fact, being cut up throughout two screens makes for a really totally different person expertise. You additionally get two key options you gained’t discover on Apple’s pill – an AMOLED display screen and 90Hz refresh fee.

The latter is new to the Floor Duo, and it has the identical impact as on an everyday smartphone. Visuals are fluid and buttery-smooth, particularly whereas scrolling social media or shopping the online.

That is an adaptive refresh fee, that means it will increase and reduces in keeping with the state of affairs. Essentially the most noticeable drop is when content material is shifting between the 2 shows, however it wasn’t an excessive amount of of a difficulty.

Every display screen has a 1344×1892 decision and boxy 4:3 facet ratio, making for a complete show space of 1892×2688.

Each panels are crisp and detailed, equally able to vivid colors and deep blacks. The Floor Duo 2 additionally will get impressively vibrant – I recorded a most brightness of 696 nits, that means common outside use shouldn’t be a difficulty.

For these events the place you’d like to make use of only one display screen, the Duo 2 will prioritise the precise show. This feels essentially the most pure, though double tapping on the left display screen allows you to swap should you toggle on the choice in settings.

Specs & Efficiency

• Snapdragon 888 processor (5G built-in)
• 8GB RAM
• Glorious efficiency
• Entry-level 128GB storage will not be sufficient

Among the first-gen Floor Duo’s huge issues have been below the hood, however Microsoft has put that proper with its successor. Qualcomm has launched two flagship chips because the Snapdragon 888 that powers the Duo 2, however it nonetheless delivers the top-level efficiency you’d anticipate. It additionally has 5G built-in, one thing Microsoft wasn’t in a position to embody on the unique mannequin.

Alongside the Adreno 660 GPU and 8GB of RAM throughout all configurations, efficiency is predictably excellent. Primary use instances similar to internet shopping, instantaneous messaging and social media aren’t an issue for the Duo 2, however it was the multitasking expertise that significantly impressed me. Even demanding apps can run side-by-side with out concern.

Strong efficiency extends to cell gaming, the place even essentially the most in-depth titles on the Play Retailer run easily. I examined Name of Obligation: Cell, Asphalt 9 and FIFA Cell with no noticeable slowdown or lag. The again of the Duo 2 quickly turns into heat to the contact throughout these duties and whereas charging, however it’s nothing greater than a minor inconvenience.

Nevertheless, opening and shutting apps could cause issues. That’s the place I seen hesitation and stuttering at occasions, whereas some apps crashed when making an attempt to open them throughout each shows. Nevertheless it didn’t really feel hardware-related, only a case of software program that’s not optimised to run on dual-screen units. I talk about this in additional element within the following part.

Total, the Floor Duo 2 delivers spectacular efficiency in virtually all areas. That’s mirrored within the benchmarks under, which put it roughly according to the perfect foldable telephones accessible proper now:

Nevertheless, utilizing the most affordable mannequin I examined might trigger points with regard to inside storage. It gives simply 128GB, with no choice to broaden with a microSD card. Should you suppose that could be an issue, you’ll must pay further for 256GB and even 512GB.

It’s additionally value highlighting the presence of NFC right here, one thing which was lacking from the unique Duo. For most individuals, its principal function shall be contactless funds utilizing Google Pockets.

Given the necessity for big bezels, there’s area for twin stereo audio system, along with the earpiece. This makes for excellent audio that’s far superior to what you’ll discover on most smartphones, providing a wealthy sound with an honest quantity of bass.

It additionally means the calling expertise is spectacular, even should you in all probability gained’t be holding the Duo 2 as much as your ear. Twin mics imply the individual on the opposite finish can hear you loud and clear, too.

Software program & Apps

• Microsoft’s pores and skin over Android 11
• Improve to Android 12L anticipated sooner or later
• Software program expertise a lot better, however nonetheless not solely optimised

The Duo is the one Floor system that doesn’t run Home windows, with Microsoft choosing Android as a substitute. This is smart, given it’s designed to exchange your smartphone. 

Nevertheless, the Duo 2 remains to be working Android 11 on the time of writing, with no phrase on when it’ll get the replace to Android 12. That’s now two main variations outdated, with Android 13 now launched. 

Microsoft dedicated to model and safety updates for Duo 2 for no less than three years, that means it might get Android 14 finally. Predicting when that’ll be is tough with the system already lagging behind different telephones.

However most individuals will have the ability to stay with Android 11 for now. The larger concern is Microsoft’s work to make an working system that’s not designed for dual-screen units work effectively on the Duo 2.  

Utilizing the Microsoft Launcher (or any various) felt clunky at launch, with irritating bugs and only some apps that might profit from each shows. This has improved loads since then, making the Duo a practical possibility for the primary time. 

The checklist of apps which might be optimised for the Duo 2 has grown considerably, and now consists of variations of Twitter, Reddit and TikTok. All of the Microsoft apps work seamlessly, whereas the expertise studying e-books is superb – Kindle, Google Play Books and Nook are all supported with two web page mode the place the 2 screens mimic a e book.

As one of many few video games optimised for the Duo 2, taking part in Asphalt 9 is a pleasure. It places the controls on one display screen and gameplay on the opposite, making it really feel like a Nintendo DS.

Even on apps that aren’t designed for twin screens, having the ability to open two apps side-by-side transforms productiveness for the higher. In the case of split-screen multitasking, no cellphone can match the Duo 2 – particularly with the choice to pick out preset pairings into one app icon to launch them concurrently.

Microsoft has additionally completed a great job of eliminating among the system’s most annoying points. App crashes at the moment are uncommon, whereas shifting via the UI feels a lot slicker and smoother. 

Nevertheless, I did nonetheless run into issues frequently. Contact responsiveness has improved, however a number of faucets are sometimes required to open apps or choose a selected possibility. To make use of the on-screen keyboard, you’ll need to both be restricted to at least one show or stretch it awkwardly throughout each. 

Choosing the latter means some keys shall be obscured, an issue which impacts most apps which might be prolonged throughout each screens. When shopping social media or gaming, it’s greatest simply to stay to at least one. 

It is a direct consequence of the design and unlikely to be fastened in any software program updates. However you’ll know that already should you’re contemplating shopping for one, and the opposite points are not dealbreakers. 

Slightly than the common Android 12, the Duo 2 (and authentic Duo) is predicted to get Android 12L quickly. This tweaked model is particularly designed for foldables and units with bigger shows, so it might be one other huge step for the Duo 2’s software program. 

Cameras

• New broad, ultrawide and telephoto rear cameras
• Small improve to entrance digicam
• Respectable pictures, however not best-in-class

For some cause, the unique Floor Duo didn’t have any rear cameras. Microsoft has emphatically put that proper right here, with a brand new triple digicam system. A principal 12Mp sensor is joined by 16Mp ultrawide and 12Mp telephoto lenses, mirroring what you’ll discover on many fashionable smartphones.

Stills from the Duo 2 are nothing particular, however provide respectable dynamic vary and a formidable quantity of element. The climate was cloudy when all my take a look at photographs have been taken, however the system nonetheless did a great job of constructing colors actually stand out. Nevertheless, there are points with publicity at occasions.

The telephoto lens gives 2x optical zoom, however there was a noticeable drop in high quality in comparison with the principle sensor. This was much less obvious when taking wide-angle pictures, and the additional versatility it gives is commonly helpful.

Regardless of not having a devoted macro lens, close-up photographs have been spectacular. I used to be additionally happy with the standard of portrait photographs, though edge detection was usually a difficulty.

The Floor Duo 2 additionally advantages from a software-based night time mode. This activates the flash by default, making a a lot sharper and extra detailed picture than the common shot. Different telephones I’ve examined produce a extra interesting low-light picture, however it’s nonetheless a pleasant characteristic to have.

You continue to solely get one front-facing digicam, however it’s been upgraded barely. The sensor is now 12Mp as a substitute of 11Mp, and I used to be impressed with the detailed selfies it produces. It additionally avoids the widespread tendency to overexpose the background.

The Duo 2 has acquired a number of software program updates since I first printed this assessment, however the pictures it produces seem unchanged. Nonetheless, I’ve added a couple of new digicam samples to the gallery under, which you will have to click on on:

On the video facet, the Duo 2 is able to as much as 4K footage at 60fps. A extra widespread use case is 1080p at 30fps, the place optical picture stabilisation (OIS) on the principle lens helped stabilise video with quite a lot of motion.

It’s value noting two different digicam experiences which might be distinctive to the Duo and Duo 2. First is the dual-screen folding design, which makes taking pictures fairly awkward at occasions. Nevertheless, having that second display screen means you’ll be able to preview the picture you’ve simply taken with out leaving the digicam app, a characteristic I actually loved.

Battery Life & Charging

• 4,449mAh battery
• Strong battery life, however nothing particular
• Comparatively gradual charging

Microsoft has made battery life a precedence on the Duo 2. It now has a 4,449mAh whole capability, up from 3,577mAh in its predecessor. That’s an enormous improve, however nothing exceptional on the earth of Android telephones – many have 5,000mAh cells. 

I didn’t get an opportunity to check the unique Duo so can’t present a direct comparability, however battery life right here held up pretty effectively. I recorded 7 hours and seven minutes, then 6 hours and 41 minutes in PCMark’s battery take a look at, which simulates real-world utilization at 200 nits of brightness. 

Which may sound regarding, however in actuality, most individuals will have the ability to final a full day with average utilization. Spectacular standby time actually helps. 

The Duo 2 helps 23W quick charging, however there’s no energy brick included within the field. Through a 65W adapter at residence, I recorded 28% in quarter-hour and 50% in half-hour from off. Even after an hour and a half, it had solely reached 90%. 

In a world the place charging recurrently hits 60W or extra, that is very underwhelming. The frustration is amplified by the shortage of wi-fi charging. 

Worth & Availability

At launch, the Duo 2’s beginning value of $1,499/£1,349 was laborious to justify. You can pay as a lot as $1,799.99/£1,589 for extra storage, however Microsoft has put issues proper since then.  

Virtually all fashions at the moment are accessible with a $500/£500 value drop, and there seems to be no plans for it to return to full value. Regardless of the totally different type issue, that places it in direct competitors with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 4. The costlier Z Fold 4 can also be value contemplating, though there’s actually no system just like the Floor Duo 2 (aside from the unique). 

If it’s going to be your principal smartphone, paying $999/£849 is widespread nowadays. But when that gained’t be the case, it’s nonetheless not good worth for cash. 

Study extra in our separate information to the perfect Floor Duo 2 offers.

Verdict

Virtually a 12 months after it was first introduced, the Floor Duo 2 is now in a lot better form. The bug-filled software program that plagued its launch has been considerably improved, and there are situations the place it delivers a superior expertise to common telephones. 

That’s complemented by wonderful {hardware}, regardless of the Snapdragon 888 now being three generations outdated. Triple rear cameras (and an improved selfie digicam) each hit the mark, whereas utilizing each 90Hz shows is a pleasure. You’re additionally now a full day of battery life in most conditions. 

However for the overwhelming majority, the Duo 2 gained’t change your smartphone – there are just too many inconveniences. It’s not a fantastic content material consumption system both, so that you’ll in all probability need to use it alongside a pill or laptop computer.  

Even with a value drop, which means the Floor Duo 2 nonetheless doesn’t have mainstream attraction. It’s a formidable system in some ways, however not one the typical shopper must be contemplating until they need to utterly change how they strategy their smartphone use. For others, it might be engaging.