The Surface Duo 2 is an improvement on its predecessor, but is still a very odd proposition that’s neither a good phone nor a good tablet. The width of the device makes it a challenge to fit into smaller pockets. The stereo speakers are decently loud but a bit tinny, fine for watching YouTube videos. The Duo 2 supports Microsoft’s Slim Pen stylus, which can be magnetically stored and charged on the back of the device when not in use. The shiny power button is also a fingerprint scanner, which was fairly fast and reliable. The camera lump on the back stops the device folding fully flat, creating a wedge shape when using one screen only.
Microsoft’s last planned update for the Duo 2 will be 21 October 2024.
The Duo 2 will receive three years of software updates from release, including monthly security patches, which is disappointingly at least a year short of what rivals, including Samsung and Apple, offer. But it is generally a fast and responsive experience given how unusual the device is. The software can be a bit unpredictable at times, such as opening the keyboard or text box of an app on another screen or hiding a second app from the screen when you try to type. One of the best is the ability to drag the gesture bar at the bottom of an app to move it between screens or to drop it on to the gap between the screens to span it across both displays.
The Duo 2 runs Android 11 – not the latest Android 12 – and generally behaves like a standard Android smartphone or tablet with a few small additions that make it easier to use each screen separately. The last statement is pretty much most of the consumer single screen mode is hard to use one-handed and most Android apps and websites are designed for longer screens, not short and fat ones, so you end up having to do a lot more scrolling than you would on a regular phone. The only phone you really can compare it to is the Z Fold 3 which is more expensive. Of course the whole concept of this phone isn't just about specs. I will say that with the exception of the camera, most of the specs are pretty on par with the other flagship phones. I will say that signs point in a promising direction at least for the near future that support will continue, and with Android 12L supporting folding devices, it appears the appetite for screens that fold is growing not shrinking. Microsoft's track record is well founded when it comes to longevity of support, so I completely understand the hesitance surrounding the buy in to this device. Whether at Best Buy or a cell phone company that is carrying the Duo 2, you just can't find them out for display. The greater question is do you "want" one? I think Microsoft should make the phone more available on display for the consumer to actually get a chance to try it out.
Honestly there isn't a "need" for any foldable phone device. Then there are those that simply do not want to spend a large chunk of money on any phone, let alone one they may not have a use for.
Many still compare the current specs to other phones within that price range and do not consider the cost of this device is more about the engineering it took to create such a device and still squeeze in relatively modern specs.Ĥ.
Unlike Windows Phone/Mobile, you will still have access to the apps you like to use, with the acception of a few that may not be optimized for the device. Especially, with 12L coming to the device in the future. While this is always a possibility, at the end of the day, it's still an Android device and you will still be able to use the Duo for some time to come. Many feel that Microsoft will abandon the device. Many aren't convinced it's better than having one signal folding screen.Ģ. A couple of considerations come to mind, in addition to the price drops to get people to buy.ġ.