Surface Duo 2 review: A huge step in the right direction, but still much work to be done
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C'mon MicrosoftSurface Duo 2 review: A huge step in the right direction, but still much work to exist done
Microsoft's latest dual-screen Android phone gets major hardware revisions, which positively alters the experience, merely the software still holds it back from greatness. 
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
In late 2022, Microsoft surprised the world with its thousand idea for a modern pocketable computing experience with Surface Duo, a phone with two displays that resembled a digital diary. A year subsequently, that device hit store shelves with a thud. Buggy software, a loftier price, and severely defective hardware fabricated it nearly incommunicable to recommend except for the bold early adopters and risk-takers.
Based on ideas from years earlier, the Duo 1 was meant to be a pocketable Surface that ran a version of Windows, non Android. The concept was later salvaged every bit it was "converted" to an Android phone in a final-minute Hail Mary. If you wonder why there was no NFC, a lousy camera, no 5G, an old CPU, well, there yous become.
So, what happens when Microsoft tin completely redo the hardware knowing it'due south going to exist a flagship Android phone in late 2022? Yous get Surface Duo 2 with Android xi (an OS slightly more optimized for the dual-screen feel).
The good news is Surface Duo two is a giant leap forward in the concept. It is more impressive than always with a triple camera array, 90Hz curved displays, NFC, 5G, and the potent Snapdragon 888. The software is also improve — faster, snappier … and by and large less buggy (more on that later).
At $1,500, Surface Duo 2 is yet going to have a tough hill to climb to convince the masses to take the hazard, but at to the lowest degree this time, it plays the function, even if it'southward all the same not ready for the mainstream.
Surface Duo ii
Bottom line: Surface Duo 2 is a significant comeback over the starting time-gen with much better hardware, attending to particular, and software that is significantly less buggy. There are still problems to solve, nonetheless, and the high price will keep many away.
The Proficient
- Fast, fluid dual-screen Android feel
- 5G, NFC, Snapdragon 888
- Brilliant hardware design
- Larger 90 Hz displays
- Respectable rear cameras
The Bad
- Even more expensive
- Occasional modest bugs
- No Wireless charging
- Not much for the pen to practise (still)
Surface Duo 2: Price and availability
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
Surface Duo two has a starting price of $ane,499, a $100 increase over the beginning Surface Duo'due south launch toll. Even though it costs more than, in that location is also less in the box with no gratis bumper example or a Type-C charger brick (though you do get the charger cable).
Optional accessories include the $xl Surface Duo ii Bumper (redesigned with newer materials), the $65 Surface Duo 2 Pen Embrace (pen not included), and the $130 Surface Slim Pen 2. The Surface Duo 2 Pen Comprehend can wirelessly recharge the Surface Slim Pen ane or two and hold it in place with magnets. The pen also sticks to Surface Duo 2 without the cover, just it won't wirelessly recharge.
The device is bachelor in more countries at launch compared to the first generation, however, and is expected to start shipping on October 21 in the following markets:
- United States
- Uk
- Canada
- France
- Deutschland
- Australia
Surface Duo two tin can be had in Glacier White or Obsidian Blackness (new) colors, in either 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage configurations. The pricing for each spec is $one,499, $1,599, and $1,799 respectively.
Surface Duo ii: Hardware and design
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
Surface Duo two looks like the first version salve for the new (fingerprint-prone) obsidian black colorway from far away. Only picking up the Duo 2, it is immediately credible that this is not the same phone as concluding yr. Microsoft completely rebuilt every aspect of Surface Duo 2, and it is all for the improve.
On the outside of Surface Duo 2 is Corning Gorilla Glass, and on the inside, Corning Victus — the toughest glass in that location is currently. That glass now slightly curves at the edges in a "2nd" falloff reminiscent of Nokia Lumia screens. The outcome is Duo ii feels softer in the hands with fewer hard edges compared to the first-gen. Microsoft likewise reworked the frame and materials used for the unabridged phone with better seals, making it more resistant to damage. This includes a reinforced Blazon-C port, which is now in the middle. There is fifty-fifty rudimentary IPX1 water protection.
The device is a bit thicker at 5.5mm opened instead of 4.8mm (11mm and 9.9mm airtight, respectively), simply it's only noticeable if you straight compare Duo 2 to its predecessor. The weight increases from 250 grams to 284, making it slightly heavier than Samsung's Milky way Fold three (271g).
Duo 2 spreads its bulk out more evenly compared to regular phones, making it less like an anchor in your pocket. That size and weight increase are due to the larger battery, which jumps from 3,577mAh to 4,449mAh, needed to ability the 90Hz displays (upward from 60Hz) and much faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor (vs. Snapdragon 855).
Ironically, that added weight and thickness work in the Duo 2'south favor. The first Duo was well-nigh too thin, making it feel fragile, which the included bumper case helped alleviate. Surface Duo 2 feels more substantial and less fragile, making the bumper feel not-essential.
Even the hinges are new with Surface Duo 2. Despite being an technology marvel in how thin they are and housing the wiring for both displays, the Duo 1'south hinges a very lightly click if you quickly opened the screens, which some users confused with breakage. That's gone now as the Duo 2's hinges are smoother with slightly more resistance — opening it up is even more satisfying, which is a notable achievement.
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Key
On the rear is the most significant departure with a new triple-camera array with ultra-wide, broad, and telephoto. Profitable those lenses is a wink and time-of-flight sensor for focusing help.
While there is a hump, the housing is angled to help when opposite-folding the Duo two's displays. Many people have wondered how it feels when used this mode, and information technology was no issue. Odd? Sure. Does it forestall usage? Nah. Indeed, the device has a satisfying "handclapping" when switched to this position, with the lenses being slightly recessed to protect them. It's a compromise design, indeed, but arguably the primary complaint of Duo 1 was the terrible camera situation, which this solves.
Internally, there is notwithstanding a front end-facing photographic camera (minus the flash) for selfies and, more than likely, video calls.
The Surface Slim Pen one and 2 at present magnetically stick to the front cover. While information technology seemed like you could exercise with Duo 1, it was only a side-effect of the device's magnets. This time, it is intentional, and the magnets are respectably strong (the Pen Cover'southward are fifty-fifty more than potent).
| Category | Surface Duo 2 |
|---|---|
| Os | Android 11 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Network | Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax (2.4/5GHz) Bluetooth 5.1 LTE: 4x4 MIMO, True cat 20 DL / True cat thirteen UL | Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac (ii.four/5GHz) Bluetooth 5.0 LTE: 4x4 MIMO, Cat.18DL / True cat v UL |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM |
| Network bands | FDD-LTE: 1,2,iii,4,5,7,8,12,xiii,xiv,19,20,25, 26,28,29,30,38,39,40,41,42,46,48,66,71 WCDMA: ane,2,5,8 GSM/GPRS: GSM-850, E-GSM-900, DCS-1800, PCS-1900 |
| Display | Unmarried: 5.eight inches (1892x1344), 401 PPI, 4:3 aspect ratio Dual: 8.3 inches (2688x1892), 401 PPI, three:2 aspect ratio AMOLED, HDR, 800 nits, 90Hz |
| Memory | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Camera | Front-facing: 12MP, ƒ/two.0, 24mm, 1.0um Rear-facing wide: 12MP, ƒ/1.seven, 27mm, 1.4um Rear-facing telephoto: 12MP, ƒ/two.4, 51mm, 1.0um Rear-facing ultra-broad: 16MP, ƒ/2.ii, 13mm, one.0um |
| Audio | Stereo speaker |
| Security | Fingerprint reader |
| Ports | USB-C three.2 (Gen 2) |
| IPX Rating | Yes, IPX1 |
| Battery | 4,449mAh Fast Charging |
| Dimensions | Open: 145.2mm (H) x 184.5mm (West) x 5.5mm (T) Airtight: 145.2mm (H) x 92.1mm (Due west) x 11mm (T at hinge) |
| Weight | 284g |
| Colour | Glacier Obsidian |
The SIM tray is also now on the lesser edge and centered opposing the Type-C port. Information technology's a single nano-SIM slot, although Surface Duo two supports simultaneous eSIM usage besides, which is another alter.
The side volume rockers feel untouched, which is OK. Microsoft correctly combined the power button and fingerprint reader into one, which makes more than sense. Information technology's an excellent reader as well — fast, reliable. Double pressing that power button when Surface Duo 2 is closed enables the flash to be used as a flashlight; the same function launches the camera when the device is opened. You can plow this off in settings, but information technology's a crafty touch.
Sound is markedly improved. Whereas before the was a unmarried speaker (in addition to the i for phone calls), there are now two (plus i for phone calls). Microsoft puts one on the acme left display, and on the correct, it's at the bottom, which helps audio residuum regardless of the Surface Duo ii's postures. It's an immersive event when using both displays. However, on a Microsoft Team's call, they were unusually tranquillity compared to playing a YouTube video or listening to music on Spotify, which was loud and vibrant. The audio works well when the device is closed, too, and is intended to be used that way if listening to music with no worsening in quality.
NFC and Google Pay FTW. Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Fundamental
Bluetooth jumps from 5.0 to 5.i with AAC back up. Many people had issues with Bluetooth on Surface Duo 1 with inconsistent and deteriorated performance. I had no such concerns utilizing Microsoft's Surface Earbuds, Samsung Galaxy Buds ii, and apply with the Tesla Model 3. With the Buds 2, I could walk 25 anxiety into another room and still had audio playing without missing a beat out.
There is now NFC congenital into the left display to be used for Google Pay. Simply reverse fold Surface Duo two with the device unlocked, and you can make a payment. It works every bit expected.
Existence unlocked, Surface Duo two works on any network with 5G. 5G can mean anything from blazing fast speeds to slightly faster than LTE, depending on your carrier and location. Using T-Mobile in downtown Marlborough, MA, I pulled 39.9 Mbps down and 54.2 Mbps upwards, which isn't bad.
If I could rate Surface Duo 2's hardware, it'd get an A+. If y'all can go yourself to a Best Buy to effort a display model, I encourage you lot to do and then.
So proficient
Surface Duo ii: Displays and pen
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Key
Opening Surface Duo 2, you lot're greeted with ii 5.viii inches (1892x1344) AMOLED HDR drinking glass displays that combine to grade a larger 8.3 inches (2688x1892) i with 401 pixels-per-inch (PPI). That'south an increase from last year'due south 5.6-inch display (eight.1-inch total). It'southward noticeably larger. Those bezels are slimmer as well. New this year is a higher 90Hz refresh rate, which, combined with the faster CPU, makes the whole device more than responsive. You cannot disable 90Hz and driblet down to 60Hz to salve battery.
Pinnacle effulgence is a decent 800 nits, just enough to use outdoors in sunlight (below the 1,000+ nits of Samsung and Apple's latest). The screens are glossy, likewise, but like shooting fish in a barrel to overlook due to the sharpness.
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
I don't want to mince words, and I'll simply say these screens are tremendous. The color, contrast, and sizes brand them zippo like any other device on the market.
While Fold iii spans vii.6-inches with 374 PPI, the Duo 2's are larger (8.3-inches) and higher resolution (401 PPI). Samsung wins on the 120 Hz refresh, although I'd argue anything over 90 Hz has diminishing returns compared to the spring from threescore Hz. Plus, Microsoft uses glass displays versus Samsung'due south plastic.
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
The Duo ii's displays at present curve inward like how paper in a book bends, complementing the analogy that Surface Duo ii is like a digital moleskin. The curves help in multiple means and aren't merely for looks. The constructive viewing area between the two screens is now closer than the original Duo, with only 67 pixels existence obscured, down from 84 pixels letting you see more than uninterrupted content.
Because the curved screens show a tiny portion when the device is closed, Microsoft utilizes this every bit a secondary external display called Glance Bar.
While not as effective as Samsung's outer screen, this Glance bar shows notifications for missed calls, SMS, and voicemails. It also displays a pulsing blueish bar for an incoming call and uses a different animation for an incoming text. A greenish bar reveals the bombardment level when plugging into recharge, while a white bar appears when altering volume and playing sound. Hitting the power button turns on the bar indicating the electric current time and any missed notifications. It's an imaginative solution that helps the utility of Duo 2'south odd course cistron.
So curvey ... Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Key
Microsoft has non opened the Glance Bar'south APIs upwardly to third parties or other apps, merely it told the press it is investigating the idea.
The Surface Slim Pen 2 is not included, although if you take a Slim Pen i, y'all can use that too. While Slim Pen ii supports haptics in Surface Pro 8 and Surface Laptop Studio, Surface Duo 2 does not, although Microsoft is studying it (translation: don't expect it).
I wish there were more to say about the pen. The Bluetooth push button notwithstanding does nothing. In that location aren't many Android apps that make utilise of it. Microsoft didn't ship Outlook and Photos with inking back up for this review, although the latter looks very useful. I suppose Whiteboard supports information technology, merely it'southward only open for EDU accounts, so I can't tell you annihilation about information technology. Y'all can use the pen in OneNote, and Slim Pen ii glides like a dream in it — information technology feels meliorate than a Surface PC. But that's virtually it.
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Key
Microsoft should at least bring its Journal app over to Android if it expects anyone to take inking and Surface Duo seriously. And maybe another five apps. Samsung at to the lowest degree went all out with S Pen software, even if one-half of it is contemporary. Right now, inking is still an afterthought on Surface Duo two. Bummer.
These hybrid moments
Surface Duo ii: Software
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Cardinal
Hardware was merely part of the trouble with Surface Duo ane. But information technology was software that actually ruined the experience of the kickoff device. A lot of that is on Android 10, which is not built for dual screens. Duo 2 at least ships with Android xi and, when combined with that better hardware, delivers a much-improved experience.
Interestingly, Microsoft is now leaning heavily into gaming, photography, and having fun with Surface Duo 2 — things all downplayed and ignored with the first version. It's a good move.
New is the ability to choose specific apps to "auto bridge," i.e., open up the app to the dual-display way by default. Such a feature makes sense for Amazon Kindle, Microsoft Outlook, OneNote, and Google Photos. Plant under Settings, users throw a toggle to enable or disable it for each app.
Amazon Kindle is amazing. Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Cardinal
Gameloft is on board this year, with Asphalt ix being preinstalled. Simply this version, along with Modernistic Combat 5 and Dungeon Hunter five (split up downloads), is at present customized to support dual-screen usage.
I'm non a typical mobile gamer, but Gameloft nailed the concept here. Asphalt 9 displays a map of the race on the bottom screen forth with touch controls. Dungeon Hunter v too shows the map, touch controls, and dialogue with NPCs. None of it feels superfluous — Gameloft gave serious thought to utilizing a second display and delivered. And it's not but main gameplay; all levels where you customize your character (or machine), choose levels, etc., all use the second display in ingenious means.
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
Microsoft heavily plugs its value-driven Xbox Game Pass with cloud game streaming. They're right to do so as in that location are now 113 premium games that people tin stream to Surface Duo two that utilize on-screen touch controls. It's an impressive accomplishment. Don't like touch on controls? Just pair upwards an Xbox I controller and put Duo 2 into tent mode.
In that location is still the power to pair apps — launching ii apps simultaneously, 1 on each display. I pair my FedEx + UPS apps (Shipping), Eufy + Band (Security), Google Maps + Yelp (Nutrient), besides as Slack + Telegram (Work) to catch upwards on content that's important to me with a single touch.
Perhaps the virtually impressive is Microsoft rebuilt the camera and photos apps. Whereas Surface Duo 1 was a terrible camera feel, Duo 2 fully embraces it. Launching the camera app, on the correct side is the viewfinder (live image) and on the left is the camera roll. Snap a pic, and it quickly pops upward on the left so you tin review information technology. Tap the edit button, and that photograph shifts to the right display, and now on the left, y'all have a whole editing suite. I was impressed with the edit functions, filters, and tools, negating my typical Google Photos or third-political party apps usage. Information technology's an splendid app.
New Camera and Photos app. Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
A standalone Microsoft Photos app is also role of OneDrive. By default, it shows all the on-device photos, separating them by camera gyre, screenshots, and downloads where you lot can edit or share. With a single tap, you lot get access to all your OneDrive, shared files, and more. Information technology worked seamlessly.
Microsoft reworked the notification shade to be wider and put in sliders for volume and display effulgence. The idea is if you're using Surface Duo 2 in tent mode, you tin now swipe and adjust the volume instead of lifting the device to reach the concrete controls.
Swiping to the left, you get the "feed" expanse where news, atmospheric condition, calendar, and other widgets are viewable. Conditions and news widgets are updated to look more like those on Windows 11. Tapping a news item opens Microsoft's new Start app (rebranded News), which also now supports dual screens (browse the news feed on the left, read a story on the right).
In that location's "lift to wake" where the displays turn on if the device is opened only laying apartment. Elevator information technology, and the screens are awakened. All these Surface Duo-specific configuration options are now found under a subsection in Settings to observe easily.
Surface Duo 1 (rear) vs. Surface Duo 2 (front). Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Primal
Previously, Surface Duo would try to judge which screen yous were looking at based on how you were holding the phone in single-screen manner, but that turned out to be besides hard to predict, causing user frustration. Folding Surface Duo 2 Microsoft defaults to the right brandish. It's the correct solution, and users tin ever double-tap the left brandish to override information technology.
But while the overall experience is much amend with Surface Duo two, there are still quirks and growing pains.
Outlook and the Photos app both support inking or at to the lowest degree will back up them. At the time of this review, those updates take non been pushed to the press. The apps permit you draw in your emails or sketch upward a photograph. They're probably great, but they're not here withal.
Paired apps, which e'er worked on Surface Duo 1, sometimes neglect on Surface Duo 2 with one app not launching (or existence slow to do then). I've also had the camera app launch strangely (with the viewfinder and camera ringlet on the same side). These oddities were rare, but it shows the difficulty with executing this form factor when you don't build the Os.
Google Maps paired with Yelp. Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Fundamental
In that location's notwithstanding some strange organisation behavior. Tap a news story in the Feed area, and information technology opens the Microsoft Offset app (good), and information technology auto-spans every bit I've set up information technology (also good), but it'southward not the default spanning behavior with the story on 1 side and news feed on the other. Instead, the story is split up across two screens, making it hard to read (weird).
New Notification shade & controls. Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
Actually, the Beginning app and feed areas are all a bit of a mess. Browsing news in dual-screen mode is OK, but equally presently as you move to other sections in Outset like weather, COVID, wallpaper, videos, etc., none of it is fabricated for dual-screen usage. Fifty-fifty if you disable spanning for Start when you tap a news story in your feed (left side), First opens on the left side also instead of the expected behavior (right side). This weird behavior happens for a lot of content in the feed area.
Amazon's Kindle app now requires less fiddling to work on dual screens (it's set up past default), which is first-class. Only every bit soon as y'all leave the outstanding reading experience and head to the Kindle Shop, the dual-screen setup falls apart. It'southward not a dealbreaker only is an first-class case of how apps can have these hybrid moments (cue the Misfits).
Though nosotros're on Android 11, and it's a year afterwards Surface Duo one, none of Google's apps are optimized for dual screens (Photos works but seems to be more than in tablet manner). Messages, Phone, Maps, Gmail, YouTube, YouTube Tv set, etc., still don't take advantage of the two screens despite Android xi being meliorate optimized for the form factor with improved dev tools.
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
Many of Microsoft's apps are enhanced for dual screens (OneNote, To Do, Office, Outlook, Calendar, Teams). Still, a few peripheral stragglers like GroupMe, LinkedIn, Authenticator, Translator, and Xbox do not, and others like Bing and Start, which are partially optimized.
There is besides the more meaning outcome of gestures. I'm all the same of the belief that Microsoft's sensitivity setting for swipes is also low, meaning y'all need to be deliberate in the movement for it to annals. If you want to make a fast gesture and slide quickly, yous may end upwardly with the incorrect action. The number of times I've wanted the notification panel only to get search instead is innumerable. Microsoft should offering a gradient tool for users to melody display sensitivity (it does for the dorsum gesture).
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Key
I didn't have any issues typing using SwiftKey (default keyboard), just I have heard from other reviewers who did, which may tie into what I call back is the low sensitivity issue related to gestures. The bottom line is that for some people, affect feels a flake off on Surface Duo 2, a similar trouble on Surface Duo one. Hard to explain, probable just equally hard to solve.
As well, for Microsoft Launcher, there is picayune else to report. There are still zero customization options with no themes, no ability to modify gestures, change icons, etc. It's a fleck weird that Launcher has not gained whatever new functionality later on a whole twelvemonth and only modestly improved the experience.
Microsoft's Your Phone, which lets yous wirelessly manage notifications, calls, photos, and more than, works well, merely the "new" version is not here nonetheless. There is all the same no per-app streaming like how it works with Samsung devices and instead is still screen mirroring, which is not every bit effective or user-friendly.
Pretty darn fast
Surface Duo ii: Functioning and bombardment
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
Surface Duo 2 packs the venerable Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 with 8GB of RAM and between 128GB and 512GB of storage. Apps fly open, switching is virtually instant, and information technology's like nighttime and solar day between the previous model. I wouldn't mind 12GB of RAM, which is the standard for premium Android phones, but 8GB is a step up from 6GB in Surface Duo 1.
On Geekbench 5, Surface Duo ii scored 1,094 on unmarried-core and 3,476 on multi-core, whereas Surface Duo 1 just squeaked out 737 on a single-core score and 2,815 for multi-core. Comparatively, Surface Duo 2 blows past the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G (Snapdragon 888), Galaxy Fold 3, and every other Android phone available today except for the OnePlus nine Pro (1,130). For OpenCL (4,679) and Vulkan (iv,411), Surface Duo 2 is ahead of all other Snapdragon 888 phones past a lot.
Source: Windows Primal
Turning to AnTuTu, which measures CPU, GPU, retentivity, and UX combined, Surface Duo 2 still does well but falls slightly behind Milky way Z Fold 3. Nosotros can conclude that the CPU performance is exceptionally good with Surface Duo ii, whereas the overall functioning is above average (beating 78% of other Android phones).
Battery life is decent just not extraordinary, although when you consider the processor and running dual 90Hz brandish, possibly it is impressive. Over a 14-hr solar day with a xl-minute Microsoft Teams video telephone call, 40 minutes of TikTok, and another 3 hours of full general usage (email, notifications, Telegram, photographic camera, Twitter, Slack), I had fifteen% battery left, putting screen-on-time about the 4-hr marker. Of course, that's non a controlled test with varying display brightness and workloads.
Source: Windows Primal
Over virtually a week of heavy usage, I was nearing close to five hours of screen-on-time with typical non-video phone call workloads (email, web, Slack, Telegram, SMS, telephone, camera, Twitter, etc.) and often finished the mean solar day with 30% remaining battery. That makes this a daily-charge device and not multi-day.
Luckily, the quick-charge feature works remarkably well, gaining 16% every x minutes on the charger, or almost 50% in xxx minutes.
Surface Duo 2 does not accept Qi wireless charging, unfortunately. When asked, Microsoft is interested in the idea for future versions just already was tight on space with 5G, NFC, and a bigger bombardment. Perhaps side by side time.
Surface Duo 2: Cameras
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Primal
Microsoft packed iii rear cameras onto the back, and while some may have result with the look, equally someone who used Surface Duo 1 for the concluding year, I'm non bothered in the slightest. The tradeoff in flat design for these cameras is worth information technology. Yep, there'southward a slight wobble when it lays apartment, but you tin can at present take pictures of your pets or snap a moving picture at night and not recoil in horror.
The three cameras accept the following specs:
- Wide: 12MP, ƒ/ane.seven, 27mm, 1.4um
- Telephoto: 12MP, ƒ/two.4, 51mm, i.0um
- Ultra-wide: 16MP, ƒ/ii.2, 13mm, one.0um
The megapixel count is on the low side these days as some phones similar the RealMe GT Master Edition Explorer feature a 50MP Sony sensor, then zooming in brings out the pixels.
Microsoft enlisted Morpho, a Japanese imaging company that leverages AI and deep learning for photo processing. The results paid off. While the live epitome is oftentimes only OK, the postal service-processed photo has a squeamish balance of colors, exposure, and dissimilarity. See for yourself in the gallery below (all images untouched):
The standard fare of photographic camera features includes tiresome-mo, video, photo, portrait, and panorama. Even a new night manner takes a slightly more prolonged exposure that merges with shorter ones, every bit found on many Android phones. The overall feel is a considerable improvement over Surface Duo one, which absolutely isn't saying much.
Comparatively, these cameras feel more on par with a mid-range phone from 2022, still falling behind Samsung and Apple'due south best in 2022, just it often holds its own confronting my iPhone 12 mini, which is more than I was expecting.
Photographing my cat, the Surface Duo two properly exposed the window and slightly overexposed Zoe. Whereas the iPhone got the window right simply underexposed the subject. Neither photo looks impressive. Simply this is a challenging photo for any photographic camera to master due to the intensely backlit scene (directly sunlight) and the contrasting coat of the cat (difficulty metering). I'll accept the Duo two's epitome over the iPhone'south.
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Fundamental
Low-light also does well, although you lot run into more than grain and noise than an iPhone 12 mini.
Video is satisfactory thank you to hardware image stabilization, and information technology tin can shoot 1080P thirty or 60 FPS and 4K 30 or 60 FPS. Information technology'll struggle a scrap in brightly lit scenes to compensate for exposure, but it'southward still miles ahead of Surface Duo 1.
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
The bottom line is compared to Surface Duo i, Microsoft has made a terrific attempt at improving the camera experience. The new array on the rear may not be pretty, but I now no longer demand to take my iPhone 12 mini equally a secondary phone. It pales compared to top-tier 2022 flagship phones, but those phones as well don't have dual screens, so there'due south that. I doubt anyone will criticize these pics being posted on social media for being of poor quality.
Non much else
Surface Duo 2: Competition
Source: Windows Central
In many ways, Surface Duo two has no direct competition. There are no other dual-screen devices salve for Surface Duo 1, trading around the $400 mark these days. While that phone is expecting Android eleven before the end of the year, no software can solve the limited hardware experience. Still, if yous're looking for a "starter" dual-screen phone to employ as an Android mini-tablet or superb Kindle reader, it could exist fun equally a secondary device.
Samsung's Galaxy Fold 3 is the next logical option and the overall rubber bet. On the tertiary generation, Samsung has mostly figured out the Fold three's design and feature set. While the cameras oasis't changed this year, the technology has around it, including support for the Southward Pen, which is welcomed. However, the Fold three starts at $i,799 — $300 more than Surface Duo 2 — and there are still some questions regarding that folding screen and reliability (Samsung has a decent warranty, at least). To no one's surprise, battery life is as well on the weaker side, but Samsung's software experience is more refined than Microsoft's.
Frustrating merely practiced
Surface Duo 2: Should you buy it?
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
Yous should purchase this if ...
- Yous liked Surface Duo one
- You want a dual-screen telephone
- You desire a device that sits betwixt a telephone and a laptop
- You like the Microsoft ecosystem and Surface
Y'all shouldn't buy this if...
- You don't do work on your telephone
- You lot don't similar using two hands for your phone
- $1,500 seems style too much
- You need a bug-free software experience
There's a lot to unpack with Surface Duo 2. Allow's get-go with the near controversial question: Why fifty-fifty use it? The advantages for a dual-screen should be obvious; if non, answer the post-obit:
- Why have dual displays for a desktop PC?
- Why snap apps side-by-side in Windows?
- Why apply a portable screen for your laptop when traveling?
- Why buy a phone with a larger display?
The answer to all these inquiries is simple: You tin can see more information and multi-task easier. That's the same principle behind Surface Duo, and information technology's why it resonates with then many people. It'due south not any more complicated than that; information technology's non a profound riddle. Conversely, yous should also figure out that not anybody needs those above choices — some people similar small phones or a single screen for their PC. That'south OK also.
As far as its place in tech, Surface Duo 2 sits between a telephone and my Ultrabook. That's its value — think of it as a pocketable laptop. When I take it, I'm far less likely to hop on to the PC to do piece of work, manage socials, conversation in Slack or Telegram, etc. Toss in reading (Kindle) and gaming (Xbox Game Pass, Gameloft), and you take a new style to feel the modern digital wonders.
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Primal
I still believe Microsoft is on the correct track with Surface Duo 2 and the theory that some people prefer a device like this. I'thousand one of them; I dearest the darn affair. And Duo 2 goes a long mode in making upwards for the outdated specs and missing features establish in the first version. As a fan of the concept, Surface Duo 2 is what I wanted for specs and pattern.
Where Microsoft is declining is the software and back up. True, Surface Duo 2 is launching in a much better state than the first iteration, just people who bought Surface Duo 1 are still waiting on Android 11. That'due south just not acceptable. There are also the bugs, occasional software glitches, and some missing animations with Duo ii that many people will find off-putting. And what well-nigh Android 12? Is information technology going to be another twelvemonth before Surface Duo 2 gets it? The company has a lot to prove to win over consumers and fifty-fifty fans. (Microsoft promises 3 years of updates for what it'southward worth.)
Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
These kinds of questions make it still hard to recommend Surface Duo 2 for regular folks, although at that place are far fewer dealbreakers this time. Fans of Surface Duo 1 will exist pleased with the new hardware, but Microsoft cannot merely sell this device to some hardcore devotees forever.
Should Microsoft continue with Surface Duo? Absolutely. Version 2 feels very much like the middle of a story — it'due south coming into focus, improving in many areas, and making a lot of progress — but more than needs to happen to complete the tale.
Don't let anyone tell you lot differently: Surface Duo 2 is a huge improvement over the start model. But the actual Surface Duo experience is waiting for some other chapter, making Surface Duo ii a prissy milestone but still a novelty for many.
If you lot're on the argue, yous don't need to take my give-and-take (or whatsoever other reviewer's). Microsoft lets y'all effort Surface Duo ii for 60 days via its Surface Hope. Almost people will know inside a week if it'south for them or not. If the toll drops during that period, Microsoft volition refund the difference upon request.
As for me? I'm not giving up Surface Duo 2. My iPhone 12 mini is now on gym duty, and the Z Flip 3 will exist sold off because I'thousand a convert, and I won't apologize for that.
Surface Duo 2
Bottom line: Surface Duo 2 is a significant improvement over the showtime-gen with much meliorate hardware, attending to detail, and software that is significantly less buggy. There are nevertheless problems to solve, even so, and the high toll volition keep many away.
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Daniel Rubino
Daniel Rubino is the Executive Editor of Windows Central. He has been covering Microsoft hither since 2007 back when this site was called WMExperts (and afterward Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Surface, laptops, and modern calculating. Follow him on Twitter: @daniel_rubino.
Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/surface-duo-2-review
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