Will you buy a Surface Duo 2 after seeing its reviews?

I had been heavily invested in wireless charging since the Nokia 1020. So when I got the SD v1, I was a bit bummed...but then i found out about magnetic USB charging cables - what-the-what?!? I get the speed of USB with the (semi)flexibility of not-quite-wireless charging ;) While I appreciated wireless charging, I wasn't a fan of how long it took. I appreciate fast charging soooooo much more than wireless charging :)

Agreed. I love magnetic charging cables. They're almost as convenient as wireless charging, but inexpensive and flexible enough to add to multiple devices and charging locations.

Do you have a brand suggestion(s) or any links to these? I'm interested in trying this out

I've bought this one multiple times:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BLJ62J8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_as...

Appreciate the link. Thank you!!

One thing to keep in mind on magnetic connectors, is they aren't interchangeable from brand to brand. I noticed these are USB C on the non-magnetic ends. Does the company make a cable with USB A in the non-magnetic end. Why? You may want to charge via a USB C power supply, but I bet your car Android Auto port is USB A. If you want to connect to your PC, many don't have C ports. There are always adapters, but it can get messy. I do absolutely recommend some sort of magnetic connector for things like the DUO that don't have Qi charging. It's even god for things that do, and you need to connect to stuff for data occasionally.

"Heck, I use the outside display on my Fold 2 about 80% of the time." That says a lot. $1500 is a lot for something that is only needed 20% of the time. Nice iPad Mini would cover that. There is that, 'but I only have to open the DUO which is always with me', to get the bigger screen. The problem is you always have to open the DUO.

SvenJ, only if you also choose to close it. The Duo (at least version 1) takes up no more space folded all the way open than closed, and it's just as durable (Gorilla glass on both sides). You can permanently leave it folded open. If you care about an "external screen" the Duo is BETTER than a Fold because it was one on each side.

I'm just saying, if 80% of your time is spent single screen, you might be better of with a regular phone and actual tablet, which the Duo isn't designed to be in the first place. Yea, that's two things, but two things that do what they are designed to do very well.

Brian, I'm with you on the wireless charging, though I do get by with magnetic cables that snap to the phone automatically when placed close enough. This still supports one-handed charging, but I completely agree that it's nowhere near as nice as wireless. However, on the outer-screen, that's a myth propagated by people who have never really used a Duo long enough to leverage its strengths. (I get it, if you're not used to it, an outer screen may seem like a natural request). The Duo doesn't need an outer screen anymore than a traditional candy bar phone needs another screen on its back. The Fold needs an outer screen because it can't fold all the way open. The outer screen is the solution Samsung shoehorned into the device to compensate for this limitation. The Duo already has 2 outer screens. Just fold it and leave it all the way open, if that's what you want and only fold it closed when you want the privacy of not seeing your screens.

I almost always use the Duo with both screens slightly bent like an open book. Never need single screen and it settles into my hand perfectly, far better than a single-screen phone.

There is no need for an outside screen if you have a good smart watch. Not having wireless charging is annoying, but hasn't made a big difference in my life after switching to the first gen Duo.

Don't most people get by with a watch nowadays?

No. Smartwatch users are stil 1-in-20, if even that...

As someone who has worked in a retail environment for the better part of the last 12 years, in a country that picked up NFC technology incredibly fast, the amount of times I have seen people using smart watches I could count on my hands. Plenty of people use their phones to tap and go but very rarely watches, and I barely even see anyone wearing them, let alone checking notifications, etc.

I would love to, but I had to choose a new computer or a new phone. Computer won

Imagine if Microsoft was successful in implementing Windows on the Surface Duo. It may have solved both for users who want a powerful phone or small cheap ultra notebook. I have my hopes that Surface Neo might come back again and MS have learned from their mistakes.
Surface Neo = Foldable screen, cover screen (for phone calls) and Windows 11 when folded out.

My answer is "wait and see". I want Android 11 for my Duo v1 and see how it goes. The cam performance not withstanding, my biggest gripe is software ...which I hope Dv1 sees some trickle down improvements over the next couple months. If not, maybe the Dv2 price drops by then. If Dv1 gets a little better, I may be able to hold out for Dv3.

On software, I think a lot of the issues assumed to be software are the sign of a defective individual device and NOT actually software. I had many of the same exact problems with my Duo 1 that Zac frequently describes (intermittent touch registration, keyboard problems, etc.). I also believed them to be software issues. However, MS replaced my Duo with a new one, and virtually all of the problems went away. Same software, new hardware and problems fixed. I think that's definitive evidence that the problem was a defective unit.

I realize that the 2 devices are in a different market segment, but the Pixel 6 is just $600 so I picked that instead. Perhaps the Duo 3 will include a better camera, more stable mature software and a more palatable price like $999. If MS proves they can support the device better and lower the price a touch I will bite on Gen 3.

I love my Pixel 5, but it seems to me the remaining complaints about Dv2 would add expense such as an outer screen and wireless charging. 999 would be a great price, but I just don't see how that price point will happen at the volume MS can move these devices.

An "outer screen" would be pointless on a Duo. That's the hacky work-around the Fold needs because it can't fold open like the Duo. On the other hand, wireless charging would be a nice add (it's the biggest gap for me between the Duo 2 and a perfect device) and you're definitely right that would only add to the production cost.

An outer screen would be very useful to have information in the "Glance" style; in other words not a full screen but a, relatively, small one by far more helpful for productivity then a simple "x new messages" etc.
BTW it was MS itself that developed the "Windows SideShow" technology.

Why? Just open it up... Besides do you not have a smartwatch?

No, I do not use a smartwatch because I like my classic watches.
As for opening up... this is exactly the issue that an external screen would fix.

Unlike the Fold, the Duo can be left fully open. An outer screen serves as much purpose on a Duo as a back screen on a traditional candy bar phone. The Fold needs an extra screen, because it lacks the capabilities of the Duo.

Besides the obvious fact that MS itself does not envision carrying it around fully opened, hence theaddition on the 2 of edge of the display showing basic information when the device is closed, the Duo, at lest the original one has nothing like the "Glance" screen of the old Nokia.

You can get a Dv1 for like $500. If you want a new flagship device at a bargain price, you don't have realistic expectations. Besides, comparing a Pixel and a Duo is like comparing a microwave to a toaster oven. Both cook food but that's where the similarities end. Completely difference use-cases.

Neilpeart started by saying that they were in a different market segment. Stop ranting Karen...

Best Buy gave me $450 for my SD1 + an additional $250 certificate which was usable for the purchase. It was a promotion they had for in store pre-orders. Since I only paid a little over $400 for the SD1, I got the SD2 256 for $1299.99 all in. Since the loved the SD1 (warts and all) I was pretty happy with that deal.

I'm still on the fence. Best Buys in the area only got the 128 GB model in stock today (the closest with a 256 GB is over an hour away), so if I do get it, it won't be right away (but Best Buy's delivery dates are much better than he November 8th from Microsoft). I'd like to see a better selection of accessories and a less-ridiculous price, along with a better idea of good software support from Microsoft's apps. I've gotten try it out and see.

I used a Nokia 1520 Windows Phone to the bitter end and lots of people said "Wow, that's BIG!" but it was quite manageable for me. I look at the Duo (and now the Duo 2) and I'm just horrified. No way I want that big clunky thing. The "cool factor" just isn't enough to overcome that. For me. YMMV.

Software is the biggest worry for me with respect to the reviews... I love my Surface Duo but the glitches ruin the experience... The hardware is fantastic though and it suits my use case, I'm self employed and this is my business phone... I love opening it to answer a call and closing it afterwards... It's a great conversation starter too as most people have never seen anything like it...

I am in the exact same boat. Self-employed as well. I use my Duo 1 as my business phone. Tried a Fold 3 but returned it because I wanted to see what the Duo 2 was going to bring to the table. Strongly considering going all-in with a Fold 3 and having both personal & business numbers on a single device via eSIM.

Waiting on att

Software is still buggy and it seems like this will take a lot longer for Microsoft to get right. I'll wait for Duo 3 reviews

I will wait for a little bit. It looks like the SW still needs some work and maybe AT&T has a decent deal. I will most probably get it, but it will be late this year or early next year. Need to wash out the initial bugs first.

I know that Microsoft has invested a lot in developing the product and needs to recoup the costs, and I understand that as a 'Surface' having a high price is part of maintaining the elements that go with luxury branding; pricing too low could have negative impact on brand perception - leading to diminished view of the "quality and intangible" elements of luxury brand as well as lowering the Surface brands comparative "value" to Apples luxury positioning. Still, with all that said, I think Microsoft should take the loss on this one and price it at a more accessible price, perhaps $999 for the 128GB and $1099 for the 256 GB. Again, this would be at a loss from financially, and in the short term, but it one: 1. It potentially entices more people to purchase an intriquing productivity product in a fledgling category that would benefit them in waves they may not thin i would. I've used an LG phone with the duo screen case. Two screens just opens things up (no pun intended) in a way you may not think. It lends itself to greater productivity. This is not hyperbole. 2. Given the persisting (though improved) software issues, the price is less insulting to people that are investing their limited and hard earned money on a new product category that is not yet as proven to them as their trusty slate phones. They need a reason to try it, at a price that will allow them to be more accepting of a few glitches. 3. Doesn't insult the enthusiasts who paid 1400 out of the gates for gen Surface Duo 1 and were burned with unfinished software (I bypassed gen 1 looking toward gen 2). 4. This price, given the history of this product, some persisting software issues and Microsoft's challenges in mobile, in my mind should encourage them to take the short term financial hit, and generate some good will with a lower price, work hard to get the software up to par, and get this into as many hands as possible. By gen three if they do this, they may have more support in the market. At this price and the negative perception coupled with the negative history, and even looking at the results of theis poll, 42% (as of 10/21/2021 (9:23pm EST) of a community that represents the hardcore fans are saying "no" they would not buy this product. That does not bode well. Microsoft needs to preemptively drop the price before negative market performance forces them too, and fire sales, with their accompanying negative "market rejection" perceptions follow. Microsoft also needs to get on the offensive and "tell the story" about this product. Market its benefits in a "real life" day to day way that shows how two screens are better than one. Don't just let the novelty be the draw, show the benefits.

I've ordered mine a while back (looking like an early Nov delivery for me), but I would like to see a lower price for this. In addition to your reasons, Jason, I'd add that the Surface premium pricing on PC's is in part to give plenty of room for Windows OEMs to come in with similar products at a lower price. There is no such parallel role for pricing with an Android device. That said, there may be branding issues -- premium pricing may be more about protecting the Surface brand than driving sales. That's fine as long as MS keeps making these and is OK keeping it as a niche product.

Absolutely!!! In addition to the other branding points l'd forgotten that point of the high prices also helping Microsoft's delicate balance of leading the market with Surface while not competing too much with PC OEM partners, as you say, giving OEM partners room. That's right👍(Though no OEM partners are emulating this device and since it runs Android this product is a bit different than how this strategy works for MS PC partners that use Windows). MS needs to take the hit on this. I'd probably have it now if it wasn't so expensive and I'm a fan that understands the benefits of two screens and gets what MS is doing. If I'm hesitant to pull the trigger at $1500, and actually have the cash to do so, I can imagine that most of the market who are less knowledgeable about this device would find it even easier to give it a pass at $1500. As a fan, I struggle a bit. But knowing the history, the market and state of the current iteration I'll wait it out. Prices will drop. Now at $999, I might have already picked it up.😉And others may see that cost of entry a little more acceptable as well.

Yeah, I tend to agree (I always like your insights, Jason). To be fair, I don't know what the components and build costs MS. Maybe it costs them more than $1k to build each unit? I just don't know, but I wouldn't expect them to sell it at a loss, including the amortized development and production tooling costs.

Thanks. :-) Yeah I wouldn't expect them to either. LOL. But I think, like with playing checkers, you may sacrifice a couple of pieces in the short term to gain strategic advantage in the long term. Given the challenges as mentioned above, and even many hardcore fans seemingly not willing to take the plunge, Microsoft might want to reconsider the pricing and take a short term hit for a potential long term benefit. Come on, Microsoft, cut the price, take the hit (its an investment), get it into peoples hands, TELL the story of how this dual screen device benefits users! If not, I fear we will see a repeat of what happened with Duo 1. Market rejection, plummeting prices, fire sales and the market may not have the patience or longsuffering to wait out a manifestation of Microsoft's vision, while Samsung's folding display vision becomes the vision that cements in the collective consumer conciousness. Microsoft needs to be aggressive with the story and getting it to people and fix the issues. Right now, this price, with persisting software shortcomings (from a software company!), an issue that was a bane of Surface Duo 1, in an unproven product, is almost insulting; And may pollute the water enough that even if gen 3 is great, so much bad will and negative perception will have polluted the water that the market may not give it a chance like they gave the Surface Pro 3.

Well, they absolutely sell/sold XBOX at a loss for years. Not even sure their games revenue helped make that up. They did have a strong commitment in the console/gaming market though. Not so sure of their resolve in the mobile market. That said, at $999, there is a better than average chance my Duo would have been traded in for a Duo 2, rather than an $899 Pixel 6 Pro. If there was more than a tiny glimmer of light suggesting the Duo would be upgrade to Android 11, that might have affected my decision as well. Not because there was stuff in 11 I knew I needed, but because it would indicate caring.

Well a lover preice would be nice we can agree on that. But only that it would be nice but not realistic. I paid 1450 dollar for my Note 20 so i dont really get why microsoft should sell a device that packs more into it (espacilly because the displays are one of the priciest part) than the Note for a lower price.

Agreed.. And, it also would've been better if the price at least stayed the same with just a $100 increase over the 256gb model for the 500gb model. At the very least that would've had been the best thing to do.

I love the idea of the form factor and its being pen-enabled, but not at that price. I'm happy with my candybar until the market sorts out what's what and there's a prospect of a sub-$1k foldable. Plus those software issues are inexcusable at this point. Still, a very cool device and apparently a good update.

I'm willing to take the plunge but after prices drop some and after I get some other things that are higher priority. I'm so used to being able to multitask on my PC with my multi-monitor setup, it drives me nuts not being able to do that on my phone.

I would rather prefer to make phonecalls with my surface go, than buying gigantic android devices. 😐

Way too expensive. In Canada here it will probably cost over $2000.

Buy SD1 for $400.

Just like the last model be patient and wait until it's half price once more.... Microsoft products always depreciate and always will.

It’s not depreciation. Depreciation applies to the resale price that YOU can sell your used one for. It’s that no one was buying the Duo 1. It was half price after 7 months. Not used, but new in sealed boxes. I can’t think of any other product that went into fire-sale mode after 7 months. After 9 months it was 1/3 price at $500. This is such a niche product - resulting in low sales - that I have to assume by next May these too will be available under $1000. It is clearly better than the first version (it would be impossible to be worse), so it is hard to say if this will drop to $700 by next July. Well, there WAS another product that was very quickly discounted. The Invoke speaker. For the same reason. Originally $200, it went on sale a few months later for $100. Several thousand ended up being dumped on eBay for $40 new in the sealed box, with free shipping. Now THAT was a failed product.

Don't forget the Amazon Fire Phone. It went on a fire sale about 4 months after it was released.

Harmon Kardon Invoke didn't last long at starting price either.

The design of the first one is what grabbed me. Now that it has been compromised with a camera bump, a curved display that cuts off text and added thickness I won't be purchasing the second iteration. Hopefully a third one will find a balance

"curved display that cuts off text" ?? There is no situation in which the Duo 2 loses text relative to Duo 1. It is slightly thicker and does have a slight camera bump, but it's still thin, even when folded fully open (including the added thickness from the bump now in the middle). On net, while I agree that the thickness, bump, and added weight are negatives, the benefits to the MUCH better camera yield an overall win.

No. I know this sounds like a broken, rebuild, refurbished, broken again, and then pawned and refurbished for super sale record... But the Android apps just are of poor quality compared to iOS - still. I don't really feel like this has improved = at all - in the past 6 or 7 years, either. I could happily buy a Surface Laptop over a MacBook Pro. I will not buy an Android phone over an iPhone, until the developers on that platform start delivering the same quality products.

I disagree. I had an iPhone as a work phone at one point. Most useless smartphone ever. Felt like wearing a straitjacket. So many controls were completely unintuitive. So many basic functions simply not available.

I disagree with both of you. I don't find significant differences between mainstream Android and iOS apps anymore. Some from major developers are almost indistinguishable. As far as the hardware and OS, if you are comparing like products, I find it is a matter of preference. I don't find iOS unintuitive at all, while I struggle sometimes on Android. I've always found intuitive is based a lot on what you are used to. I use Windows and iOS. MacOs and Android isn't as 'intuitive' to me. I certainly don't see 'basic functions' missing in iOS. I actually find the settings options more complete in iOS, if you go looiking for them. About the only thing I can't do in iOS is bypass the app store, which I don't do in Android either.

Software is still buggy, MS is slow to update to the latest version of Android, you have to have it totally unfolded to snap a photo, no outside display, mediocre battery, and $1500. This will not sell well. Engadget, The Verge, Tom's Hardware, and CNet all reviewed it around the 60s. You guys gave it basically a 9 out of 10. No idea how you could rate it so highly. A Fold 3 with MS apps is a better buy.

You are right, I bought the ZFold 3

If you actually read or watch those reviews, they didn't understand the device. Dan's analogy is the best: it's like assuming people with dual (or triple) monitors would run apps spanning both monitors, which entirely misses the point of having multiple screens. The Duo is NOT a foldable tablet like the Z-Fold. It's a dual screen device for running 2 apps at the same time. That may sound pointless, but once you've really used it and become accustomed to that capability, going back to a single screen phone would be like trying to use a windowed computer with only keyboard. One screen new just feels crippling to me. I think their reviews actually show the importance of the Duo for people who want to be productive on their phones -- there is nothing else like it out there, to the point reviewers who don't actually do work on their phones don't understand how to rate its features. That's proof that it addresses an otherwise unaddressed space in the market. Any reviewer talking about spanning apps clearly didn't actually learn how to use the Duo before reviewing it.

Your productivity points are valid, but I think the Duo line is harder for users to understand. That is a challenge for MS. The Z Fold 3 (super stupid name) is a normal phone and a tablet that folds. Both categories that are well established. For my money I think Daniel hit the nail on the head when saying inking is a miss and that's too bad. The Duo should be an inking and app synergy dynamo. So the use case is confusing and the software is not quite on point. Thus why reviewers said it is a good secondary device.

yeah here's the problem. Every z fold 3 CAN run multiple apps and single spanned apps, whereas the duo is locked in to 2 at once. And duo got more expensive even as fold got cheaper. I wanted to believe but duo is a goner.

Well yes the fold "can" multitask, even my Note 20 was able to do so. But it just isnt intuitive and i hardly ever done it so i wouldnt compere those two devices in this aspect. and yes the duo got more expensive and the fold cheaper, but the fold still cost 300 MORE then the duo. And i really dont think the Duo is a gonner. In switzerland the duo 2 isnt even anounced, but some website got it anyway and one already has over 20 preorders (launch here at the 28. november)

Only problem is running two apps side-by-side is a non-issue for 99,9 % of people...

Can I see the survey that put that at 99.9? In a lot of cases the desire is limited by the ability. You can only run two apps on a limited number of devices right now. In most cases, i.e. regular Android phones, that makes the apps almost unusable because of the size. On foldable Androids it's possible, but not as intuitive as on the Duo. I think 99.9% ( 😁 ) of fold users don't use two apps, they just span to get tablet functions out of the device. They use the outside screen for phone functions or single app. There are a limited number of these users as well due to the price of those foldables. Interestingly it doesn't appear that Android tablets do all that well, because of the apps. Strange that Android users want to pay extra for their phones to be one.

Even his friend (Michael Fisher) has roasted that Duo
Windows Central review was very biased from start. They probably tried to convince people to buy it.

Didn't Dan give it 4/5?

I am taking the plunge on the Duo 2 with 256gb model. When I bought my Galaxy Note 10 plus it was $1,100 USD, so the $1,500 price tag isn't really a deal breaker.

Thanks someone points it out. Every time someone complaints about the price of the surface Duo. On Apple or Samsung employe are laughing there ass of. I payed 1450 Swiss Franks for my Note 20 Ultra so the 1500 Fr. for the Duo 2 isnt as much. And more than that do i hate if someone says, "at that price i rather buy the fold"... the fold costs 300 more

Well, I'm. Buying this in North Africa for me and my wife. Hope this is released in Egypt!!!!

No. As it turns out, I'm still too broke for a Duo 2 (and I'm still liking my Duo 1... when it works 🤣)

No. I won't be buying it.

Microsoft can't be trusted, it probably will be on Android 11 3 yrs from now.

I agree.
What is worrying me is that the majority of Microsoft fans in this site won't buy it.
I guess thus Duo will miserably fail in terms of sales numbers.
Huge discounts are coming, and Microsoft will pull the plug later.

i wanted to love it, but worried about the software updates since gen 1 failed to get them fast. i bought a z fold 3 and it's a beauty of a phone, was going to give it to my wife if i felt to purchase the duo 2, but i don't have the feeling.

I bought the first version, and even with it's bugs I liked it. But that camera sticking out, not allowing the two screens to fold flat when using it for phone calls, that's a deal breaker for me. Not buying.

That was my initial reaction, but note that the camera bump is thinner than either of the 2 screens. So while it doesn't fold completely flat, it's pretty close, just a little bit thicker than the Duo 1 when folded fully open. And now it has the incredibly satisfying click when it opens like that. ALMOST makes up for the extra thickness.

Don't see a ton of benefits over SD1 except camera. The notification bar is useless since I have a smart watch. Does not look like battery is better and I want to wait and see how sd1 is with android 11. Plus paid full retail on launch day and still have a year of complete left. for the time being ill stick with the OG. One thing that annoys me is all the reviews that don't understand this is a dual screen device, not a tablet replacement and not an iPhone replacement...

I'm still buying it. Been planning to buy it as a productivity device for when I travel. I already have a USB dongle, stand, mouse and folding keyboard ready to do. I will use it properly compared to MKDHD and Engadget. For me coming a OnePlus 6t this is an upgrade for me so not stressed. Bugs will get fixed. Just can't wait to get it. Just Microsoft holding up my order till December 1st is my only complaint 😔

I'll remind you that the bugs in duo one WEREN'T fixed...why will this be better?

Youre not completly wrong but MS fixed MANDY bugs. And at the launch SD1 was almost unusable and the Duo 2 has only minor bugs and i really think that those wont be a big issue in a couple months

Might be a "fire sale wait". This is definitely a "Niche" product and Microsoft tried to Blur that word with this update. Doing so now (perhaps) has brought a bad taste in the mouths of potential buyers and even Duo 1 fans waiting for "The fix".

Simple and easy answer, YES.

Every once in a while Microsoft software comes in a little imperfect. It took Windows 8 over a year to become tolerable and that was their own OS. Android is famous for it's jank. I believe Microsoft can work out their custom software, and everyone is raving about the hardware so I'm going to take the risk and buy it. Most issues seem avoidable if people aren't spanning. If software doesn't stabilize by Android 12 then I'll just say goodbye to Microsoft's mobile efforts the next time I upgrade.

"Android is famous for its jank" 8 years ago, sure. Not so anymore...

I want to wait till the price drops. I still use the Duo 1 and also am curious to see how duo 1 reacts with Android 11. I really cannot pay 1500 for a phone, but I love the design and duel screens, and feel of it and feel this is the future.

People complaining about no outside display must not realize it has a phone mode and closing the device is optional... Simply open the device completely and pocket it as such...

Exactly! I've been saying this too. I do that all the time with my Duo 1. That's how it goes in my car charger too so I can see the display while it charges (sadly, no Qi in Duo 2 either, my biggest gripe with the new model). Granted, the Duo 2 won't be quite as good for pocketing as the Duo 1, because it doesn't quite close flat with the camera bump, making a little tougher to stick in a tight (jeans) pocket fully open. But if going in a looser pocket (like in a jacket) or a purse, you could still just leave it in single screen mode whenever you're not using both screens.

DHL says mine arrives Monday and can't wait!
Update: Mine has been delivered and I've done my initial setup. This thing is amazing. So far, no issues...except with Optus but that's another story. I understand what Zac and Dan were saying about its feel: it just feels significant in your hand. I've set up a few apps to launch as pairs and I have set up authenticator and the biometrics. The fingerprint scanner is blisteringly fast and it's a close run thing between my iPhone 12 Pro(work phone) and the Duo as to which opens faster. Bear in mind this is the honeymoon phase so it will be interesting to see how this plays out before my return window closes.

If your work use O365 Enterprise and you're in many meetings, then the use is amazing. If you're not and your phone is more for entertainment and personal email, then this isn't designed for you.

I'd agree with you, but what exactly are you doing with your Duo in meetings that you can't do better with a laptop...?

Be more unobtrusive. Not have to boot it up. Not be that guy constantly typing during the meeting. Not have to sit by an outlet and string the power cable across the floor. Not have to undock it to go to the meeting. Don't get it out of your pocket if you don't need it and actually pay attention.

I want to, but I tend to make my devices last, and the first duo is still doing the job. Don't get me wrong. I really *like* the upgrades. I just feel it's kinda silly to spend $1700 on a phone (if you include tax and insurance) just to toss it the next year. And I'm still enjoying it.

Luckily I don't have to pay taxes on purchasing where I live. Just 1499 🤣

Same here in wonderful tax free NH!

I don't have strong enough use cases to get this for $1500 as much as I would like. If this was $800 or even $1000 I could be tempted. If I had to get a foldable right now it would be the Galaxy Flip 3. That at least gets smaller. In my WFH reality, my primary use for my phone aside from SMS and calls is music player on runs. Smaller is better in that case. Otherwise I'm pretty much always at my computer anyway so mobile productivity isn't a thing right now.

I'm much the same. I had the Duo for a year and just traded it in. (Getting a Pixel 6 Pro.) I think the Duo is a fascinating device and get the use case. I just don't really fit into that bucket. It really is a business oriented device, and we can't have business stuff on personal phones. If we could, it would be great. Even the OG would have been fine.

We received our phones yesterday. Absolutely loving the two screens. For example, having Authenticator, or my password app open on one side, and the app I'm trying to authenticate or login to on the other side is so much easier. The speakers are wonderful. Set an alarm (which has its own separate volume control) and it scared the crap out of us this morning, it was so loud! LOL. My old Samsung A50 could barely achieve half the volume. We are having so much fun exploring our new phones.

For me, better to wait for few more months to address the bugs and hopefully other app updates especially the launcher. So far a lot better than the first one hardware and software wise. If there will be more features like especially for pen and better camera enhancements, that would be great. Though makes me think to wait for version 3, especially if at least they add Qi Charging and if they increase the screen more. Also able to magnet the pen slot stronger without a case.

Some of the reviews were indeed "brutal". But there is nothing new to it. In the last 10 years, any device offering a unique form factor has been thrashed by reviewers. What people fail to understand about Surface Duo is that it is not a phone. It is better to consider it as an extension to Office 365 applications which are used inside offices. It can be used to take quick notes during meeting, record minutes, update tasks, quick reply to an email, check a presentation etc. Yes, it has very limited use case, but that is not a limitation because Microsoft admitted that. However, most people fail to get this idea. I was checking the review of Mr. Mobile. He was trying to use this device while on a tour. Guess what, this device is not meant to be used like that. It's not a smartphone. It can and should be only used inside office set up. However, there are two feedbacks I would like to give to Microsoft.
1. While every new device has minor bugs, but make sure that you up your game and improve in this aspect by investing more in pre-launch testing. Take a cue from your ex-partner Nokia and sheer number of testing they performed, their devices never had such bugs on launch. 2. Ensure proper and clear communication to the people what the product is for. If it is meant to be used inside an office set up, tell that loudly.

The problem is. No one needs a device that can only be used in the office. People in the office have their work thin and lights that can do everything + a phone for quick communication access. So what does this one offer? A compromised laptop + phone replacement? If I don't want to carry around my work laptop, a normal smartphone can do anything this thing can reasonably well enough (like quick note taking, small file edits), but works way better at normal phone things.
If I do carry my laptop to meetings, then this thing is completely redundant. Maybe there are 1 in a million people who can really optimize their workflows for this to make sense. But for everyone else it just doesn't. An outside screen would make the Duo instantly a lot more usable, cause you don't have to open it every time you want to do the little things or take a photo. And that's the majority of the time. How often do you just want to look at notifications? How often do you just want to take a quick photo? vs how often do you want to do heavy multitasking?

It's an extension of the office and supports that very well. If your primary reason to have a mobile device is to social and photo, this isn't for you. If you need to be on conference calls, audio or video, while reviewing document, maybe snapping a photo of a location for reference, scanning a document, updating an Office Doc while researching on the web, then this works for you. So it is not for just in the office, but rather to bring the office with you. There are lots of those people, and many have a BT earphone permanently glued to their ear, so having to open to do anything is moot.

I'm definitely going to be buying one. I love my Duo 1, but the upgrades in Duo 2 are substantial enough that I feel it's a good idea. All the reviews taught me is that sites like Engadget, CNET, and many reviewers don't even know what the Surface Duo even IS. The Surface Duo is NOT -- nor was it meant to be -- a tablet. It's a dual-screen multi-tasking device. So the reviews were biased in that they were basing their experience on a flawed use case. At least Windows Central knows how to use the device correctly. I have been using the Duo 1 as my daily driver since May and yes it's definitely flawed in many ways. We all know this. Its software sucks. Still, I do enjoy the functionality when it works and I am really liking what I'm seeing hardware and performance-wise with the Duo 2, even if it's not yet perfect.

100% agree with all of that. Their reviews of the Duo remind me of the movie critics who only like art films bashing an action film for the lack of depth in the dialog, but they wouldn't criticize the art film for the lack of exciting fight scenes. Review it for what it is. In the case of the Duo, that's a dual screen, multitasker. Nothing can hold a candle to the Duo for its intended use case. I also think it's the best gaming phone in existence.

'At least Windows Central knows how to use the device correctly.' And yet, even Zac, who used the OG Duo for a whole year, didn't suggest everyone should run out an buy one. Even if it did everything it is supposed to do perfectly, it still wouldn't be right, or efficient, for a lot of regular people. Absolutely not saying it is a bad device, but I don't know why people expect every reviewer to be gaga over it. Totally objective reviews would be nice, but if a soccer mom reviews a Camaro, she is going to mention the lack of seating and trunk space.

"I don't know why people expect every reviewer to be gaga over it." When was this said? No one said that or even implied it. But when you have people giving it bad reviews because they don't understand it, there's a problem. Obviously the software needs work and the hardware might be awkward for some. Clearly the phone is not for everyone and that's okay. But when nearly every reviewer is panning the device for "not behaving like a tablet", there's clearly an issue here. It shows that reviewers need to spend more time with the phone, not 3 or 4 days and then it's over, go back to their main device. They need to actually use it as their main device, like Zac does. He doesn't suggest everyone buy the OG Duo BECAUSE he used it for a whole year and knows it's buggy. He's not just saying that because he has a "user error" bias.

and Mr. Mobile blows it all up in less than 14 minutes.

Not for me... The Surface Duo 2 is unique and there are no alternatives, after using the Surface Duo I am hooked on the dual screen form factor... It's not for everyone, but it is for me... It wouldn't matter if the software was flawless and the Surface Duo 2 had the best camera in the world most people would still not buy it because of the form factor... Just hope there are enough of us to convince Microsoft to continue to innovate... This product is far more interesting than any slab phone on the market...

Microsoft used to have many who would blind buy their products because of brand loyalty. Times are different, but Microsoft is still struggling to release a device that more than a few will be proud of owning

I don't know that MS ever had hardware brand loyalty. Maybe the Surface computers of today come the closest. MS has always been the company that people love to hate, which was fair when that perception started back in the 1980's and 1990's. Groundless these days.

I don't think his review was all that negative. He certainly pointed out issues, which do exist, but also advantages where they exist. It is not a product for everyone, and I certainly didn't expect his, or any tech review, to end with a definitely must buy.

Good Proposition but until it uses Microsoft OS i will not purchase ,sorry MS

Ironically, that probably reduces the likelihood such a device will ever come into existence: if the Duo form factor were a huge success AND a portion of those paying customers also clamored for a Windows version, then MAYBE MS would create it. But if the form factor remains niche, MS definitely won't stretch it thinner by also splitting its customer base with a Windows version.

If att offers an upgrade path

I've bought a Z Fold 3 and I must say it ticks the boxes; easy to use one-handed when folded and plenty of screen real estate for media consumption when open.
The same can't be said of the Duo 2...

I've used the Fold and the Fold 2 a lot and no way would not take any of those phones over my SD or my new SD2. I will never go back to a single screen phone unless the SD line is discontinued (and it looks like we'll have Google and Apple dual-screen options in the future if the rumors are correct). I don't understand the comparisons between the Fold line and the SD line because the only similarity is the fold aspect. If I wanted a huge tablet screen, I would get the Fold line. But for me, it's never having to flip between apps. As a multitasker, the SD beats the Fold easily. And the reason is because I feel you always have to actively do things on the Fold. You have to resize the apps manually. It’s like resizing windows on a big ultrawide monitor. Sure, you can have settings kind of remember. But on the Duo, you don’t have to think of anything. The multitasking is automatic. If you multitask a lot, you start to realize that with the Duo, you don’t have to think about it. If you tap a link, the link will open the other app on the other screen automatically. No thinking. I don't understand why every reviewer wants to span every app. Do you span a web browser across multiple monitors? Of course not. And if you do, the reason why you would flip the orientation around is because when spanning a browser or any typical app, the divide between the 2 screens becomes a horizontal line that you don't notice much because it falls between lines of text. The other major issue I had with the Fold phones is that each phone half is too skinny. so to me, the only time the Fold is good is when you unfold it to a big screen. On the Surface Duo, I’m often watching a Youtube video on one screen while web browsing or making an email on the other screen and each screen is super roomy. Try this on the Fold phones and the video is like a thumbnail. Typing on the Fold phones in single screen mode was so cramped with such a terrible keyboard. Typing on the SD in single screen mode is so much better. I can’t say typing on the SD is ideal either because Google keyboard is so buggy on the SD so you’re forced to use Microsoft’s Swiftkey keyboard which is sluggish. GBoard works so much better on SD2 than it ever did on SD1. And while I would never categorize a phone that is 100% glass as "durable", the Surface Duo feels infinitely more durable than any of the Fold phones. On the Surface Duo, I never worry about a fingernail on the screen. I never worry about pressing too hard with the Surface Pen. So many times over the course of a day, 2 screens make everything easier. The other day, I was texting a guy in the OfferUp app to meet up for something I had bought from him. Now, it felt like snail mail because I don't really check that app and he didn't either. So he ended up texting me his number to call him. I had the OfferUp app on the left screen and the phone dialer on the right screen. No need to copy and paste. No need to switch apps. Just look left and dial right. And this isn’t even the best use of dual screens. The phone isn’t for everyone but if you’re the type that hates having to flip between apps, that loves watching videos while doing other stuff, you’ll love the SD more than any other phone including the Fold phones. there is one more scenario I'll talk about because I'm already going into tldr territory. I loved the idea of having the display on one screen and the keyboard on the other screen (similar to the LG old days where you had a display on one half and a physical keyboard on the other half) so it’s like a LG enV which I had when I was a kid. kind of like the laptop layout with the screen display on top and the keyboard on the bottom screen. It didn’t work on the SD because the implementation was buggy, SwiftKey was so slow, and GBoard was borderline broken on the SD. Even the exact same app would behave differently at different times. Some apps didn’t like to work like that, many of them Google apps. On the SD2, it WORKS. I tried in Android Messages as well as in Teams, FB Messenger, and WhatsApp. I suspect this is Android 11 on the SD2 versus Android 10 on the SD1 as well as better software by Microsoft but who really knows. So if you loved typing on the old-fashioned keyboard phones, the SD2 will make you feel right at home.

I want to see videos from enthusiasts USING the device, not "tech reviews." Who cares what CNet or Linus or "I Want Click Bait" thinks? Not me. Also, I will be getting one soon enough!

Try this https://youtu.be/6Jhwrp-6s2U

So, rounding the numbers, it is 53% No and a combined 48% for Yes/Already Bought It. Considering the fact that this is a MS fanboy site, these numbers tell me that the Duo 2 - like the first one - is not going to sell. It will be half price by May 2022. Again. Possibly $500 by August. Again. Anyone buying it today at full price is a fool.

I think it should be slightly thicker to store the stylus. I think they should have continuum that runs Windows. It should contain a feature for Windows users.im not convinced this device will not be on the chopping block. I had Windows phone and got screwed due to their lack of faith. Im curious to know what Duo sales are vs the Windows phones.

I don't we are talking 'slightly' thicker. The pen is as thick as one of the panels. Consider the unit is pretty packed inside as it is, so the stuff the pen displaces needs to be re-arranged as well.

I think I will pick it up, if and when AT&T has it available. I've never been into wireless payments. I don't use it on my Note 8, now. Not a deal breaker for me. As for notifications, I rarely pull my phone out to check notifications, since I have a smart watch. Unfortunately, it looks like I may be replacing it soon, because I can only get about a day of normal use. When I go to the gym, I have to make sure to put it on the charger. But, that's another issue. I understand the compromises of the device, because it's not a slab phone and isn't designed with that in mind. Understanding this, I'm not necessarily bothered by the idea of having to open the device to make a call. My only concern at this point would be how well my Galaxy Buds Live and Gear S3 will work with it. I don't think Galaxy Wearable is generally available to download on any Android device.

I preordered a Duo 1 last year, paying full price, and was immediately rewarded with a device price drop, which MS refused to honor for me, as well as all the other annoyances and lack of follow thru on the device. That said, I've mostly loved using it. This time around I'll wait for the Duo 2 "fire sale" price drop in the coming months or maybe just consider Duo 3.

Do anybody know if at&t will carry surface duo 2??

Bought it and returned it. Screen sensitivity was very poor and apps kept crashing including the phone app! Might try in future if price comes down. To me it was more a pocket tablet than a decent phone.

I will not buy a Surface Duo 2 because it is not carrier supported and it does not have an outside screen. I will wait for the Surface Duo 3.

I'll decide once I get explore the new experience with Android 11 on my original duo.