Microsoft Surface Duo review: double troubles

The Surface Duo - Microsoft is back into the phone game with its own Android device. It's a two-screened folding phone that runs all of Microsoft's best apps. But making the device so thin and spending so much time on development means that there are some compromises. In this review, Dieter Bohn looks at the camera, the software, and the hardware.
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0:00 Intro
0:43 What’s the big idea?
2:05 Duo duel
3:41 Not so good things
5:06 Hardware
6:44 Software
8:16 Bugs
9:58 Remember when
11:18 Outro
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[@TheVerge]

Do you think Microsoft can compete with other Android folding phones?

[@getrektfn5725]

“Don’t lie who else is a *FAN* 🐿" “¡ᴍ ɢɪғ₮ɪɴɢ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ🅞ɴᴇ ᴡʜᴏ ʟɪᴋᴇs ᴀɴᴅ sᴜʙs ᴛᴏ ᴍᴇ”🥜

[@sowande1562]

Yes, as long as they execute the hardware and software well, as you, Dieter said. Where is the Dex-like feature? That should have been a no brainer considering their relationship with Samsung, and the Lumia ability to do it with Continuity (as someone pointed out to me). How will MS handle the Android update switch? Only time will tell. Heads up MS, Android 11 just came out. Get ready!

[@priyawarrier29]

Apple should go bankrupt

[@roguegenesis7020]

Dieter is worth the ads

[@gvdkamdar]

The quality of this review is flagship material for sure. Love this guys reviews and approach. Here just after MKBHD review

[@TheMrMobile]

All right, so which one of us is gonna cave and change the headline?

[@tzouzi]

hahaha that's exactly what I thought when I saw the feed!!

[@tharos]

I saw your video first, so I'd say it's Dieter's turn!

[@TheVerge]

1...2...3... not it! - Dieter

[@sanliwang5714]

lol

[@ave_rie]

No one needs to change! 👍Having two double trouble vids EMPHASIZES the double trouble 😂

[@TylerLore]

The production value on this video is A+. Makes me really miss the verses videos.

[@carrs01]

Golden rule: wait for the second edition. Like the concept, but not there yet.

[@dinorahbarbosa3927]

Same. Specially for the price tag, I believe phones like this will become more common and robust

[@onemorechris]

Dinorah Barbosa by that time Samsung will likely have something better. shall we regroup in Oct 2021 and see how guesses right?

[@elfedorausado]

I agree... an exception to that rule, though: original Samsung Galaxy Note

[@Nizanator]

Haven't seen versus since Lauren was with you guys!

[@DanielWinterAt]

huh - when did she leave?

[@nintenjoeee]

@@DanielWinterAt like 3 years ago I think. She joined WIRED.

[@abubakrakram6208]

Daniel Winter Yeah man, it was a WHILE ago. Her videos were really entertaining, but I feel like the Verge has taken on a more tech centric and less pop-culture-esq feel in the past 2 years.

[@juraj_b]

she has a podcast now too

[@manicsalad]

i miss her, she doesn't even make videos now, SAD

[@Mruniverse21_]

verge : we need more viewers verge: what to do 🤔 verges: HITS THE DIETER BUTTON 🔳

[@gvdkamdar]

The quality of this review is flagship material for sure. Love this guys reviews and approach. Here just after MKBHD review

[@gadget00]

same here! Top quality both videos and reviews

[@gvdkamdar]

@@gadget00 this one was more fun though

[@impishfou6953]

TeRa NaAm BaHut WanNabE

[@dandansfu]

MK video is all the same. Some rich guy act and dress like he is still some kids who is unbiased but we all know he doesn’t. And he never really critique the big corporation products really negatively so don’t affect all those perks from them

[@pratiknighot3863]

OK verge, that title scene in the intro. Where the Duo spins is smooth as AF!!!!!! Daaaammmmmmnnnnnn

[@jonathanfelso]

Thats the camera moving, bro. Its not telekinesis

[@VianPrasadana]

Wow the production quality of this video is phenomenal. The Verge just nailed it! Love that versus comeback!

[@imperialexecutioner]

Man, when Dieter starts a review in a sea of darkness, you know it’s gonna be tough.

[@vikasvhiremath5067]

The editing is dope

[@ryanisawesome102]

It feels like we’ve been waiting forever for this embargo to end!

[@arthurmathews5554]

Wow. This video has one of the best story and cinematography quality I ever saw. This is art.

[@ThomasTheSingleton]

It's amazing to see what Dieter can do when he's forced to spend an extra week working on a video like this. Fantastic work. You're the best in the business at this point.

[@dandansfu]

Does he do editing himself ? I thought he is an executive and the face for the company but doesn’t do the editing himself

[@METC500]

This is my favorite iteration of the folding phone design. I think the clamshell exterior is the right approach, and I hope MS sees fit to make more of these things in order to improve on the issues in the first model.

[@Sharky165]

It needs an exterior small display though, and a zillion other improvements.

[@micdonmusic]

I think MS CEO said “when you close it you’re finished.” Or something along thong lines. Great idea and great design. I hope to see more affordable designs and variety in specs like the rest of the Surface line.

[@jon4715]

Sharky165 i like that it doesnt

[@chrisgangsta]

You are like the most likable tech reviewer in all of youtube, so professional without being boring, entertaining without becoming a clown.

[@LifehackerAsh]

The production quality is just amazing. It's a joy to watch well made videos.

[@mosestekper7659]

Finally. It can now be powered on. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@khaldounal-nuaimi3594]

Seriously this was a joy to watch! The quality of your videos just keep improving.

[@niklasbauer7282]

The two of you having a conversation is so good! Love this format.

[@justinxu9593]

wow the quality that just goes into making this video is amazing

[@jwwh22]

I really enjoy this guys reviews they are very fresh, a little comical when needed and well thought out. My surface duo arrives today and although i do see a lot of negatives I really feel these issues will be ironed out. Great job on the video!

[@BenjaminEarlEvans]

@dieter what music library does the verge use for background music ?

[@AlvarLagerlof]

3:04 What are those status bar icons doing there kind of in the middle but also to the right?

[@mav.wreckk]

This is why I always watch Dieter's videos coz the production is lit! 🔥

[@baihaqishaipuddin5013]

8:35 that synchronized sigh 👌

[@Fer490G]

What a throwback with the versus section, very nice 👌

[@TomazOgris]

Can somebody tell which Withings smartwatch Dieter is wearing in the video? Model and size?

[@amau994]

Dieter would make a great KZbinr

[@ramapatir109]

Honestly the worst reviewer ever

[@meliber]

I mean Dieter IS a great youtuber

[@DoctorMegabytes]

Rama Patir and yet here you are

[@NineteenEightyFive]

@@ramapatir109 what.

[@jake_lacroix5417]

@@ramapatir109 how

[@TimothyKist]

Dieter and the verge team, this is the best review I have seen in a long time! Well done! If I could hit double like I would. I love the idea this phone brings. Appeals so much more compared to the Galaxy fold and other foldable attempts. Would be awesome for typing at console or coding. Pity about the camera but there's gotta be some give I guess.

[@JoshuaJBerk]

Really awesome production on this review, Verge crew. Maybe my favorite Dieter review ever.

[@ElectericSpace]

When's the making of this video dropping? That's some of the best editing I've seen in a while

[@tallperson117]

Definitely feels like a first gen device, but I like where they're going with this.

[@cannygrowabeard]

Disappointed that ‘Bieter Dohn’ didn’t get a mention under in the ‘Host’ in credits.

[@dalemeyer5363]

My duo just crashed and booted to the recovery screen saying data may be lost. Retry or factory reset.

[@franciscosusana2292]

I missed videos like this from the verge, thanks guys!!!

[@GabrielDalposso]

The photography and soundtrack on this is amazing! Congrats to everyone

[@DanniPortillo]

Dieter you always do awesome review incredible how you improve day by day. Keep it going.

[@kuldeepkashyap909]

How do u do thus illuminated subject with really black background?....

[@EverydayTechSJB]

I really like the black background super clean and brings the focus directly on you, great info on a pretty interesting device!

[@JorjLimOnYT]

Versus with Dieter. Yes, this is how you bring it back.

[@asyrafdzulfiqar3985]

How I remember Dieter by: "... But... Whatever" 😂😂

[@charleslewis04]

This video is fantastic. Editing was dope, shots were amazing, clever delivery, and great contents.

[@_jeromethegreat5119]

Dammit videos like this are why I love the verge. This could've been so dry but they instead made it probably the best review I'll find. Love the verge and the entire staff. Great job

[@dangoruiz3259]

Can't tell if there are two Dieters or one moving really fast back and forth.

[@fredjnam]

Dieter is quickly becoming my favorite tech youtuber...

[@nikknezevic2201]

This Intro (and whole video, matter of fact) was fabulous. Well done.

[@avichaielimelech265]

Great review! Unrelated to that - I’ve noticed you have the Withings Steel HR. Seeing as Withings just released their Scanwatch - any plans to cover that soon??

[@lingth]

i hope someone can compare the Microsoft Surface Duo, with the LG Velvet with its 2nd screen accessory.

[@PhonesOnaDailyBasis]

uncomparable

[@sidersproductions941]

I can tell you from my time with the V60 and the second screen, in the Duo’s current state, it’s not even a comparison. LG’s dual display works almost flawlessly and miles better than this current software version of the Duo not to mention the price difference and better pen support on both screens and better cameras.

[@JayQPhoto]

Dont hold your breath, reviewers just dont give LG the respect they deserve. V60 got this thing beat in every way with the exception of thickness all for way less $$.

[@chaiyamahaiya2830]

The new nintendo ds lite looks great

[@maximumsoftness7469]

This video was one of the most enjoyable things I have watched in a long time on KZbin. Well done sir!!

[@Snarcksa]

What is that music from the start until 44 seconds in? I must know!

[@JohnsonChiw]

Continuum gonna have a come back

[@YG-rt5yk]

The verge good production is back finally

[@AyaanBorkotoky]

amazing video and amazing presentation by Dieter as usual. btw, what's that timepiece that Dieter is wearing?

[@emilthomas6886]

It was an unexpected but awesome surprise to see the return of Versus!!

[@KminekOdRozkminek]

Love how you handled the review man. Kudos.

[@rezaardiansyah1034]

holy....that intro....woooh 🔥🔥

[@XDJ0003]

I never knew i needed Versus with Dieter.

[@owaiskhan5420]

Which watch do u have on ur wrist, looks good.

[@OwensB]

“It doesn’t really work for texting in one hand,” as he does so with one hand comfortably....

[@SinMidnight]

That intro was amazing.

[@mongteck]

Is this as bad as my old Surface (first gen) ? The one with Win8.1 RT that can't do anything.

[@msmeraglia]

i like the thought that went into doing the "duo" review concept (2 Dieters)

[@tztz7114]

Dieter is so awesome, he's like 85% the reason I even watch the Verge. Also good job to the whole team working on this video, that's some next-level production quality!

[@clickbait7396]

They probably didn't use the cpu brace.

[@ggdfggdfgdffgfddg34]

Can you please tell me: if a Windows application emulates a touchpad on this device?

[@thefire_kyuubi684]

Theres a thing called project input in the uwp community website that you can check out.

[@adam.g]

That intro shot was insane!!

[@Gubby-Man]

10:14 The first Surface was a table with a huge touch screen. 🤓

[@wunnell]

Did that ever actually get a public release? I recall Zac Bowden getting hold of one and doing a review but I'm not sure that they ever got it out officially.

[@cjmellon]

I audibly yelled when I saw Versus! I was very excited

[@777ElZorro]

Thank you for finally updating the aspect ratio on the videos!

[@hiro4476]

That multitasking lag... It happens sometimes on my Pixel3A too. e.g. open app A, open app B, swipe to app A... app shows up a second and disappeared, and I can see my desktop. Then I'll have to hit the home button, go to desktop, then swipe up to bring out my task view and and launch my app from there. So... could be an Android Pie issue in general?

[@IvanPauletti]

I had to watch this video twice because the Double Dieters totally stole my attention on the first watch.

[@evelinecarolinelienhuaming1184]

Wow Double things!!! Double Satisfaction with Android Os!!! Perfecto. Looking forward to other Project Surface Neo!!! Big is Better Yay 😀😁😀

[@Nova-Solaris]

This will sound weird, but couldn't help but notice that you're really pretty. Love your profile photo.

[@evelinecarolinelienhuaming1184]

@@Nova-Solaris Woaw Shank U, this is just My Awkward Smile!!! 😀😁😀

[@ZuLuuuuuu]

I just wanted to say the production quality of the Verge videos are so good!

[@waheebchaugule9901]

What a quality video. I mean the review was good too but just the way it was shot, the music everything was just fabulous

[@CW-nj2fn]

I'm getting the duo. I'm literally only worried about the camera when traveling. I'll have to carry my s10 too XD. I'll have 3 Fn phones.

[@bamblebamble]

E-ink Kindle in this form please!

[@fortyinch]

I don’t know why there is no two handed qwerty in this thing. How’d they miss that. ?

[@baher_wael]

Guysss YOUR VIDEOS ARE AWESOME 👍👍, I have been a subscriber to the verge for the past 10 years, It really puzzles me why your AWESOME channel isn't booming like other newer channels, why haven't you reached 10 million subscribers yet !!!! Anyways, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK I really like your content it is geniune, unique and of superior quality 👍👍💪💪, FOR YEARS TO COME 😄✋

[@koaladlt]

5:14 I read 66 gb of RAM 😂

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Microsoft definitely didn't bring their A game

[@onemorechris]

do they have an ‘A game’? apart from xbox?

[@TheMacShihab]

What are your opinions for the Neo?

[@luisinhocol]

Hey Dieter, are you enjoying the Withings smartwatch?

[@MagnusWiWa]

Have been refreshing all day to watch this!

[@kevinbarry71]

Why? The embargo ended at 9 AM Eastern today

[@MagnusWiWa]

@@kevinbarry71 Didn't know that, just knew that it dropped some time today, haha

[@samushunter0048]

It strangely reminds me of a Nintendo 3DS. Love the design. Great video

[@JanAnthonydeWilde]

Nice review! But what watch are you wearing?

[@SaulsieBerries]

The Verge deserves so many more subscribers than they have. These production values are so much better than other KZbin Reviewers in a similar space. And Dieter is easily my favorite reviewer. You guys are literally the only channel I 'Bell'. Love it. Also - I love my Surface Duo.

[@jimmycychowski1142]

I'm very surprised by the lack of optimisation by Microsoft for the surface duo, surely a software update and a patch will fix some of these bugs 👍Microsoft will fix the majority of these issues

[@sethsdoodles]

lol They took 5 months to fix Surface Book 3 faulty speakers through firmware

[@penultimatename6677]

There is an update when first turning it on. They also had a camera update.

[@jimmycychowski1142]

@@penultimatename6677 yeah that's good, I'll say a lot of reviews have been without having this update, I just got a FedEx notification that mine is on its way Downunder 😎, hopefully by this time next week I'll be using the Duo

[@techiescience474]

Ur website and channe have inspired me to start KZbin channe!

[@mdukasa]

Can we just appreciate how well put together this review is?

[@elKerni]

Should be an official video for the Duo. Perfectly done and informative as hell.

[@matteoclementi]

The surface duo isn't a foldable how you can even compare it with the z fold 2🤷🏼‍♂️ Compare it with maybe ZTE Axon M.

[@ricardosoca7380]

Exactly, two screens with a hinge in the middle doesn't count as a true foldable.

[@wunnell]

The idea that you can't compare them is silly. Sure, they're not the same thing but they are also more similar to each other in that way than they are to regular phones. To not compare them would be silly, as people need to understand both the similarities and differences in order to know whether a folding, dual-screen device or a single folding screen is better for them.

[@matteoclementi]

@@wunnell people call it folding phone and this is wrong.

[@nunab6397]

Want it now this would be great for my BUSINESS

[@hassanger8128]

They already told you it is bad

[@KrAOLo]

@@hassanger8128 Yeah but we know that the Verge and all KZbin reviewers know nothing about technology lol. Spent 10 minutes with the team in the store and they answered real in depth questions about nothing that was mentioned here and the whole damn point of the phone and Microsoft goals in mobile. I honestly watch reviews for pure comedic relief, and I heard this one was funny. Being someone with 35 years of living on the edge of technology the only thing that is useful from reviews is seeing the colors of the devices that's if their color science is done right.

[@iagolucas3484]

How to make a Dieter review even better? Put 2 Dieters in the same video 🙌

[@Chronicler92]

Well made Deiter. One question: What if we try to look at this device not as a phone but as a tablet? A tablet with a physical split screen for conducive multi tasking?

[@duudleDreamz]

KZbin reviewer: uhh camera, uhh processor, uhh ram, uhh... End user of Duo: "Wow! Look I'm being evermore productive" Reviewer: What? How did you just do that?

[@Gubby-Man]

10:48 It's actually their 6th attempt, remember Microsoft Kin?

[@schnaido]

Ok, this production is top notch! I hope I enjoy using this device as much as I enjoyed watching this video. Well done guys. Love love love it!

[@mostafasaad8725]

Verge's video quality is always superb, but I don't know why I feel like this is even better and a step up. The quality of this video is insane.