Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Review: I Love and Hate This Thing

When the Microsoft Duo 2 works, it helps me be more productive. But when it doesn't work -- and it doesn't work two, three, four times a day, I want to cuss at it.

[dean]

The review I've been waiting for. I like the creativity in your videos. Keep it up 👌

[Kestrel]

Your idea of using the two displays to compartmentalize your work is one of the reasons why I opted for two monitors rather than one ultra wide. Mentally, I like having my work in one zone, and my references in a second, with a definite, physical division between the two.

If I was interested in a folding phone, I think I would prefer the Duo form factor over the folding screen concept. And while folding screens have come a long way, they are still considerably more fragile than their solid brick counterparts.

[MarcoR]

This is the kind of the device that makes a lot of sense to have. I can see many uses for it in my day to day life. I imagine in the future it will be more widely available and... cheaper. Now, it's only a niche device and, as such, seems more like a prototype than anything else. And everyone who buys it is a beta tester. Hope they improve it and make it better with each iteration. I remember a time when having a laptop was also very restrictive and yet nowadays many people can afford to buy at least one base model.

[baddad]

I love my Z fold 3 now with Beta 12 is super fast takes the fold to a whole another level.

[SoupAtl]

Man, I did the same thing. Bought it 3 times because I liked the hardware so much.

[Andrew-gteo]

Just received my Duo 2 yesterday. In the same boat as you, want to love the device so much more but still some bugs that have to be ironed out. Hopefully Android 12L marks a significant improvement 🙏

[marschlionoalexander]

very good practical review. You didn't focus to much on the camera apartment which is super good. This device are meant for productivity and multitasking, Thanks for doing the duo justice.

[mohammadzein]

I personally like the hardware and design of the Duo more than something like the z fold. But you make a valid point about being soo buggy, it just makes it really hard to justify that 1500 dollar price.
I luv that you are always transparent about your experience with these devices Ben. ✌✌🙂

[MebiManga]

Kinda a wholesome moment when you meet up with your old friend in a place you grew up in last time.

"They do have experience -- but it was a total failure" Damn sick burn.

[abdsalamelkhamlichi]

The biggest software company in the world couldn't manage to put a decent software in this thing

[nycbike]

I also like the two separate screens. I feel it works better than the Fold 3. Not that Fold 3 is bad, its just a different format

[Stanly]

15 years ago, they started manufacturing netbook and compact laptop and phones that have 7 inches screen. Now, this is a trend.

[oneminutewonder]

I think the crazy thing is how much people think it was the processor that was the issue with the first Duo. The truth it, the 855 is still plenty great. They could've used about double the RAM, but the bugs are purely because of poor optimization and that Android doesn't support dual screens well.

[craigwoodgate]

When i had first seen the Microsoft duo i was like it looks horrible but now I’m thinking this would come in handy for work

[DecAllTimeAlways]

Ben Sin rocks. Read all his Forbes reviews from 5 years ago. This guy deserves more subs. He'll replace Max Lee as my favorite objective Asian techtuber. I have a soft spot for Josh Vergara for being Filipino 🇵🇭.

[dunbizl]

Great video, it it such a great form factor for multi tasking. I want to purchase one I just hope they fix the software with updates. Side note very cool from Alhambra I also was born and raised there but I moved to New York in 1994 and have only been back twice. Man I will be moving back next year, I miss it. Looking forward to your next video. Take care man.

[AndyWarhol]

I really love this outside walk and talk experience. It's honestly gonna make studio podcasts more boring now !! THX for something so fresh !!

[NigelMelanisticSmith]

That's a true friend to record a YouTube video lol

[cyn]

Strange, my SD1 was altogether useable. I too am a fan of dual app setup, having come from LG V50 DS. The LG was way buggy than the SD1 and the DS died on me after less than a year.

So in my case, i actually prefer SD1 > SD2, because the camera bump on SD2 spoils the sleekness and flat-out use scenario.

[lany_gaming]

Nice info and review as always for the Microsoft Dou 2.👍