Microsoft Surface Duo Hands On First Impressions

A first look at the Microsoft Surface Duo. Watch our hands-on first impressions review of the hardware build of the Surface Duo, including the revolutionary hinge, in-hand experience and much more.
In addition, we jump into the software of this device. The Surface Duo is designed as a productivity powerhouse. With the split screen functionality of this device, you can review emails, take notes, browse the web, use your digital planner, and so much more!
When it comes to Mobile Digital Note-taking or Digital Planning, this device will be your road warrior. See for yourself in this first impressions video.
Make sure to subscribe to our channel and learn more about our daily planning system, The Key2Success Planner.
2021 Planner Page Email Link - bit.ly/2NmI55J

[@duudleDreamz]

This is awesome (I live inside OneNote, Teams, Outlook... .) Finally a reviewer who gets what the Duo is all about. Thank you Branden!

[@bodendorfer]

Thanks for the comment. Yes if yo are looking for a phone, this is not the best device, however if you want to increase your mobile computing experience and have a phone with you. Then this is the device.

[@wingzofsteel]

I remember when the device was in conception way back in 2010 called the Courier. Good to see it come to life. Thank you, Brandon.

[@dariode70]

Really appreciate your review. A true influencer that understands what reviews are about. Disappointed about other creators using words like trash to describe the Duo and other devices without understanding the lengths companies and by extension the teams who worked years in most cases to develop and bring a product to the market. I am yet to get my unit to unbox and review on my channel and very much still exciting about the possibilities with the understanding about what Microsoft is trying to achieve especially by not saying that the Surface Duo is not a phone. Props again keep up the good work 👍🏽

[@bodendorfer]

I totally agree with you! This is a productivity tab large enough to do the small, but small enough to fit on your person. And that tool has the ability to take photos and make calls when needed.

[@MichaelReagan-Wedway]

I agree with you Dario. I feel like there are so many copy-cat reviewers out there. One person trashes it and they all feel like they need to jump onto the bandwagon. I saw one review where the title was "I just want my old phone back." Ridiculous. Go back to your old phone then moron. I purchased a Surface Duo and yes, there are some software glitches that will be ironed out. (Remember the iPhone had its share of issues on launch). You can tell a lot of R&D when into this device. It has a very solid build and feels sturdy in your hands. It's not an "every-man" phone. But for those looking for a companion to their productive life, it's great!

[@ronaldcaringal6496]

Other “tech experts” really are not into putting out useful content. Mostly it is either pandering or Amazon affiliate link pushes. Nothing wrong with monetising but there should be value in exchange. KZbin channels like this don’t get enough credit and attention because KZbin’s algorithm pushes big name channels to our faces. Mostly they are generic fluff with Technicolor background lighting.

[@w00tw00tish]

Excellent review - thank you for posting this up so soon as I'm eager to receive my Surface Duo - been waiting for a Microsoft device like the duo for years!

[@bodendorfer]

you’re welcome

[@jaybailey216]

Man you touched on things that NONE of the big reviewers talked about they all complained about buggy software which it might be but tell me about some cool features! Great review!

[@bodendorfer]

Thanks man. I am working on a video showcasing the writing experience with each of the surface pens.

[@jaybailey216]

@@bodendorfer that sounds great to me! I subscribed I look forward to seeing more of your content!

[@EMTinVA]

Thank you for having the bumper installed! First time seeing it on.

[@bodendorfer]

Bumper actually is a good edition. I will caution you though that the install is very important. If you miss align the bumper you risk it not applying correctly.

[@DanielHarrisCodes]

@@bodendorfer It's permanent once applied? 😲🤯

[@bodendorfer]

@@DanielHarrisCodes - I don't believe so... It could be removed pretty easily. Might need some glue remover.

[@DefterNiko]

thank you, great review.

[@bodendorfer]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrMagoo-oe3he]

So helpful - Thank you!!

[@bodendorfer]

Great to hear. Thanks for the feedback.

[@lIIuminatl]

Looks sooooo good for note taking. Cant wait! Thanks for the Impression video.

[@bodendorfer]

Welcome. At first I was a little concerned with the writing response time. However I think that was me just getting use to it. Holding a Samsung note stylus vs the slim pen is game changing

[@AlvaroCardoza]

Can’t wait to get mine today! I even ordered the Surface Pen Slim which arrives tomorrow

[@bodendorfer]

I haven't tried using other pens, but the slim does a nice job.

[@michelejp69]

At last someone who can help me with my Surface duo. Please keep the reviews coming as I made the decision to import one to the UK from the NYC. Most reviews give very negative ratings about this device, which for a new concept in it’s early stages of infancy is unsupportive. The hardware is phenomenal and I’m sure the small glitches will be ironed out in future weeks. I think the device is aimed at the more mature consumer and most have shown the opposite behaviour!

[@JoshuaB86]

Great video. Thank you!

[@bodendorfer]

Thanks

[@ChadChristian]

First video on this - congrats! Hope to get mine today.

[@bodendorfer]

What feature you most excited for?

[@Vnoxdev]

That Lock Screen looks dope...

[@bodendorfer]

That’s a photo I took. The photo preloaded is sweet too

[@solutionsagent]

Nice video Branden, thanks!

[@bodendorfer]

Thanks

[@danb5019]

Looks perfect for students!

[@NefariousTribe]

Can you try loading googles gcam software on it to see if that helps with the image processing?

[@RussellHogan]

Great overview. Mahalo!

[@onebp6033]

does it have 'Twin Apps' feature?

[@TheDudster369]

Duo makes me so happy I already can't wait for the Neo!

[@bodendorfer]

Now this device I am not so sure about. What you looking forward to?

[@TheDudster369]

@@bodendorfer Neo is the larger version of Duo, with magnetic keyboard! Should be released this holiday season. They actually released Duo early - Panos couldn't take the anticipation of how these devices would be received.

[@stockscalper]

Thanks for the review; this device is certainly more intriging than the Fold 2. You were having problems spanning apps and I noticed you were not centering the page before releasing. It has to be centered before you release it in order to properly span. Hope this helps.

[@edcoffeebean]

I'm very very happy with mine! I bought an Otterbox pleather case, and it has a pen holder, which I appreciate. I'm also a big OneNote user. I would like to see Ink to Text in the mobile version of ON. I do miss the phone jack. I'm happy with the camera. I'm not a pre-teen Tiktokker, and if I was, I wouldn't have gotten this phone in the first place. It's not for everyone. It's for me.

[@MicheleChristensen]

Excellent review, I've been waiting to see this device! I had to laugh when hearing my own name, thanks for the shoutout! ~Michele

[@bodendorfer]

Hope you didn’t mind. Your email was a prefect example.

[@TheEnd10026]

How is the battery life so far?

[@gamebegins2308]

Does image drag and drop works in surface duo in note taking apps like OneNote?

[@bshah4831]

Is there a Filofax like app that can run on the two screens? Great review by the way!

[@joshuacook3052]

Is there any way to shrink the app toolbar at the bottom to make it more compact? Or at the very least make it transparent?

[@bodendorfer]

Not to my knowledge. I think we are going to see apps get some major updates over the next few months to fix this aspect ratio and some of the features of the device.

[@davidibarra6730]

Can you actually change the icons

[@jay_cadiramen]

I'd love to see more about how to use the Surface Duo/Surface Duo 2 with your planner, especially for a personal/work purpose.

[@bodendorfer]

We have a couple of videos with the surface duo. Have you went to our videos tab and searched surface?

[@Sithhy]

I sooooooo want this thing, but the price... Been wanting a phone with a square-ish screen aspect ratio since the original Galaxy Note

[@diejuse]

Can you use another keyboard in compose mode? I would like to use a full qwerty keyboard with CTRL, ALT and arrow keys like Hacker's Keyboard.

[@bodendorfer]

Great question. I actually have a bluetooth keyboard that I use from time to time. And yes it does work great!

[@diejuse]

@@bodendorfer I mean a another VIRTUAL keyboard like Hacker's Keyboard. I don't want to use Swiftkey keyboard in compose mode because it hasn't some PC keys like ALT, CTRL

[@designanthology12]

Wow great stuff! Pls review w kindle app

[@bodendorfer]

Kindle was one of the first apps I downloaded. Check back in a couple hours.

[@beezrow]

Awesome review Branden 👏 Buyers: please wait until 2nd or 3rd generation 😋

[@bodendorfer]

Thanks for the comment

[@martyjavor6933]

I really like your OneNote daily planner and note taking template. Where can l get a copy?

[@bodendorfer]

Thanks. If you visit www.key2successplanner.com you can learn more about the planner.

[@johnmonk66]

Sadly what I wanted to see was what the Courier was promised to be 10 years ago. Open a web page on one side, use the pen to circle text and past it to a black page, and the same with pictures. Have you done that? That is the one thing I want to see. Instead of handwriting everything I need to copy and paste. Thanks, if you answer or include in a video.

[@shiqah159]

Can lamy all star emr pen work on the surface duo?

[@bodendorfer]

not sure I fully understand the question.

[@CrissWithNoH]

Was there an immediate update on first power on?

[@bodendorfer]

Yes there was an update, it was a small packet of like 227mbs. It appeared that it was just an update to the apps. I feel that we are going to see another update shortly.

[@CrissWithNoH]

Branden Bodendorfer thanks for the reply. Mine just arrived on my doorstep

[@baeksunhwa100]

I’m planning to buy it. Wish they ship to indonesia!

[@7MeansLuck]

Lol, i guess i'm not the only one from indo who wants it lol

[@CJ3WT]

Minus the bezels I like it

[@bodendorfer]

Yes the bezel is a little large on the top and bottom.

[@ryankelsey7]

What is that planning app you are using?

[@bodendorfer]

Key2Success Planner www.key2successplanner.com

[@JOHNNYLONNELL58]

Branden, Nice review! Very well done. Question, can this device truly be used for a business professional who gets 20-50 phone calls, 30+ texts, and 50 to 75 emails daily?

[@bodendorfer]

That is the big question. I been using it for 2 days now pretty heavily. And I must say it has its pros when it comes to multi-tasking. I am seeing huge improvements when it comes to emails and task management. However when it comes to camera use. I am less than impressed. I am confident that this device will replace my iPhone as my daily driver.

[@otaqqudesu81]

Please install launcher 10...the developer already support for surface duo screen....

[@bodendorfer]

I tried this. I didn’t really like it. maybe I will try again after a few days.

[@kjackson1676]

Was there an on board software update?

[@bodendorfer]

About 2/3 through the video I showcase the keyword.

[@kjackson1676]

Thanks for the review..

[@George6525]

Good 1st review. Can you do a review looking at all office 365 programs on the Microsoft duo?

[@bodendorfer]

I will for sure consider that.

[@bodendorfer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3XNXoZunZt9nKc

[@mxbblife_mu]

Z Fold 2 WISHES it could use a Pen.

[@bodendorfer]

I think that would be a game changer for that device. However what happens to the note?

[@osvaldosiles1]

Fold 2 it’s a junk! Compare to these!! Very thick and ugly. Also who cares about the camera. Most people need a phone for work and notes. I really like the idea to have a phone you can use for productivity and multitasking that’s what a phone supposed to be. Not a camera device!

[@prashantpacific2575]

@@osvaldosiles1 exactly, i hate the fact that most reviewers are bashing duos for camera

[@velvettblue157]

if i can have a leatherbound booklet cover with pen slot for it i'm sold ! pretty sure this baby got autodesk sketch :D

[@bodendorfer]

I think we will see a lot of cases for the device in the next few weeks.

[@perezs0781]

You think this will be good for college? Connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and replace laptop? Does it have like a desktop mode like Samsung Dex?

[@ys2254]

If you can review this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/mp6zeoOMZ9OJjrc

[@ys2254]

If possible check out this video in the minute :10:00 and in the 12:13 minute,kzbin.info/www/bejne/goqcloqBmdGIhMU

[@erk6700]

FINALLY one review about WRITING on this device. I have a Note 10+, and use the pen all the time . Also a Samsung Tab S3. And both pens work on both devices. And NO batteries. When this Surface Duo gets three lenses like the Note 10+ then i might consider it.

[@bodendorfer]

Do I have been a huge fan of the Samsung note. However I must say the writing experience is one over the note. However note is a leap ahead in most other categories.

[@bodendorfer]

Here is the latest video with more handwriting features. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3XNXoZunZt9nKc

[@sammyconigs1]

You will never get one then because the Duo will never be about the camera. Panos Panay said so himself.

[@christinab6411]

What is the planner app?

[@bodendorfer]

The planner app is Key2Success available on the web only at www.key2successplanner.com

[@christinab6411]

Branden Bodendorfer I forgot to also ask do you have a permanent planner or do you have to renew it every year?

[@bodendorfer]

@@christinab6411 - Each year we update the dated planner with new features and add-ons.

[@christinab6411]

Branden Bodendorfer awesome! Thank you!😊

[@bazanime]

It's an android tablet with telephony. A different take on the concept. To close an app its the standard android slide up and off the screen. To see the other running apps, its the standard slide up and hold. It's still a standard android device with access to the full play store. it's not really a photographer device, the cam is suitable for video calls and standard photography. The embargo for the reviewers was for them to learn the device properly in that time so when they finally review it they aren't fumbling about with this new form factor and making mistakes with the operation. Perfectly reasonable. would be cool if you added the spanning feature to your planner app.

[@bodendorfer]

Great tip on the slide up and off the screen.

[@oneminutewonder77]

Every video I have seen, the device itself looks solid design wise. The software though given it is Microsoft is looking pretty poor. The gestures seem like they don't work well, then the applications aren't formatted yet for the new form factor. I'm sure eventually there will be more but at launch it is pretty bad that only Microsoft apps use both screens.

[@OK-td7oe]

This phone isn't meant to use it on both screens, if that's what people want then get a tablet or a fold 2.

[@tombyrne6433]

Mines on the way, for notes its exactly like a notebook should make writing easier. My surface pen is about to get a workout!

[@ralexand56]

Careful when showing personal content in these videos. ;)

[@bodendorfer]

Thanks for the tip, however most everything was fake information to begin with.

[@chuzzbot]

Fox News? Might as well put your head in a toilet for information. Good review though, comparison to Note was very useful , thanks :) Also great to see how small you can write with it. Better than Marques' silly 'review'.

[@bodendorfer]

thanks for the comment. the Fox News thing was the first thing that came to mind. however I can see how some wouldn’t support that. glad you enjoyed the review. I’ll have an in depth review on the note taking functions in a few more days.

[@William5849]

It's the only network not biased to the left. If you think your head isn't in a toilet while reading CNN, you are truly brain washed. Lol

[@corrie.welsh6272]

@@William5849 That's why it is called the Communist News Network.

[@bodendorfer]

Latest video showcasing the dual monitors with OneNote and other apps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3XNXoZunZt9nKc

[@macberry4048]

It must be nice to get paid to play with expensive electronics

[@bodendorfer]

It’s nice, however based on my following this is still very much an investment on my part.

[@williamkey9041]

I was enjoying the review right up until you went to Fox News. Nope.

[@bodendorfer]

In all fairness in the most recent video I showcased CNN.

[@christinab6411]

Faux News...come on now🙄

[@bodendorfer]

I like that Faux News. I might use that some time. In the most recent video I used CNN. Just to make it balanced

[@dotsojp]

Hardware is amazing, software is an embarrassment.

[@dharkundercity1796]

Two words: over priced.

[@angelherg1997]

Shouldn't it be one word? Overpriced?

[@James-lw3gi]

Angel Hernandez lol, yes it should

[@someomeyouknow8221]

Can't help but think that this should have fully featured windows 10 instead of android. Huge fail

[@schnaido]

Excellent review Branden. Thanks for taking your time to do this so your viewers can get a better understanding of that this product is all about. It was a very objective look and it is well appreciated. To be honest, it was bound to be a polarizing device. Those who know what its for will love it. Those who don’t know will hate it. We just need reviews that tell it as it is, that way people can make an informed decision that is based on facts rather than emotions or personal preference.

[@bodendorfer]

Thanks for the comment. I totally know what you are saying and agree.