Surface Duo Teardown: We Broke It So You Don’t Have To

We first found out about Microsoft’s interest in building a dual-screen foldable device way back in 2009, when they revealed their Microsoft Courier concept device. Almost 10 years later, that dual-screen foldable is a reality. The Microsoft Surface Duo has Dual AMOLED screens and a 360 degree hinge system that can transform the device into a variety of form factors. 2020 has been a major year for fold-able devices and they’ve been all over the place with repairability. This is a novel idea, even among fellow foldables, so we’re excited to crack this thing open and see how Microsoft finally realized this ambitious dream of theirs.
Check out our written teardown for beautiful photos and some more analysis: www.ifixit.com...
#SurfaceDuo, #iFixitTeardown, #Teardown
Subscribe to our channel for all our latest teardown and repair videos!
www.youtube.co...
Follow us on Twitter: / ifixit
Check us out on Facebook: / ifixit

[@StevenEveral]

"The glue is tough and stringy, making deep blind prying feel like slicing through delicate cables." *pries through the battery cable*

[@kbhasi]

I heard it as "delicate kittens" 😖

[@christiancarter7563]

Ifixit: accidentally rips out main battery. Surface Duo: Thus is fine, I’m fine. But owe 🥺

[@TCHGOD]

🤣

[@hamad9068]

what

[@wildfred]

that's not "glue" in the back of the motherboard, is graphite for thermal dissipation.

[@3dPate]

lol such a cool use of heat dissipation and ifixit just called it tape lol

[@JorgePerez-de5ne]

Yup.

[@pierregabory8772]

The logic board half working independently from the other one is pretty cool

[@tokiomitohsaka7770]

Thank you for the teardown! If I may suggest for future videos, please make sure the background music is weaker than the voiceover, so it wouldn’t interrupt the listening experience.

[@PhuketMyMac]

Agree

[@pklungel]

I came here to say the same thing. The background music is too loud and quickly gets annoying.

[@andrew_koala2974]

100% concur with your comment about background music. What is this obsession with background music? 1. It is not necessary; and 2. When the obsession is so powerful that one cannot escape it keep the levels down to an absolute minimum barely audible audio level.

[@matiakd]

This happens because the audio is mixed on flat reference monitors or headphones which have much better sound staging capabilities. When we listen to it on our phone/tv/ headphones is sounds like hot garbage

[@andreylucass]

Unbelievable how a channel created 13 years ago with almost 1 million subscribers and thousands of videos (not to mention a millionaire famous company) still making this amateur mistake.

[@petrrieger2680]

rofl :D "looks like right way to enter this device might be through display" :D

[@Akuu820]

Like all the Samsung phones teardowns.

[@petrrieger2680]

@@Akuu820 All Galaxy S devices I remember are opening from back :)

[@Akuu820]

@@petrrieger2680 I think your right actually. For some reason I remember them opening from the screen.

[@loovizstan2973]

Trough????

[@loovizstan2973]

Did you say Through

[@AbdullahMirza2piR]

With hardly any prior experience, I repaired the display connector on my surface book keyboard base (1/10 repairability score) using an old knife--and a lot of patience.

[@Alex-hv3ir]

iFixit: let me fix this phone. Also iFixit: *proceed breaking*

[@taranlall5847]

ifixit broke something ?!?! I thought that was only me 🤦🏻‍♂️💩😂

[@andreasbuder4417]

I am actually waiting for someone to build an e-ink tablet like this, all with pen and full pdf support. That would be the ultimate notebook and ebook reader...

[@MegaDRKSTR]

Remarkable exists already

[@andreasbuder4417]

@@MegaDRKSTR I am talking about that form factor.

[@MegaDRKSTR]

@@andreasbuder4417 I would settle for a smaller and cheaper remarkable. Folding form factor etc is junk imo

[@weltsiebenhundert]

Why I think the Surface Duo 2 could score a 6/10 by simply make the device thicker and less glue?

[@weltsiebenhundert]

@Max-Leo Amberg You rly don't get my comment. The Surface Duo is thinner than the Galaxy Fold / Z Fold 5G. Microsoft did Sth small at theyer Suface Tablets and it bumped it from 2 to about 6 Points. So 2 References to older videos.

[@kbhasi]

I also hope Microsoft adds a second USB-C port to that so I can plug in my earphones or a dock…

[@Scott_C]

@@kbhasi any dock designed for this would have a second usb-c port. If you just want a mini-jack: smile.amazon.com/dp/B07Y87QXTQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rNcyFb642V09T

[@mattttttt7106]

No THINNER

[@xanderbose974]

What no hinge tear down included?

[@sotypme4813]

Darn it. I was really looking forward to cracking mine open and mucking around inside. Thanks for the spoilers, iFixit.

[@naturalgamerplaynaturaly]

Jerry rig is better in teardowns He got time He has some action drama romance.

[@acdi33]

But at least iFixit doesn't shred the phone to pieces when they do teardowns 🤷

[@andreylucass]

The music is too loud.

[@abhayranjith]

Don't take Jerry Rig Everything out of business 😂

[@andreylucass]

I think you should buy at least two models, one of which you do whatever you want to experimenting and the second you do a video with the final guide.

[@QuangPham-gh5un]

Great. Now go make a teardown video of the WF1000xm3

[@cell1540rol]

It's thoughtful of them to tell you that the battery cannot be easily replaced by user after all the struggles of getting to that point.

[@theslimbin]

the really reminds me of the opening pains of the surface pro 4 and book

[@Mireaze]

I still hate that they haven't announced an international date yet

[@adaml.5355]

Have you seen the reviews? It's a piece of crap.

[@James-lw3gi]

Adam L. Not all reviews echo that. And mostly it’s just software bugs.

[@James-lw3gi]

Mireaze I’m an Aussie. I ordered one and am having it shipped over. I’m super excited

[@dimitris_official]

@@adaml.5355 None of the reviews I've seen seem to understand the purpose of this device.

[@MrCoolduddy]

@@James-lw3gi Have a better look at the reviews. I've seen several and it appears its a piece of junk, literally. Camera crap, sound crap, small battery, laggy & buggy software.

[@polymatrix]

We appreciate the sacrifice of your Surface Duo.

[@steamcoalsteveaustin3506]

We need a teardown for Surface book 3! I am waiting for it..

[@dlz1893]

Exactly!

[@NeilDSouza7]

This is a LOL Teardown - Tears for those who attempt it...

[@Wynner3]

This guy's voice is the best I've heard since the pandemic started. I hope he gets to do some more teardown videos in the future.

[@RayRay-lo2wn]

OmG this guy is awesome 😆 Definitely my favorite teardown of all time!

[@Noah-Lach]

That's the nicest-looking rear glass I've seen since the silver iPhone X.

[@rapiddu6482]

It blew my mind that it was working even after other half battery was ripped apart. 😂

[@shqiperiaime23]

please fix audio , background music is louder

[@zerioification]

If I want to replace the glass screen, what glue should I use?

[@Pinkyou647]

I think the rating should be 5, Because this first time u have teardown, If u open that second time u will not damage the parts.

[@AceHernandz]

exactly!

[@nick4577]

Shame it wasn’t more repairable, would of loved to see Microsoft make a repairable foldable device

[@feisaljauharitufail]

Its their first generation device so i will overlook that.

[@nick4577]

Feisal Jauhari Tufail it’s 2020, the generation of the device no longer matters

[@adianchowdhury9016]

@@nick4577 Are you sure about that? The galaxy z fold 2 is waaaaaayyyy better than the original galaxy fold. There is a lot the second gen surface duo can work on

[@nick4577]

Adian Chowdhury I’m talking about how the generation of the device should not impact how repairable it should be

[@luqmansantosa5836]

is there any way to replace the whole plastic frame/ body + where to buy it?.. i live in south east asia and havent found any luck for repair

[@lucaciprian8923]

Great informative video as usual, but background music is a little bit overpower compared to the ifixer voice.

[@gamezguevara]

Where do I find a new right side display piece to be replaced?

[@andrewd3899]

Great idea and video - however, bad idea with the audio. The background music is disturbing and too loud. I found it hard to hear the voice over.

[@EdEngelkingII]

I’m sure this would be a great tear down, but I can’t hear the voice over due to the incredibly loud audio.

[@AkshaySinghJamwal]

Thanks for making this, but the music is a little loud -makes it hard to follow what's being said sometimes.

[@VR_SHOW]

8 hr in etanol by all sides, tooth floss, heat and a lot of patience - helps you replace both screens

[@squirtle88]

tis the season! to TEAR

[@E-hab]

I think the tape under the motherboard is graphite heat dissipation.

[@chandoli21]

Who else was expecting a 0 out of 10?

[@johnmonk66]

The courier is not a reality, it is an android tablet, not a Windows device at all.

[@freetheworld247]

4:04 is graphite for heat conduction

[@eccodreams]

Great vid, but the mic is a little quiet this time around guys :)

[@frantisekfranta5711]

Dobrý den, nevíte prosím kde koupím LCD display? Děkuji

[@nchia]

This is why aliens 👽 fear getting captured.

[@macarthurmohinderbrou4025]

Where can i found this phone case please?😊

[@hanpratama9603]

I like the title, good video! 👍

[@ShowXTech]

It doesnt support Wifi 6 because of the "old" 855 Soc

[@trancenut81]

Why is it even a 2? You basically cannot repair anything on this device without breaking it. What exactly can you repair on it for it to have a repairability score at all?

[@raobaljeetyadav723]

Dir sir iPhone 7 ka back camera mill shakta ha

[@weltsiebenhundert]

Waiting for the 2. Version. Much better score i think it will accomplish.

[@suprastevio2264]

Thank you Master Yoda👍

[@S_ept1c]

"we broke it so u dont have to" yeah like anyones buyin that shit

[@adobahbotchway]

Wow, you people are amazing.

[@tyler7535]

You'd think Microsoft would learn after the repairability criticism of their Surface line of products

[@Djjolly037]

Perhaps you should look up the definition of broken. That cable is most certainly broken

[@xbxb]

I think you guys should focus on analyzing repairability of the entry/affordable level devices. Those devices are tend to break easily than the expensive one. If you can afford this almost $2k device, you will definitely not going to fix it by yourself. It's like buying a expensive car and fix it by yourself, coz you know ifixit.

[@felixli4306]

you just missed the point by not saying how did it get the 2 points ?

[@jrdelossantos6531]

Can you do a Surface Laptop Go teardown please? 🥺

[@PraneethKannegolla]

Galaxy fold two teardown

[@tanaymanda8078]

Love from India 🇮🇳

[@Snap__Official]

When jerry didnt post surface duo teardown Well, go to a alternative

[@Alex-kh8lp]

You should do the DJI Mavic Mini.

[@CF542]

Just make sure you buy the damage warranty if you’re planning on buying this

[@ThePASBERUK]

Looks like u beat JerryRigEverything to it

[@hilal_younus]

Nah, Zack already did his durability test .. So he bended the surface.. Oh wait, wrong comment

[@808zhu]

Thank you for your sacrifice. 😬

[@zstratos99]

what about tab s7 plus?

[@brandon_caleb]

‘iFixit’ *breaks battery* becomes iBreakit

[@user-ut5jl7ky6u]

My right screen is broken whare find a new pleace?

[@alierengam1749]

u broke that battery!!!

[@andrewjutub]

The problem with the disign is too big frames.

[@Mr_Battlefield]

iFixit is now called iBrokeit. Microsoft Duo tricked you. 😂

[@-fuk57]

Is that John Michael Godier doing the narration?

[@louisc8873]

do sony wh100xm4 next

[@iamrajagrawal]

Channel name should be 'iBreakit'.

[@Jhonnycomelate]

Wonder how Surface duo 2 turn out to be

[@Root3264]

I hate how all those new fancy devices basically have an expiration date engineered in. I could never hope to swap out simple components like batteries without damaging or breaking the device itself. Really quite a shame!

[@ahmadzahinchowdhury9183]

Can i have the background audio track ID?

[@DvDick]

Glue on electronic devices should be classified as a war crime under the geneva convention.

[@leonardgrant6876]

Every year the repairability is worse, from the whole spectrum of devices. I have a feeling that one day we will pay just to have the chance that our devices could be repaired.

[@DarthRaider]

Don't give them ideas. Everyone wants to be Apple

[@Miguel-jm2pf]

That’s the price to pay for portability. It’s definitely worth it in my opinion.

[@RubenGoMoRadioboyPlus]

It is a new device. Give them time.

[@RubenGoMoRadioboyPlus]

@@DarthRaider not anymore

[@gamerguy6990]

RTXRadeonTiSuperXT how is it the price of portability and even if it was how would it be worth it if the device you bought for almost 1,000$ is worthless because of an issue that could’ve been fixed if it were designed better and had that in mind

[@jammin4jonathan]

Let's see jerryrigeverthing take this device apart

[@ounnak6446]

I think you damaged the bigger battery Ruben cable.

[@reknown123]

Imagine how much of an e-waste this thing's going to become once the battery dies.

[@letssaylalala]

Why this thing specifically? Every electronic device will become e-waste eventually lol.

[@John_Mack]

If it was all held together with screws and no glue iFixit would still give it a score of 2... because that's what they do.

[@scalamasterelectros3204]

Why there isent a headphone jack and a sd card there is plenty off space

[@wasylbasyl]

This thing looks like it belongs to 2015

[@user-qm4dq6kc9f]

我的surface duo一个铰链坏了，你们能修吗？

[@Mattvandeventer]

great video, but the audio is terrible

[@sa1302x]

I guess over period of time manufacturers realised that repairable devices and removable batteries lead to lower sales bcos if the thing is repairable people will not buy new devices. This end up lower revenue. But the thing is not everyone have a thick pocket. And the prices of new gadgets are expensive. But thanks to iFixit we’ll know what devices to avoid buying. 😎

[@YananoBere]

It doesn't deserve a 2 😂😂😂

[@amrabdaldayem45]

music is so loud and the voiceover's voice is so low

[@AntonioNoack]

The background music is too loud :/

[@amritachowdhury4831]

use heatgun to open these type of phones

[@GamingLiveHDChannelPH]

iOpener was a thing

[@Well_Edumacated]

I dislike how they make these devices as single use.

[@Tremor244]

single use? what do you mean?

[@the_real_kiansmith1]

Hey iFixit, I was wondering if you have ever done a teardown of the Huawei y6 2019? If not, could you do one?

[@johngullo9420]

This will sell as well as the Fold.

[@KurtPollock]

you broke it.

[@WhattEvery]

Is that background musak really necessary? Noooo, my earssss!

[@thetechexpert4887]

According to Geometry Dash repair difficulty is insane/easy demon.