Dang, noticed one more. Pen lag is way worse on Duo 1, whereas Duo 2 has barely any at all. I've grown to enjoy taking notes on it quite a bit, this makes it more tedious...
@Thi Phuong Anh NGUYEN I don't think that's a particularly fair criticism here. I'm watching the video as I type this and it's very rare he doesn't have the devices open and in front of the camera. As for the pen latency, my understanding is the slim pen barely works at all on the first duo. I think people are better off just buying a used 2017 Gen version or something.
I use an inexpensive third party pen and there is no lag at all. I use the pen and take notes all the time as that is one of the best features of the first gen Duo.
I bought both 2 weeks ago - the original for $400 and the Duo 2 for $1000. I got to spend enough time with both to make a decision and well, the Duo 2 shipped back to Microsoft yesterday. Yes, the performance/displays/camera were significantly better on the 2, but didn't justify the extra coin. I'm sticking with the OG Duo till a third generation comes out. Hopefully it will be exactly the same form and weight as the OG but with 120hz or more displays, high quality cameras flush mounted, and waterproof somehow! 🙂
Thanks for the comment! Yep, i sold the 2 as well in the end. The OG hardware is so much more appealing. Fully agree, this form factor with the upgrades you mentioned would be the dream.
This was a well thought-out, analytical review of the Surface Duo 1 & 2. You have a good, calm voice and a good onscreen presence. So for me, I have been enamored with the Surface Duo 2 ever since it came out last year, but decided against getting it bc of the $1500 price tag and how it was said to be buggy by all the RU-vid videos as well as articles that I read. But after a price drop and numerous software updates that have made the phone run smoother/improved the phone UI, I decided to finally get one(I am currently rocking a Fold 3 as my main driver) to be my back-up device. So for some reason on Amazon, it is still ridiculously expensive, and eBay it was either that or the ones with a better price had a crack or scratch or something else. They do sell it on the Microsoft website for a discounted price, but they were basically sold out. Thankfully I signed up for Swappa and got a 256GB Surface Duo 2(with a skin on it and screen protectors on the inside) in mint condition for $925 so I pounced on it. I decided to get this over the Duo 1, as I wanted the smaller bezels, 90 Hz refresh rate screen and higher spec bumps. I had also heard about the original Duo suffering from discoloration after awhile as well as the charging port cracking(not sure if you have encountered either of these issues or not). In conclusion, I don't think I can ever go back to candy bar/slab phones again. Anyways thanks again for the video and I look foward to your future content 📱📱🤳🤳
Thank you so much! $925 is a steal for the Duo 2, definitely worth it. Personally haven't had the discoloration or cracking yet, but from what I hear the latter is almost universal so I'm bracing myself for it happening at some point. How do you like it compared to the fold 3? I'm sure I'd get used to it but the aspect ratio looks so unappealing to me.
@@PhilKnall long story, but I am actually still waiting for it to be delivered to me as Swappa only delivers to within the US, and I live in Taiwan. So I had them ship it to my friend in the States and he just went to FedEx and shipped it to me yesterday, so I should get it sometime this week. I will definitely post an unboxing/first impressions video on my channel and maybe that's a good idea for a future video to compare and contrast the Fold 3 & and Duo 2. I'll also come back here and let you know my user experience with the Duo 2 after I get it and have used it for a bit. 📱📱❤️❤️❤️❤️
I got the 128gb duo 1 for about 185$ is taxes and shipping included, new and unlocked, probably the best purchase I've made in a long while lol, they seem to average around 300ish but if you stay avid and keep looking, I've seen prices as low as 148$
I've been using and enjoying the Duo 1 since last October. I'd consider trying out the Duo 2 but not at $1000+ on the secondary market for a device with tradeoffs compared to the original and which probably won't be supported beyond this year other than security updates. At ~$320 the OG Duo is a great secondary device, I mostly use it for Kindle, RU-vid and RU-vid Studio.
I have the original Surface Duo (1) and wanted to upgrade. But the Surface Duo 2's camera bump REALLY RUINED the design and usability for me. I like being able to fold the duo flat completely. I use it as a secondary device for reading, playing games, and browsing the internet. I got this device BC of its beautiful and ergonomic hardware and build. The camera bump on Surface Duo 2 really destroyed WHY many people wanted this device. Yes, a better camera would be nice. But we honestly don't expect anything outstanding, and certainly not worth ruining the usability with the egregious camera bump. I REALLY HOPE they listen and get rid of the camera bump for Surface Duo 3. No one even uses the camera AT ALL on a Duo nor was it significantly improved. The camera bump had no benefit but A LOT of downsides.The bump doesnt work for this particular device bc we want the full flat folding ability.
I feel you. Even though I don't use phone mode much, the bump does bother me. It also ruins the ability to lie it flat down on the table. I would be perfectly happy if they could use the 2's selfie camera in the 1's form factor. It's perfectly capable.
I completely agree. Again, another example of MS not thinking through the design, and not learning lessons. It is beyond belief! Having said that, when they get it right - they do good work. If you compare the development of the Duo compared to the Surface Laptop Studio, the SLS has been done right. Why not for the Duo?
I've now had the Duo 2 for a couple of months. I use the pen a lot, so bought the magnetic cover. The location of the pen means holding the Duo in phone mode is not completely flat. That doesn't really bother me, but it is not an elegant solution. All of these issues could be solved by copying the approach by samsung with the galaxy fold - screen in the front = no need for the Duo to fold back on itself! Seems like a no brainer to me.
Thank you for the clear and honest comparison. I really enjoyed this and I hope your channel grows and wish you much success. I’m going to go for an OG model because they’re significantly cheaper than the 2 at the moment.
@@PhilKnall Like you, I already have a primary phone but would be using this as an Outlook device for work purposes. Does this work well for this use scenario?
@@grahamstephens9931 I'm tempted to say yes since Microsoft's apps are the best optimized for Duo formfactors, but do remember they are still the android versions and do not offer full windows functionality. Also some of them have baffling feature parity lag compared to non-duo versions.. the launcher has so many options on others that the duo ones don't.
It's my opinion that Microsoft got it right with the form factor of the Duo 1. The form factor is very important to me, and the added camera bump of the Duo 2 kills the form factor to me. I would be happy with the form factor of the Duo 1 with a second camera on the outside (even if the picture quality was the same as the selfie camera). My Duo 1 is in a leather case for protection and can't fold into phone mode, so I use a peripheral mini camera to take quick shots. Microsoft might want to consider making a few very small detachable cameras with different capabilities for the Duo 3, that would allow the Duo to keep it's awesome original form factor while allowing the customer to equip the device to match their budget.
I actually really like how the duo1's camera works (fold back for viewfinder). A Duo 1 form factor with a great selfie camera would be absolutely fantastic in my eyes. I do recognize it would limit the ability to use cases.
Got a used (but still in very good shape) Duo 2 for $600, it will arrive tomorrow and im quite hyped. Also ordered a leather case for it, a bit more expensive, but i want my Duo 2 egg to survive
Definitely get it, I baby mine too. The 2 feels more substantial and rugged than the OG, but that's still 4 panes of glass. $600 is a great price for one in good shape!
When you say you wish they could get rid of the gap are you suggesting you wish they would use a foldable OLED? I definitely do not want that. I would much rather have a dual screen device with proper gorilla Glass than a plastic foldable oled.
Oh yeah totally agree. I would love if they came up with, for example, a mechanical solution that moves the screens closer together as they near 180 degrees. Or simply find a way to display all pixels. Like you i prefer the two screen approach.
Great job! Looking forward to your future duo 2 long term reviews.currently using the fold 3. Still teetering on trying the duo 2. Leaning on waiting for the 3. We shall see
That's exactly why I'm here! I got both at launch and kept the fold. But now that's its gone through its software growth I want to see if it's worth going back or getting the fold 4
@@Markus1229 I feel like the fold 4 will not be much of a significant upgrade. I have had nothing but good experiences while using the fold 3. Sure some quirks but nothing as bad as the Duo experiences. Not much issues with inner screen protector bubbling or hinge issues. I'm over looking for cases for the fold. Ive stuck with the Samsung folio spen case. Except, unclipped the stylus. Love the thin form factor of that case. I feel like having the wider screen may be better to use with the spen. Personally, I don't like writing on the fold 3. I would appreciate the width of the 4. If the fold 4 carried the cams of the likes of a S22 Ultra, built in spen, and bigger battery, then I'd hop on the 4. In feel like the Duo 2 or 3 would be something to consider.
Don't hold your breath, i ended up keeping the duo 1 ;) I feel that at least for a secondary device, it fits me better. If i had been using it as my only phone, i might have kept the 2.
@@PhilKnall yeah I kept my iphone 12 pro max as secondary. Every now and then I switch back to iOS. But only last a few days with it. Fold 3 has been a great experience. We shall see what the 4 delivers.
@@amguit yeah the fold looks good if it's your primary device. There was one with a bit of a wider screen, maybe the mate x 2? That looked more like my kind of phone.
Nice comparison. I have the sd1 since launch day and don't see a major advantage to the 2 outside of the camera. The firm factor of the 1 is better. I plan to keep it and see what the sd3 look like...
Bought the original Duo at launch, RU-vid just put this video in my recommend and I'm literally waiting for the UPS delivery to deliver my Duo 2 as I watch this video, A.I. is all over it. lol
I just ordered the Duo 1 it'll be here tomorrow. I don't take pictures often and I feel like it not being able to fold flat backwards will annoy me lol.
I just bought SD 2 after using SD1 for a month. Performance aside I cannot get past how heavy and awkward Duo 2 is to use. I was using SD1 as my primary, so moving to SD2 will be hard. After using it heavily for two days I am having tingling in my hands.
Yeah, the duo 1 was much more pleasant to use. I've been using the 2 after removing the back camera, but it's still not as well balanced and i wish I could just have the performance of the 2 in the 1's body.
@@PhilKnall that's just it, when you open up the duo 1 you just feel it is well balanced. Wondering if someone measured the two sides, but I feel like there is just no strain with using it. Unfortunately the SD2 is just so much more smooth to use, there is rarely any lag at all. I can't stop to wonder though, if I was a Ms engineer and had spent all that time perfecting the design of the first one how would I decide on releasing the second one with these design flaws.
Wow this is very interesting device. And I didn't know this product until now. I'll choose original Duo for the pure design even the camera is not the best one. And the price of Duo 2 is quite expensive for me as a secondary phone.
Bought used 256gb duo 1 with slimpen2 and pen charger for 350 ship tax inc. Not a scratch, wehw. Love it. I bought a new Galaxy 4 classic 46mm 183$ ship tax inc to notify messages since no front screen.
I don't understand why Microsoft put the cameras at the back when they can make tweaking and put them all in front, Im sure they can. besides what's the use of those black bezels in front right? and one thing they should provide the pen in the package to make for all the shortcomings.
Yeah surface pens have always come separate but should've been included. I'm 100% with you on having the front cameras be improved and being done with it. It feels like they wanted a share of the main phone market, and made unnecessary compromises for it.
I bought Duo 1 and really like it. I do take a lot of pictures and downloaded the GCam app which made the pictures acceptable. (I have a full frame camera so I can capture great shots when needed.) I won't be buying the Duo 2 as yet, I prefer to wait until and see what Duo 3 looks like. Unfortunately, mu Duo is locked to AT&T and Microsoft no longer unlocks them, so the Duo is playing second fiddle to my Galaxy S20 Ultra. That is used for pictures and calling but most everything else I use the Duo for.
I am looking to get a new phone and 2 screens look better than one, my only gripe with duo 2 is that it’s 2 displays in terms of when the entire real estate of the displays are used it has that gap I might find that bothersome, but if the device is used as intended using the displays as 2 separate screens it looks like a productivity power house.
Absolutely. The gap is bothersome when you span apps, for sure. You'll have to decide if you can live with that or not. (Also depends on how much you want to watch video in spanned mode, because that's where it bothers me the most)
Hi Phil. I live in Japan as well. I decided to give Duo OG a try. Do you have any recommendations as to how using this device in Japan has been good for you? Language multi-tasking, Out and about, daily life in Japan, etc.? I should get my device soon. Thanks for the video.
Hi Alan, the Duo is an Android device, so it's as well suited to use in Japan to any other phone. I use Gboard for multi-language input and it works well. The only thing with the OG Duo is that it doesn't have NFC so you can't use contactless payments (other than barcode based ones like PayPay).
Good honest review, I use the 1st gen duo. So this helped me get a general idea bout the 2gen. Lastly, we are all new to such tech so trial and error are part of it but it's for the future of our technology, that's what we are in for
Yeah. What's with that. Every other phone in the market has done away with bezels. It is as though MS has released this without proper forethought. It's underwhelming. They tend to do this and take 3 or 4 iterations to get it right. I'd rather they made the Duo a bit thicker and reduced the size a bit to make it more sturdy and easier to handle, like a proper phone.
@@chris-xr5od I use it as a tablet replacement so I'd rather they don't make it smaller, but more present-day bezels would definitely be nice. The Duo 2 is definitely better in that respect. For me a Duo 1 with really slim bezels (and no or almost no gap) would be almost perfect.
@@PhilKnall thanks for your reply Phil. I understand now that my Duo 2 arrived. The size of the screens is actually pretty good. Bezels aren't too bad, but smaller would be desirable. I have been holding the Duo either side of the bumpers rather than the screen itself, so they can be smaller without interfering with the user experience.
@@chris-xr5od well the phone uses hinges to fold which is sturdier than a Samsung folding screen. I assume the trade off for the hinges is probably needing more space which increases the bezel size. I just bought a brand new 128GB duo 1 for $289 and i am waiting for it to come in the mail as my daily driver.
Assuming this is a no as the screen needs to be open for camera and it's too wide for the mounts. But with SD2 have you utilised on a mobile gimbals such as DJI OSMO?
I had the DUO 1, but I dropped it too many times that it no longer works. I loved it! I now have the DUO2 and it's a HUGE improvement from the OG... Hands down! I really just wish that there was a protective case option that allowed its full foldabilty..... For either one, it's nonexistent as of now. The Otterbox Riviter seems to be the best option and it looks flimsy. Be careful with your DUO and handle it like it's an EGG.
Yeah, cases are tough for this one. It would have to be suuuuper thin toward the hinge. If there was one that was wedge shaped, negating the camera bump to allow it to lie flat on a table, i might have chosen the duo 2!
@@PhilKnall I agree, my friend, about it needing it to be thinner at the hinge.... Super thin, as you mentioned. The only solution that I can think of for a case it to mold the device at all possible angles, while folded to capture its form and 3-D print a snap-on case. It's possible, but unfortunately, this device isn't popular enough for that kind of production to support us. We're stuck risking to pray that we just don't drop our DUOs. Frustrating
@@PhilKnall agreed again! And I absolutely love the way that this device feels in the hand. But it also needs the right protection. Are you using any kind of laptop shell, by any chance? Shane reviewed the U Perfect.. I have the Nexdock 360
@@stevewelbert5039 I'm not, but with that remote control Feature i might have to check into it! I do have a surface pro 8 too so that's probably slimmer than most shells and pretty well specced...
i had the duo 1 and upgraded to duo 2 after 6 months. at first i thought it was just a minor upgrade but SD2 is a world better than SD1. im happy with SD1 but SD2 made me love the form factor even more. BTW, what skin are you using? my obsidian black SD2 shows a lot of smudges and fingerprints
Thanks for the comment! I ended up keeping the sd1 but i do miss the screen and smoothness of the 2. On the 2 i used a dbrand matte white skin with the logo in light blue. For some reason that combination just fits the feel of the device so well for me!
Yeah the shape is definitely not great for accessories. Here's the protector i use for duo2 amzn.to/3pRltO8 and og duo amzn.to/3CG1sBB they're from a japanese manufacturer so don't know if they're available overseas.
I have a pixel 6. But I really want to try a duo. I like the duo 2, it has the camera and updated internals as well as ipx1 which is basically light rain with no wind protection and it has nfc. But I love the looks of the duo 1, but there is no water or dust proofing and the camera is gone and no nfc. But the price of 1 is better too. Let's get a duo with water resistance, wireless charging and $400 price tag lol.
@@PhilKnall right. I mean even 600-700 wouldn't be that bad. But not 1500 God damn dollars. I paid $550 for my pixel 6 so an extra 100 or 2 wouldn't be much worse than a pixel. I want a duo 2 but I'm going to wait for a price drop or until my pixel dies lol cause let's be honest the pixel 6 is pretty dn good at the price point
@@ChipsA17 oh yeah. Probably better as a phone than the surface duo. But the duo brings so much else to the table, if you can afford to have one in addition to a cheapish phone (hell even my pixel 5 is still awesome) it's amazing.
On my Duo 2, I ran my personal number on the eSIM and my work number on the physical SIM. I really liked being able to text or call from either line, but the deal killer for me was the hit on battery life. It really ran the battery down fast. Once I took the physical SIM out, battery life went back to really good. I haven't tried dual sim yet on my first gen Duo simply because of this, so I'm not even sure if it works.
@@sarasotasun far as I know, the Duo 1 support dual sim, however not dual standby. Thats the config I'm interested in. Personal on esim and business on the physical. How hard is it on battery life? Does it carry out a day with moderate use?
@@brig7155 most days I had to plug in before leaving work and would only get 2-2.5 hours screen on time by the end of the day. With single sim I'm at 40-50% battery with 3-4 hours screen on time at bedtime.
Do you mean bring over the apps and settings? The setup process should ask you to start the Google app on your previous phone to bring over most of it. There's other more invasive backup apps, but really i recommend putting all your files in the cloud, and bringing over your apps and settings via Google.
Hello brother, i live in india, here the surface duo hard to get. Anyway i was able to order the microsoft surface duo 1 a few days back, i still havent received it yet. Can you please tell me what protection you recommend for this phone? And is the bumpercase any good?
On these devices you don't have a lot of choice, if you want the full functionality a thin skin and the bumper is the best choice.if you don't care about it folding back, you might be able to find a case. I like the standard bumper, but it does attract lint a bit.
@@PhilKnall OK. My apologies for misunderstanding. The reason why I asked If you had both DUOs is because it can be done on either one for using the selfie camera (and not even being reversed). Perhaps you figured that out already. This niche device is amazing for me and deserves as much support as can be received
@@stevewelbert5039 you are of course correct, and the duo 2 selfie camera is actually an improvement over the original one. They're both great devices!
Not necessarily. They could find a way to mechanically move the screens together as it nears 180degrees, or even just display all pixels. A few generations down the road when the material is perfected, I'd consider a foldable, but it' have to be a similar aspect ratio, slimness, and have a similar software implementation (multitasking being the default).
Sorry, I’ｍ not sure I follow. You mean if I want to have the video on one screen and comments/suggestions on the other? if you put it into "full screen" immersive mode, it will have the gutter through it horizontally, making it borderline unwatchable.
@@jrframe11 OK I understand now. I prefer to span it with just the video most of the time, I like to watch the video large and don't need the comments. If I watch the video on one screen, I'll have another app (like twitter or a game) on the second one and multitask.
