Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Review: Double Jeopardy

[SURFACE DUO 2 REVIEW]

The Surface Duo 2 is built to help you do a lot of things at once. And for tech reviewers, there is no busier time than the month so insane we gave it a new name: "Techtober." So to see just how well this new Duo does (or doesn’t do) at helping me keep my head on straight, I decided to take a page out of my buddy TheUnlockr’s book and take you along for part of an atypical Techtober day in Brooklyn. I'm Michael Fisher; join me and my friend David Cogen for a day in Dumbo -- on the Surface Duo 2!

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[ABOUT MRMOBILE'S SURFACE DUO 2 REVIEW]

MrMobile's Surface Duo 2 Review was produced following six days with a Surface Duo 2 review sample provided by Microsoft. Device was reviewed based on build number 2021.824.206.

MrMobile does not accept compensation from the manufacturers of the products he reviews in exchange for producing content. No payment was provided and no manufacturer or carrier was afforded a preview or copy approval rights concerning this review. The lone sponsor of this video is HelloFresh.

[LINKS]

Surface Duo 2 Real World Test [TheUnlockr]:

Surface Duo 2 Review [Windows Central]:

Johnny Thai [Instagram]:

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[DISCLOSURES]

#surfacelaptopstudio #surfacelaptop #surface #microsoftsurface #microsoft #windows11 #windows #pc #laptop #notebook #tech #mrmobile

[iloff]

Mr.Mobile's notes about this phone can be summarised by a line fit for a silly romantic film: "I loved the idea of you more."

[TheUnlockr]

"..honest to Panos triple camera array prominently protruding from the phone's posterior..." :: Chef's kiss emoji::
Awesome video, bud! 🙌

[ccroy]

Like most Surface products I love the design and idea. I think a device that makes you crack it open to use it should cut down on mindless screen gazing, and you get a big workspace when you do use it. However it can't be easy taking an single screen OS that isn't yours and making it work well with 2 screens. I applaud MS for trying new things.

[TomBaito]

The fact that Microsoft added that huge camera bump that not only ruins its sleekness but also delivers a camera quality that's "just fine" is kinda sad and is quite a dealbreaker for me.

[thesmartI]

MrMobile and TheUnlockr, my favorite *Duo*

[twopercentgaming]

I don't believe you mentioned it, but that excessive battery drain in the camera department could be due to the fact that you must have both screens open(unlike last year's duo), therefore on, while shooting. I imagine that is a huge drain, unless you can turn the other one off of course.

[lalakuma]

That external camera sticking out is such a deal breaker. The really good thing about the first Duo was how sleek its build was, and that camera has ruined it.

[edcook]

Maybe it's just me, but having a dope camera just doesn't seem like it should be a priority in this form factor anyway

[robcrichlow]

As I posted on your colleagues video, I love this device for business use. Two screens gives the same features as my desk setup in my office while on the road. I was a business conference this weekend and the DUO 2 was extremely useful while taking notes, doing research, and taking pictures of the speakers to include in my OneNote notes. There is NOTHING like this device for business use. I would appreciate reviewers realizing the unique business cases and productivity of this device. As with all Android phones, it will take some time to work around the quirks of the OS, but MS is pushing the envelop with this device and is likely to create the definition of the productive business device for real business use. The beauty for me is that I can use it for play time and work time. No other device comes close to meeting both needs. In my humble opinion being in the software industry for 45 years and creating a software product that is now a multi-billion dollar product, we are watching MS solve a business use case that will define the future for people like me.

[Sithhy]

I do really want one, mainly due to the square-ish screens which remind me a lot of the original Galaxy Note which I still want today just for the screen aspect ratio

[blaster]

Not gonna lie, Seeing the TEASE of the Pixel 6 for your next review in this one has me HYPED!! Though I'm kinda bummed you got the regular 6 instead of Pro, really wanted to know if Googles best is worth it. But maybe you'll do a comparison or at least touch on it. Excited for what's to come!

[optimusprime]

Hey Michael, you truly are the best tech story teller on this planet! I just love to watch your videos!!

[TheSeekingknow]

The fact that you're willing to hero watching the device into the new year is why you're a trustworthy reviewer. You're honestly giving the device a chance to shine at its best.

[bradd]

Amazing device. I am so impressed with it. The app pair split screen feature in brilliant. Messages with OneNote, and messages with phone are two of my favourite pairs. Unbelievably useful for business. The surface pen 2 with the swift keyboard is super accurate and smooth. Even better than the stylus on the note 20. I have also realised that the camera module has a surprising benefit of providing a tactile cue to easily orient the device quickly (often a challenge with tablets and even many phones where you need to look and check if the device is upside down). MS seem to be supporting it right out of the box which is nice and a must for it to take off. The recent android split screen OS news is also a positive sign that this form has real merits. Many reviewers (some of the biggest surprisingly) are making the mistake of comparing this to a traditional tablet and it's painful to watch. It's not intended that way at all.

[DirtyTesla]

Man I love the aesthetics of this. But the camera weakness and missing middle between the screens is no good. After using the Galaxy Fold 2 and now 3, I think the only better form factor will be the "unrollable." Can't wait to see one of those!!

[AnEnglishmanInNewYork]

Yourself and The Unlokr are the only tech gurus bringing this BRILLIANT format. Outstanding!!!

[abdoumenouer]

Imagine the camera module was magnetically detachable, with some exposed connectors. to have the camera as an option and keep the sleek design

[FlyWithJohnnyThai]

0:59 I’m influencing so much…. 😂 pleasure meeting you Michael!

[Civilian]

I'm used to even bad new cameras looking better than my S7 Edge, so when the camera isn't even that good, it really stands out.

[Evie]

Considering how excellent the cameras were in Lumia flagship line, even during Microsoft's ownership, the mediocre camera on the Duo 2 kinda boggles my mind lol