Microsoft Surface Duo 2 which introduced back in October 2021 has improved a lot that it’s currently among my favorite smart phones, even if it’s still strange and unique enough that I can not exactly suggest it to many people.

Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Review

In case you have actually forgotten, the Surface Duo 2 is a folding phone with 2 big screens signed up with by a hinge. Unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3, which takes a single tablet-sized display screen as well as folds it in half to fit in your pocket, the Duo 2’s two displays make it feel much more like two big phones affixed with each other and running the very same software program.

You can easily run 2 apps side by side as if you were holding two phones at the same time. You can extend a single application across both displays to mimic a small tablet computer. Both halves of the phone are thin sufficient that it can fold together like a publication. And also match a pocket with relative convenience. Pair it with Microsoft’s Surface area Slim Pen 2, as well as you have a portable electronic note pad. That can work just as well for note-taking, reviewing an ebook, or drafting an email.

When I examined the Surface Duo 2 last year, none of its brilliant design or book-like attributes mattered. The gadget was successfully damage, held back by software application insects that made it irritating to type on, discouraging to make use of, and inevitably unsatisfactory.

Yet, extremely, Microsoft has not surrendered on the Duo 2 In fact, the business has actually constantly issued software application updates. On a month-to-month basis to deal with the many troubles the Duo 2 contended launch. A few of these updates included simple security patches and also little pest solutions. While others, like the current June upgrade, included extra considerable modifications as well as included brand-new features. Most importantly, Microsoft has actually resolved the touch latency troubles that prevailed at launch. And made it very challenging to type on the Duo 2’s online keyboard or even browse the interface.

Recognizing that Microsoft has actually been attending to most of my initial problems with the Duo 2. I capitalize on a recent rate cut (the phone can now be had for $1,000, which is still costly but considerably less than its launch price). As well as a generous trade-in offer and also bought one of my very own. The objective was to see if I can get a better concept of what Microsoft is attempting to achieve with this gadget. When show-stopping insects aren’t standing in its method.

And reader, I can lastly state I get it. The Duo 2 is the most unique mobile device I’ve made use of, enabling me to do things I just can not perform with a typical smart device. It likewise does specific things, such as multitasking and also analysis ebooks. Much better than the Z Layer 3’s solitary huge screen.

Revolving the Duo 2 to portrait while both displays are open supplies a big iPad Mini-size screen for reading up. And down scrolling posts or taking hand-written notes.

In the past month-plus, I’ve made use of the Duo 2 for reviewing lots of publications in the Kindle app. Which makes use of the double screens to offer an extra book-like experience than any other device. I have actually handled my inbox as well as schedule at the same time I have actually edited Google Docs while keeping up with a Slack discussion. I have actually utilized the Slim Pen 2 to take hand-written notes in OneNote. I’ve reviewed countless posts in my Pocket queue with the app extended across both screens and the Duo 2 turned into a portrait positioning. I’ve viewed so much video clip extended across both displays that I don’t even notice the mild gap anymore. There’s something undoubtedly satisfying regarding finishing a task on the Duo 2 and afterwards folding it closed like a publication. And slipping it right into my pocket.

The Duo 2 has actually not replaced my key smart device due to the fact that I use them for various jobs. Like messaging, calls, images, wise residence control, music. And also mobile payments on my apple iphone reading, multitasking, note-taking, and also YouTube on the Duo 2. I’ve yet to in fact take a call on the Duo 2 because, unless you use wireless earbuds. It’s horribly uncomfortable to do so. Mostly made use of the Duo 2 precisely just how I may use an iPad Mini, except it folds up in half and suits my pocket. It’s not even precise to call this tool a “phone” based on exactly how I use it.

Microsoft has made the Duo 2’s camera application faster and also much more responsive. Yet I have actually never used it for taking images. It’s simply also awkward for taking photos, and I have my iPhone for that anyway. As a matter of fact, I ‘d prefer it if the awkward back hump as well as its cam were gone entirely. And also the Duo 2 preserve the sleeker lines and ability to fold up flat against itself that the first Duo had.

There’s no quick means to inspect notifications or do something one-handed– you need to open the tool to utilize it. (The recent enhancement of third-party chat application alerts to the “joint display screen”. In the June update does not transform this fact.) It’s a lot more willful gadget than slab phones that can be easily unlock. And also used one-handed when you wish to kill some time in line at the grocery store. Samsung’s Z Fold 3 is a better solitary gadget to change both a phone and also a tablet merely. Due to the fact that you can still utilize it when it’s fold shut.