Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Review

[@ajst22]

Great review! I appreciate you actually focusing on the PRODUCT and not making a whole fuss about "who is this for?" and then putting the Duo 2 down because of your personal opinions about the form factor. I'm watching 7 months or so after launch and I think based on the latest update, this could really be a great fit for me

[@retrorichmond999]

I love the Duo form factor. Nice fair review Lisa.

[@hk6926]

The only sensible reviewer out there . This is how a review is done. I hope other tech reviewer learn from you .

[@gyozakeynsianism]

There are a few sensible reviewers, but they are a minority. And Lisa is a gem.

[@silliwanker73]

Seriously awesome tech reviewer

[@kings7man]

I watch these for the shirts

[@digitalfriday]

"we're gonna take a look at em now..."

[@rogerhalt3991]

I know it’s light hearted but we need an angle to find x so it’s not too accurate ;D

[@i_am_smitty]

A cute angle, right?

[@anantbisht5607]

Same.

[@Gubby-Man]

@@rogerhalt3991 We only need to know that one angle is 90 deg. X is then solved using Pythagora’s theorem: 3^2 + 4^2 = X^2 => X = 5

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Love your reviews Lisa! Always watch them even if I’m not in the market for the specific item you are reviewing.

[@RichardDurishin]

THANK YOU, Lisa, for a complete, honest, objective review!

[@0hMyGandhi]

2:52 I heard that initially as "you can wipe it with a DAMN cloth". Great review as always, Lisa!

[@steven7465]

The closed captions say damn cloth 😂

[@mariannesuesli5680]

damp...

[@Justaniceboy31]

I heard that too lol

[@AliDaniali]

Excellent review. I have the Duo 2 and been using it for several weeks. It is a solid 5G phone on T-Mobile. My favorite feature is when I cast the screen using chromecast and PowerPoint. You get the presentation view and notes like having a actual display!

[@vincentjames946]

Very fair and objective review. Just wish more tech reviewers approached the device like that. Some I've watched some reviews and it was clear that they aren't multi-taskers and keep wanting to compare it's functions to the standard candy bar style smartphones.

[@samratspeaks]

The best review of Surface duo.

[@RJPhotographics]

You're always reviewing the devices I'm interested in. I've got the Thinkpad P40 as my main laptop (you were among very few who saw value in that), a P53 for heavy duty stuff, and since my Lumia 950 got abandoned, and my iPhone failed, a Duo 1. I updated the thing all the way and it has no more bugs than my iPhone - as a laggard it's working fine. It is the best device to use in support of a dedicated camera. Really don't appreciate the difference between iPhone 13 max whatever, Duo 1, Huawei etc cameras - they're all very similar. Try an Olympus or a Fuji, or a Leica and you'll see.

[@jdnorton22]

Nice review. I'm loving my duo2. So glad you took time to understand how to use the phone as opposed to other tech reviews.

[@FormulaWill]

I appreciate your reviews.

[@aeipee13]

Hey Lisa, I had the same problem with my thumb/wrist and after months of wearing a brace I figured out it was the way I rested my forearms on the table while I compute. Great review as always, now just waiting for the surface duo 3. That camera bump ruins it for me.

[@Theprofessor1212]

Same here. I moved to Logitech mx vertical mouse and I’ve never looked back since. It was a game changer for me.

[@mobiletechreview]

Not from typing/using a computer. I overdid it landscaping (replaced 9 dead bushes and small trees in May that were killed in our winter storm) and that combined with too much fast-paced controller gaming ruptured a tendon.

[@sharkfintech5893]

@@mobiletechreview Hope your tendon fully recovers soon, Lisa ! Keep up the great reviews ! 👍🏻🤗

[@jahayrac8636]

@@mobiletechreview Yikes! You're one hard working person, Lisa! I hope you get ample rest and a have a speedy recovery. ❤ And thanks for the review!

[@simonsayz1812]

@@mobiletechreview not just a gamer, video editor, painter, photographer, youtuber but also a gardener ^^

[@aljosacebokli]

Awesome review Lisa👍

[@agenttexx]

I've had the Surface Duo (1) for about two months now. The biggest drawback I've found is the lack of protection for the phone. I would like to see more protective options for my phone. The other issues I have are some glitchy things with the phone itself. They aren't deal-breakers, but it seems the current price of $400-$500 seems to be more a better value than the $1400 it was when it released.

[@brettthomas6327]

I agree the durability was the reason why I returned it, scared to drop and crack it plus the charging port cracks as well.

[@agenttexx]

@@brettthomas6327 I'd like to see an outer cover made by Urban Armor Gear - composite and aluminum with a rubber bumper. I found using a magnetic charge cable keeps the charge port safe.

[@qamarmood1157]

The screens are on the inside what protection are you looking for

[@agenttexx]

​I want better cover for the back of the screens and the hinge. The Surface Pro covers provided excellent external protection. I want similar levels of protection for this.

[@maheshbh1]

Appreciate the review

[@davidhardinge1214]

I really like your reviews Lisa.

[@scott324324]

Love the shirt and always all your content. Keep up the good work.

[@bensgadgetreviews]

Thank you for another great video

[@robhedison7782]

Great review, thanks. And LOVE the t-shirt!!

[@JoshsBookishVoyage]

Damn, teasing that Pixel 6 Pro. Can't wait for your review.

[@scoobyrex247]

Omg i have waiting for this video it seems for ever.

[@elbowsout6301]

I want a t-shirt now that has the Surface Duo 2 and the quote from you below it, "...maybe destined for very goodness." :) Love your reviews don't ever stop Lisa.

[@phinyp2256]

I love your reviews. Lisa, you're the best!

[@jeffhale1189]

Thanks for sharing your review. I appreciate your perspective. Interesting device but I will wait to decide purchasing. Blessings on your day.

[@ragingtyga]

This is the best video review of a phone I've seen on KZbin

[@michelejp69]

Three flat camera’s would have been a better design - like on the iPhone 4 range. I purchased and returned due to this - they were just too bulky. The original design was very intuitive and innovative- so I’ve reordered from the USA, as it’s so cheap, even with the import charges. Great review Lisa - thank you.

[@BRisecomics]

Been watching for years!!! Love it!! But I'm still keeping my OG duo.

[@CampGareth]

"Maybe not greatness but very goodness" great line, I'll borrow that one :D

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Yet another excellent review. A fair and useful take for potential buyers, imagine that! Not a fanboy rant or shrug. It's expensive as hell so I won't buy one, but this SD2 looks actually pretty good this time. Glad the bugs situation is coming along, though to be honest it's been a while since version 1 and MS really should have squashed all those. And too bad about wireless charging.

[@tOnySi]

Thank u for ur unbiased and not rushed review. this phoen is getting too much crap from other youtubers

[@tonydamiani8029]

Best reviews on KZbin.

[@eltreum1]

I am an enterprise user and this looks better than their first try. Have you tried it with the December update which I hear addresses the camera and makes things smoother?

[@808zhu]

Love your smart and thorough reviews. Thank you.

[@4thNebula]

Love the idea and can see a Duo 3 in my future. Love the idea of a pen with my phone and the utility of having 2 screens. Microsoft is so great at functionality and utility in their products (Surface and the Duo).

[@zynan]

Hi Lisa. Another comprehensive review! Do you prefer the black or white colour? Do you think it works better with Microsoft’s own apps than with other Android apps? Can it have two Bluetooth devices paired at the same time, e.g. headphones and a physical keyboard? Ta! Xavier 🇦🇺

[@MuhammadArsyad-vk2zb]

fair enough review.. finally someone understands dual screen device for.. listen to this marques.. 😂 lisa.. did you do this review after first update or the second update?

[@Gadgetonomy]

MKBHD has gone all corporate. I don't know why he's so highly rated, his reviews are lazy and self indulgent. Give me a Lisa review any day!

[@MuhammadArsyad-vk2zb]

@@Gadgetonomy I think some of the reviews he did, "missed" because he got it earlier than the others, because he got it first means also more bugs.. but yeah got your point he already passed the "reviewer" now on mkhbd nice cinematics shoot on review content, the non review content still quite good.. but lisa, nice consistency.. lol

[@hawkins55]

I hope MS continue to iterate to make more generations until it is great. Please don't give up like they did with the great Windows mobile phones or with the Zune Gen 2. They really had something very good going. Just needed to persevere longer. I bought the Duo Gen 1 for < $400. The screens were great. Worked great as a tablet and was very fast. Duo apps were very good also. The bad has been said by many reviewers. The deal breaker was really how insecure it felt carrying it around. I always was afraid to drop it. The bumper does not provide enough protection. The form factor simply does not allow a proper case. I was even afraid to use it at home, let alone outside. I found myself kept going back to my old phone because of that. I returned it eventually. 😔

[@chuyistheshiz6811]

Period

[@hassanger8128]

Microsoft will kill it after it fails

[@mike_t_007]

Unfortunately people only want iPhones or Galaxy phones. Sadly that's all we may have left because most people are afraid of and bash things they don't understand or differ from the norm. Even tech reviewers in 2021 aren't open to trying out new things (MKBHD) and bash these devices without testing them how they were intended. 😟

[@meandmyEV]

I really want one of these but I have no idea what I would do with it. Maybe when they start to sell them off. Your landscaping looks beautiful!

[@RK-um9tu]

translation: i am not a white-colloar professional or business person...

[@rogerhalt3991]

The PDA is making a comeback?!

[@lizunya1983]

I used to have an ipaq 6515, I think the duos are the closest thing to a modern successor.

[@joie7457]

Great review!

[@MisterFuturtastic]

Lisa, keep in mind that in the near future as screens and phone parts get cheaper this is going to be the wave of the future. MS is smart to start developing this software now to prepare for that. Especially considering that foldable displays are always going to be less durable than the 2 screen design.

[@dialntone]

You are the best! Every other Mobile entertainer or reporter’ is totally fake. You’re definitely The Real Deal :)

[@tachiroakisu5128]

Been waiting for Lisa's take on this device.

[@pjllb]

Great discussion. Straight forward and not judgmental -- informative.

[@ola_bode]

Best Review of this phone.

[@dnevs79]

Ski watched this a few times… and now mine arrives in a few minutes. It’s unfortunate that most reviewers objectivity stops and starts with Apple/Samsung, nothing else can be objectively a great product but different. When I see different I see possibility. I’m going to give it a fair shake, because I loved my original Duo (though that thing was Buggy), I saw the potential use cases and they far exceed that of a typical phone and even the Fold 3.

[@adameusevus7353]

Georgeous productivity device.

[@dennan4]

You can snap photos with the device closed, with the volume rocker after double tapping power button (depending on your settings for double tap when device is closed), obviously you cant see the viewfinder, but its possible.

[@brandonmiller555]

Can you review the framework laptop? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

[@gingerdude94]

I love my fold2, Microsoft make great hardware but I'm not sure they'll ever fix the software....so buy it as it is rather than hope it'll get better

[@RK-um9tu]

Sorry, there is nothing wrong with Duos software. My OG Duo is great...

[@gingerdude94]

@@RK-um9tu huh, all the reviews say it's buggy etc...just shows you can't trust all you hear and read. Tbh I was tempted to pick one up as they were going for £450 a while back but the negative reviews put me off, you have to wonder if they just priced it too high in the first place?

[@AR-rg2en]

@@gingerdude94 Duo is not for everybody, of course you wont get a bug free experience like an iphone, but thats a high bar to reach.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

@@RK-um9tu Some users do say that. But many others don't, including some (usually honest) reviewers. That sounds like there are actually bugs, and the happy people are the lucky ones!

[@cpufrost]

That camera bump looks like someone left a domino lying on the back! :-P

[@odys3803]

Yeah, generally all camera bumps now do.

[@chuyistheshiz6811]

Drama queen

[@keremozgul4596]

Her voice makes me relaxed ❤️

[@Silent1Majority]

Outstanding, down to earth, breakdown. Thank you.

[@UnBiasedConsumer]

Great review! Doing mine today 😁

[@iu1191]

As always, your videos are beneficial. You were the first tech reviewer I ever came across, and I didn't know anyone even did what you did. This review was probably the best Duo II review I have seen. You were not overly kind, but you were not pulling any punches either. You made it clear that some would enjoy this phone, but some and that would be the majority, would not necessarily do so. I agree with you - there is something nice about having something different, and this phone shows promise. I do think, though, that the price tag represents an unfairness to the buyer. If I can get the Samsung Fold 3 for less than this, then this is just not fair. Granted, the fold is in its third generation and is still not perfect - true, but there are areas that this could have been better and is just not. To be honest, there are competing design decisions at work here and teams that are not aligned. The camera team and the phone housing team did not talk enough. Hence we get their folding misalignment in our hands. The software team did not connect with the content people, so the screens do not convey everything - gaps in content appear. No wireless charging for $1500? That is just not fair. Not fair to the person spending $15000 at all. 2 screens is a real thing. I use two screens in addition to my PC screen and would not be without them. I am constantly splitting the screen of my phone for two apps. It is a thing - but the implementation is just not wowing enough, and Microsoft have not SOLD it to us yet. It could be fabulous, but it is not yet. It is on the way, but anyone buying it today would be in effect giving Micvtosoft seed-money to develop the Duo III, and that really seems unfair. I look forward to future iterations and price drops to a fairer and more realistic level.

[@BigPoppa23]

Good review

[@thawurdsmith]

Very good review as always I have one myself and can agree with everything you said.

[@ManOfSdeel]

Fingers crossed for a price drop, awesome review

[@eboneyweathersby9777]

Thank you for this review! All I've wanted is to see someone hold this in their hand from a distance. Boy, does this thing look colossal close up lol

[@CNormanHocker]

I see your thumb is in a brace. Are you ok? Great reviews.

[@mobiletechreview]

Damaged my right wrist tendons 4 months ago. Thanks!

[@elephant_888]

@@mobiletechreview hope it heals up quickly! Love your work. Take care!

[@hippytimefunbox]

I'm just always keen to see something a bit different. Seems like most phones are pretty interchangeable with the smallest of hardware changes, something like this really feels unique. Doesn't always work, mind you, but I'll probably pick one up when I releases in 'straya so they at least keep trying stuff like this.

[@pepprdgefarm]

Still don't get why all the kids aren't following your channel. You have the best tech reviews on KZbin, hands down.

[@digirlock28]

What a great review 👍

[@abj4962]

That is really cool Just the first one excpet Three cameras on the left hing only

[@waltertj1234]

Excelente presentación !!! otros hablan mucho y no permiten ver con detalle el producto

[@butchmcqueen5625]

Thanks Lisa!

[@annakat03]

I imagine Lisa to be that cool auntie you look forward to chatting with at family get-togethers 😊

[@D3D587]

I met her at a MicroCenter one day, and she was very cool. Nice lady.

[@gormauslander]

I wish any of my aunts could talk tech

[@RandomChannelName42]

Thank you for the excellent review! I've been using a 1st gen Duo as my daily driver for the past few months (grabbed one in a firesale) and I have to say, the word you use, delightful, summarises my feelings pretty well... Don't get me wrong, there are bugs and frustrations, but it feels so good to open it up, do what you need to do and close it with that satisfying "poof"... Maybe it is that I'm just old enough enough to have grown up before cellphones were commonplace, and every adult around me was using a little pocket notebook/calendar, but this device feels just right. Still not going to spend $1500 to get the 2, especially since it sacrifices design elegance for something I don't care about (better camera).

[@mxbblife_mu]

Paying for the higher price of the duo just means you're going to have to learn how to use it in the best way

[@FAT8893]

I like this Surface a lot since it does show a massive improvement over the first-gen iteration. But since this is still an Android-powered device, looks like I'm in no hurry to replace my LG V50 with its detachable DualScreen case.

[@nthemperor]

Great video, Lisa. I really hope there'll be some holiday bargain sales for this.

[@MeatNinja]

1:45 Jesus christ... Look at her trying to pull down the notification center and it takes 3 swipes before the 1500 dollar device responds. It's unacceptable. This is not gen 1 anymore, no excuses!

[@ThePlacehole]

That's just android being janky

[@RK-um9tu]

@@ThePlacehole you must be confused. this isn't an iPhone review...lol

[@Gadgetonomy]

@@ThePlacehole Maybe a few years ago, but Android is definitely not janky these days. This is a Microsoft issue.

[@Gadgetonomy]

It definitely feels like a prototype device, I would be pissed off if I had parted with $1500 for this. Better off with a Z Fold 3.

[@ThePlacehole]

@@Gadgetonomy You probably just got used to it. Dropping touches, gestures, terrible bluetooth, weird battery drain, videos stopping playing when you turn the screen off, and most of all, source code that looks like it's been written by a sleep deprived intern - that certainly sounds like android to me. If anything the insanely powerful hardware of today's phones is what hides a lot of android's issues.

[@cubeuhhgaming5034]

Really looking forward Making it one solid screen that way it's better for gaming until that moment I will not be buying this product though I think most of the specs on the phone as well are top notch but I think they can do a little bit better maybe offer a terabyte option as well We'll primarily be using it for videos music and gaming so But I am more familiar with windows products than any of the other cellphone providers so I really look forward to them hopefully making the update that I need for to purchase the products

[@babyblu5590]

Borders bother me. They should have perforated those huge borders with great stereo speakers. That bump at the back is fine IF the cameras are really good.

[@eggman0291]

I hope someone dares to make something in this form factor for the mid range market.

[@jahayrac8636]

I wonder if you can download the Samsung notes apk to this? 🤔

[@lynn7000]

Do you have a different tip on that stylus? I believe I have the newest version of it. But mine has a shorter stubbier point

[@ArtsyStudios]

Hi Lisa @mobiletechreview. Can I get your opinion? I'm a Mental Health Nurse thats constantly on the wards and taking notes. My contract is up this November. I really don't know whether to buy the z fold 3 or the Microsoft surface duo? I know both have a functioning pen is which I need. Which one would you buy?

[@iMonsieurAnthony]

I’m not Lisa but I say Z Fold 3. Don’t make the mistake of getting this over that one.

[@hk6926]

If you like plastic screen and strange design go for fold 3 . I like duo 2 more .

[@VincentGroenewold]

I would really have a look at an iPad mini to be honest, those are way more durable.

[@hk6926]

@@VincentGroenewold agreed Much cheaper also and great for note taking .

[@BlackHeart_YouTube_Channel]

Had a Fold2. Now a duo1. Best decision ever! Will buy the duo2

[@chuyistheshiz6811]

I want it so bad. Can you play 2 accounts if pokemon go on it?

[@lizunya1983]

Good question in general, can it run multiple instances of apps like miui?

[@AliDaniali]

Connect the Duo 2 to a usb-c hub with a display, keyboard and mouse. It’s powerful on the go computing device for hoteling in a WeWork or office location without having to lug your laptop. All with great T-Mobile 5G connectivity.

[@EMJ1472]

I wonder if running a arm os like Microsoft x would be better for the duo?

[@qamarmood1157]

Bought mine I really love this device but had to return it due to it still being buggy ...but I do prefer the form factor over the fold 3 ...but the fold 3 is stable so that's what I'm rocking with

[@zerrubabbel]

I think Microsoft is absolutely killing it with the Surface line up of products... I absolutely love my Surface Go for travel and business trips... it beats the pants off of my old laptop, even after considering that it's a newer product... and the Surface Duo is shaping up to be my favorite phone on the market... Regretfully, I can't buy one... at least not yet... as much as I really love the idea of the Duo, the reality is because of my job, I need something with MUCH more water and impact resistance... It really is a cool device tho, and I'm just itching to throw some money at Microsoft to put one in my hand

[@machtschnell7452]

Props for the Note Edge mention. With a properly designed hinge, the next version could have an abutting screen design with no gap. It would be limited to 180 degree opening but otherwise eliminate the center gap. The dual screen aspect is useful, but to make performance competitive with candy bar flagships, NS probably needs to increase thickness by 50%. Achieving continuos gapless panel when in folded will be their next goal.

[@courtenayblair2279]

I'd rather have the gap than 180 limit. This is still a phone and trying to take a call with that limit means holding the full length of the phone open

[@jwbowen]

The Kindle support for pages like an open book might be enough to tip me towards getting one

[@kozad86]

I'm kinda surprised that Microsoft didn't put their iris scanner from the last Lumia phones in these Duo phones.

[@rjh7293]

May I ask，what about reading PDF document with bookmarks ?Would you show that for us ,please ?

[@Walrondrm]

Destined for very goodness - love that!

[@georgebartrop-sackey3203]

Lisa has fun T-shirts. They always have something interesting.

[@tlnu1225]

I wish they would have done like Microsoft did with the Z Flip 3 (which I have): add features and a lower price. I'm not sure if I'm going to upgrade or not. I need more info and the camera bump is throwing me off!

[@noytelinu]

I really like it... except that camera bump. As someone who rarely uses the camera ever... the first gen is looking way more appealing even though it is slower.

[@Alicecordenalhe]

1:21 Introduction to Microsoft DS

[@bradj43]

Destined for very goodness!

[@valyushalee2320]

I got it, I really like it.

[@jeffselles645]

The only function I really need bad because I'm a senior adult is that one side can be used entirely for a keyboard. I can't use tiny keyboards anymore !

[@SleepyPossums]

Some of these issues really feel rushed - they should've given it more time in the oven. Ah well - maybe the Duo 3 will be destined for very-goodness!

[@RK-um9tu]

funny how people who have never owned or even touched a device actually think people care about their opinions...lol

[@PhoenixWwrong]

I'm kinda worried there won't be 3 :(

[@chuzzbot]

@@RK-um9tu or yours

[@hassanger8128]

This is the last Duo. Microsoft will pullthe plug after the definite sales failure

[@MisterFuturtastic]

@@hassanger8128 NO WAY. There's a BIG reason MS came out with the Duo.. and it's not going away. Dual screen devices will be the wave of the future as screen prices come down. Other companies will make cheap knock-offs of the Duo for the masses as well. MS HAD to get in this game now to prepare for this. These people aren't stupid. People also forget Covid had a big impact on all this when the Duo came out. It's hindered development and sales.

[@Involvement82]

Nice review

[@paulbram2]

Source they ever had plans to run windows on this thing?