Should you still buy a Surface Duo?

After three years of support, #Microsoft has officially cut off the first #SurfaceDuo from security updates. However, unlike most other #Android devices, it's dual screen form factor provides it with some interesting use cases even after support has ended. Is it still worthwhile to buy a Surface Duo?

Controller recommendations

Unfortunately, given the Duo's unique shape and offset USB-C port, most of the mobile controllers currently available will be difficult to use. Instead, you'll want to track down a Bluetooth telescopic controller that can fit the Duo. Right now, the GameSir x2 is the gold standard.

Emulators that work great on a Surface Duo

Note for Citra

Chapters

00:00 End of Support
02:13 Returning to the Duo
05:26 Hardware Frustrations
08:41 Mint Mobile
10:28 "It's Not a Smartphone"
12:11 Productivity Boost
13:47 Reading Excellence
15:21 Gaming Support
18:01 Final Thoughts

[exturkconner]

I got my duo about a year and a half ago for 50 dollars. Guy was one of those people that bought lots of phones that were broken. In this case apparently it was reported to him that only one of the screens worked. I figured for 50 bucks a 4x3 high resolution single screen phone was still interesting. So I picked it up. It ended up having an app on it called duo mono that basically forced the duo into single screen mode for everything. I disabled the app and the phone worked perfectly. Been super happy with it for the most part. It is a shame that Microsoft seems to have given up on it. I've more or less turned it into a secondary note taking device and switched over to a pixel as my main phone. But I enjoyed my time with the duo.,

[twitchster]

I'm so spoiled with having so many 'tech' toys. I just use my Duo stictly for ds/3ds emulation and love it for that.

[leohale]

I love my Duo, and I use it on Mint Mobile myself. I love being able to pay for a years of service all at once. At $15 per month you can't beat the price.

[edededgar]

I have one, and still using it everyday. It is my secondary device for reading, news and occasionally 3DS DS games :)

[patrickmoney]

I used a surface duo 2 as my primary phone for almost a year. It got too beat up and the battery is now nonexistant, but i really enjoyed the divise. Although i didn't take full advantage of it, the mutitaksing is awesome. Also the singe screen is a really good aspect ratio for 16:9 content, and perfect for 4:3 content. It's cumbersome as a phone, and the used prices have gone up. I would recomend getting a duo 1 as a secondary devise, instead of getting a duo 2 as a primary devise. You can get a duo 1 in good condition for $300. Great video!

[daviddadson]

Using the Duo 2 as my work device. Perfect for all MS apps, especially good for Teams. The Duo 2 is my primary work phone device, whether Teams, voip or cell. I only keep my Samsung for the camera!

[Postal]

I'd never even heard of this phone. I like the concept of dual screens over a folding screen

[jimboach]

I've picked a 256gb version with the intent of loading it up with games, attaching a nacon controller and selling it for a tidy profit but i fell in love with it. I sold my 3ds over Christmas and this has allowed me to reconnect with ds and some 3ds games that i love revisiting. Now I'm about ready to beg Microsoft to make a duo 3.

[kennethlee]

Still using my duo 1. Because i love the 4:3 aspect ratio. Great for 2 hand typing. Even if it wasnt a dual screen. Id buy a 4:3 phone in a heart beat.

[Xedhadeaus]

Because of my awful luck with electronics I ended up running toward the lg v60 instead.

The aspect ratio is somewhat of a bummer especially when basically having to cross your fingers for an app to either support Ultrawide or for it to be old enough to allow the system to force it to ultrawide as a compatibility feature.

I respect the device for what it is and can do though.

[Carcosahead]

You should really check the pixel fold!

[petepaxton]

Got mine brand new for $214 and I lovve it. Plan on keeping it for a while.

[captainlcm]

I really like your video format. Informative, and thorough, like listening to a friend. Thank you!

[Jbrimbelibap]

Well since the original port of windows 11 arm on SM8150 was for surface duo, it's actually still updated using Microsoft's own OS

[grahamstephens]

Your quality of written content is amongst the best out there and the manner of presentation is fantastic.

[db]

I agree. If the Duo had more RAM and a newer processor, better software, and a decent camera, I'd buy it over the folds

[jimmycychowski]

I still have my OG Duo im still in love with how slim and light the device is, it was and still is a so lovely looking, ive moved on to the Pixel Fold, however ill always have a place in my heart for the Duo!

[useless]

Wait a DAMN minute! Is that a Surface Neo on the back?!?!?!

[thomasblade]

Hey can you share the emulators you're using in this video and the switch-like controllers you've got on either side? This is a great video highlighting the love for the SD and SD2. Nice work!

[Tasuke]

Seems like an interesting device and it looks cool, though it seems weird to me that a Windows product is using Android.