Microsoft Surface Duo Review

Lisa Gade reviews the Microsoft Surface Duo, a dual screen folding Android phone that’s more innovative and enjoyable than you might expect. The Duo has 360 degree hinges and 2 OLED PixelSense 5.6” 1800 x 1350 displays that can be used individually or open as an 8.1” tablet. You can use 2 apps at a time and flick them front one screen to another, or span both displays. This is the thinnest smartphone on the market at 4.8mm (9.9mm closed). It works with the Surface Pen and Surface Slim pen and uses MPP (aka N-Trig) technology, so the Galaxy Note isn’t the only active pen smartphone option anymore. It has an 11MP camera, 4G LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0 and a GPS. It runs Android 10 on the Snapdragon 855 and is available with 128 or 256GB storage. It’s compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile (and thus Sprint) and Verizon. Microsoft sells it unlocked and there’s an AT&T locked model. Pricing starts at $1,399, and like Samsung and Apple, Microsoft has a trade in program to help offset the price.

[@LuciferMorningstar____]

I have watched 4 different top youtubers review this Duo, and your review is miles better without a doubt.

[@mr559]

I didn't even bother with the other reviews.

[@DctorSkillz1]

Ugh. The worst was MKBHD. He definitely doesn’t use devices like most business users.

[@anton95rct]

@@DctorSkillz1 I was done with the video when he said that "Microsoft partnered with swiftkey". Didn't even bother to research that SwiftKey is owned by Microsoft...

[@oblivion_007]

This lady's review is great. We can use this video instead of sleeping pills.

[@oblivion_007]

@@mp2557 you watch tech reviews for motherly love? Lmao

[@krsjames1]

Ordering one...I always like weird niche devices personally. On another note , I've been a subscriber for years...how does she not have 1,000,000 subscribers yet. I guess people like style over substance.

[@ballistikcoffeeboy]

Agreed! Buying one too. Thx Lisa you’re amazing 😉

[@gyozakeynsianism]

People like logos over substance. And title cards with people with extreme expressions on their faces.

[@sonsolar]

She's one of my favorites. I'm returning my duo through.

[@Arcwol]

@@gyozakeynsianism Little cards with extreme and obnoxious reactions.

[@stephenhavilland]

Only a Million? I think it should be at least one Billion!

[@supriyasou3722]

First step for any reviewer is to recognize their biases. Unfortunately most cool kids today who call themselves as tech jurnos or reviewers don't even have the self-awareness to recognize that. Thus, there are very few people on youtube like Lisa who have that objectivity and rationality to do unbiased reviews.

[@hianhoolim7786]

Some viewers today aren't looking for reviews reviews per say, they are looking for entertainment or something that confirm with their bias. Those cool kids you've talk about are simply catering to this group of people. In my opinion it isn't some but most viewers belong to this category, hence today news news is rare and all we get are opinions pieces package as news.

[@samratspeaks]

The thing is reviewers just want to put the thing out first and get views. Their impatience is palpable.

[@TraumaER]

Samrat Babu Koirala I cant understand yours or the above 2 people’s comments. You use words no one uses in public. 🤔

[@andyphillips7435]

Well first step might also be the occasional full stop. Formula 1 commentary doesn’t always work.

[@AceHernandz]

COUGH* MKBHD

[@yourhuckleberry3505]

I've watched several reviews of the Duo now and you're the first one that talks about the phone features. Thank you!

[@emmettbradford6983]

Please Google Bradford Technology

[@pauljackson112]

Lisa - you have been my 'go to' for tech reviews for years now. Thank you for all you do 😁👍

[@Luis29292]

I’ve been subscribed to your channel for years, but after the Note 7 review, KZbin stopped showing it on my home page. Glad that I ran back into it

[@DBumple]

You are legit my favorite tech review channel. Solid info in an unbiased manner and the shirts just top it off. Thanks for the great content!

[@czodiac94]

Y’all need to stop playing and get Lisa to 1M subs!!! One of my favorite tech reviewers!

[@ThomasHoffDE]

i have watched probably 20 reviews on this device and yours is hands-down the best. I love your channel - great work!

[@ironbravo]

Randomly came across this review and channel. You have earned a subscriber. You miss are awesome, articulate, and super informative. I look forward to your future reviews.

[@steveevets9015]

Such a fair review! THANK YOU! You are one of the people that explained this device with an open mind and gave me confidence to get this! I absolutely love my DUO! I'm just waiting for updates to be released by AT&T this month sometime.

[@stevenpugliese3542]

Thank you so much, Lisa. Been watching your reviews for a long time and I always look forward to your brilliant and wonderfully presented takes on things. You're a champion of You Tube, you really are! Just a perfect natural. I just bought the Duo on Amazon at that amazing price! It's the moment I've been waiting for! So scouring for good reviews now and so happy to hit yours! Thanks for giving your expert love to the Duo! I so enjoyed it! You're simply the best!

[@raycon921]

I've been watching other reviews on KZbin and I just realised that I had the 1.25x speed turned on, the other channels talk so slow.. Finally a channel that doesn't waist your time 👍

[@JoshuaRotimi]

First Surface Duo review I didnt play on 2x. Just love how she breaks stuff down with actual relatable/useful info

[@jfalmeidar]

Finally someone who gets it! Not everyone cares about having the latest and greatest cameras and super thin bezels that screw up the aspect ratio. This is a very exciting product. Hopefully Microsoft keeps making improvements. Great review as always, Lisa!

[@williamboyce4030]

Well if had stereo speakers. Better camera I would get it. Reminds me a little of blackberry passport

[@jfalmeidar]

@@williamboyce4030 sure it needs improvement in those areas for it to justify better the price. I just hope Microsoft won't cancel the whole project because of some harsh critiques and (hopefully not) poor sales. I really like the idea of it!

[@LalosSaw]

@@jfalmeidar I think the reviews are a bit on both sides. Almost everyone loves the hardware. The software after an update got better, Noone liked the camera and the speakers. The issues with the device are preety obvious but I don't want either to be canceled. I was waiting for this device since windows phone 8.1 I'm gonna wait another year or two for the second edition maybe they will fix some of the issues.

[@kashiffkhan6239]

Who is this one person who does NOT care about the camera?

[@mikeg2491]

Kashiff Khan a decent midrange camera is good enough for many of us. It’s why I went with the iPhone se, the power and performance of the iPhone 11 just with a lesser quality camera and screen but also a lot cheaper.

[@EricaGriffin]

She gets it too!!!! Thank you, Lisa!

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Lots of, uh, mediocre reviewers didn't get it. Probably not a coincidence.

[@mobiletechreview]

And thank you, Erica :)

[@tiestofalljays]

MobileTechReview Hey I’m curious, why haven’t you switched from that mic? Also, what mic is it? Lol

[@mr559]

This reminds me to check your review too.

[@Pg91357]

tiestofalljays looks like a Sony wireless mic

[@SantaHerb]

Lisa, I've enjoyed the depth of your reviews for several years now. I've finally subscribed, so I won't miss anymore. I don't see myself getting a Duo, due to price, but as always your take, and info help me stay up-to-date and knowledgeable.

[@lIIuminatl]

Lisa to the rescue. Best video of the duo on KZbin. Can always count on you. Can’t wait to get mine.

[@Sharky165]

Adam Rees There are a couple of other very good ones, if you’re interested: Engadget’s review by Cherlynn Low, and iJustine’s as well. IJustine even tested the Duo with an Xbox gaming controller, _and_ demo’d the Duo’s “Cast” feature (can’t recall the exact term, but it’s very similar to Samsung’s DeX). I was pleasantly surprised/shocked, given that she’s such an unapologetic iSheep ! 🤣

[@TeamVRY]

Lisa hope you're having a nice weekend! Thanks for the review.

[@emmettbradford6983]

Please Google Bradford Technology

[@dickdowdell5813]

Lisa, your are still the best reviewer on KZbin. Thanks!

[@PeterHerget]

Your review of this gadget was... GREAT! A nice balance of pros & cons Lisa - way to go! I am looking forward to the Surface Duo 2.0 in 2021.

[@rebeccaw9656]

Thank you Lisa! I’m another one very excited to see where this device goes with future generations.

[@AznSyKc0]

I really appreciate that you look for practical reasons to love the device. Only reviewer to really showcase the keyboard. Every reviewer seems to only be looking bugs. Fidgeting the device just to get it to bug out.

[@claudenguyen9001]

Thanks for this thorough review! Will probably wait til the Duo 2. Really appreciate your no-frills and honest reviews!

[@Coilshot]

I really appreciate all the information and actually giving a detailed review. It seem you actually took the time to give us a lot of information and no fluff.

[@Dare2Blink]

THANK YOU LISA. Its awesome you see that you, unlike most tech reviewers, get it. Man I really have to find a way to ship this from the US to my country.

[@808GT]

Lisas review is the only one that counts. Was waiting for this! Thank you. Also, awesome MadMax TShirt!

[@edwardmoemeka]

How did you be the Blur effect on the app tray? That setting does not seem to be there on the retail version

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Lisa so happy that you reviewed this device. I had set aside funds to buy the Duo last year and pre-ordered. I realized that Microsoft made an error in sending out the marketing kits based on the original launch date of 8/28, and not waiting until after the firmware update that became critical after Harry McKacken identified bugs in his early testing. I've truly enjoyed my time with the Duo, but I understood that this was a new way of pocketable computing. I was also a fan of the Psion 5MX. Very cool a d as always a thorough and enjoyable review.

[@mobiletechreview]

The Psion 5XM!!!! I haven't thought about that device in years. Gosh, I adored it back in the day.

[@treasurewuji8740]

Slowly approaching a million. Happy for you.

[@jvillaro]

Videos like these remind me why I like your reviews so much Lisa. It's not a phone for everybody of coarse and it's not going to be perfect (none is), but so many hasty and negative reviews out there... This was refreshing

[@yeetusfetus8687]

I think it's because most of those reviewers got the previous, buggy af software

[@jvillaro]

@@yeetusfetus8687 in part that of coarse. But many reviewers tend to review stuff only for them and their use. This is not a device for most people. Issues are issues and bugs are bugs, but bugs can get ironed out. Camera is not that important for the use the device is intended for. I think this device has a context. And things like bezel are not pretty but have a a use and are there for a reason. Those reviewers didn't give a f*ck about bezels for years when Apple kept using them on the iPhone for example.

[@jvillaro]

@@yeetusfetus8687 it's a gen one product and it shows, it's also too much money for my wallet. And even if I had it I don't know if I would buy it because it's not for me, I'm on my laptop all day. But I can see it useful for many people, hopefully gen 2 will be a huge improvement but this one is not ass bad as many reviewers make it out to be

[@stockscalper]

Lisa just does the best reviews, honest and not biased and she always touches on the important points. I've bought products based on her reviews. And of course, subscribed :) Big thumbs up for this review and I look forward to the slam down with the Fold 2.

[@Go.el_Hadam]

Hands down the best review on the duo I have watched. I bought the 256 gb unlocked version. I'm in love. Lol never going back to single screen or narrow screened devices.

[@AbdurRahman-km1sx]

Wishing you the best for the 1 million subscribers.. ❤️

[@ThatRandomJew]

This is awesome! I love how your videos are so in depth. I can obsess over a device for days before buying (or waiting for it to ship) and having videos that go into great detail really helps scratch that itch :)

[@TheSentinel909]

Thanks so much - you're the ONLY reviewer to adress the availability of traditional Android buttons; it's important to me cause I prefer those

[@c.retana-holguin8318]

I loved your review! And also the shirt that had "Crew" written on the front.

[@JasonJ1968]

How did she know I watched those other reviews? Best reviewer ever.

[@wjlbrz]

Thank you Lisa for such a great review as always! You answered all the questions that's missing from every reviewer, esp aspect ratio and great sample side by side with 16:9 phone, for us to see the difference. 👍👍👍

[@mingming23499]

When she said let's have a moment of silence about the 6gig of ram I died😂

[@nmnshrma]

Lisa is the top YT tech reviewer in my books.

[@jadams1a]

As usual, a great in-depth unbiased review. Love our Lisa.

[@jacoblee7852]

Lisa and Flossy Carter are my 2 favorite tech reviewer on YT! Both are very informative and no BS!

[@KAZAM707]

Wow Lisa, this video was great! I watched all the others and your insights added lots of value.

[@FitOneTech]

Thanks for all the information ! Probably grabbing this as my second phone since my IPhone 12 Max Pro has all the “missing” features and I’ll still have an amazing camera on me... Excellent review!

[@sendia4744]

I am just LOVING mine! Great job, Lisa! After 5 days, I can't imagine returning to a single screen device. Yes, there are glitches, which I expected from a first gen device. My guess is Microsoft will be sending out fixes regularly. But as you said about the first iPhone, I didn't know I needed this until I got it! And now I'm in and there's no turning back!!

[@AMPFIELDVISION]

Just ordered mine. You still feel same way?

[@sendia4744]

@@AMPFIELDVISION Yes, Anthony! It's pretty unique and so far I am enjoying it more each day. You won't believe the hardware! Microsoft put a lot of thought into it (especially the hinge) and it's a beautifully balanced piece of tech. The camera is not great; it's not terrible either. It's OK. The software has some burps and hiccups which I'm sure will be fixed over time. All in all, though, I'm glad I got it! I hope you will enjoy yours!

[@Misterkennedy04]

I know ots over a year later but is this device still worth buying? I'm still on the fence but it's much cheaper now

[@sendia4744]

@@Misterkennedy04 Hi! Well, I'm still using it because it's working fine. I was gonna get the new one but couldn't justify it since my original Duo is doing what I need it to do. The original is pretty reasonably priced now. Good luck! Happy New Year!

[@Misterkennedy04]

@@sendia4744 and it's running smoothly after all the updates? No bugs?

[@jimmycychowski1142]

Great review 👍 I've got one arriving Downunder this friday so FedEx is stating, I've been been waiting for this device for like a decade.

[@youluvmystyle02]

I just ordered mine based on your review. Thanks a bunch, can't wait to get it next week. This is the new flagship phone I believe!!

[@TheDarkchylde]

Yours was the review that I was waiting for. I really feel like I need this product but I will wait for the second generation. I think the second will be the sweet spot. MS tend to get things figured out pretty quick. I think they’re going to pass all the competition just like they did with the Surface tablet. The concept is just so innovative. I’m really worried about the Neo tablet. I think that will be a step back.

[@ojibwayinca8487]

This really is the most informative, and I helpful, and balanced review I've seen. Well done. I'm tilting towards buying a new a V.2.

[@ticsxlol8155]

the touch screen is less responsive? i saw alot of times you do gestures but no reaction from the screen. sometimes you swipe up to close the window but it transfers to the other side. is it a laps or a room for improvement factor?

[@richdaley9982]

Thank you Lisa for showing this device and the fold playing video side by side. I have been considering ditching my iPhone and iPad for a device like this since my iPad is mostly used for web browsing and videos. I was concerned that even the Fold would be not be great for video because even though it has a big screen, it is a weird aspect ratio so a lot of videos would have huge black bars.

[@Bradds68]

Hi Lisa. Love your Chanel and immense t-shirt collection. The Duo has just been released in the UK and from I have heard the software updates have transformed the device and has rectified some of the gremlins. Would love to see you do a second review to see what you think now. Thanks, Mark

[@gainesj1]

Phenomenal review Lisa!!! I've been watching A LOT of uninformed reviews of this phone, and sadly it has muddied the water a bit. I however cannot wait to drop my note 10+ sim into this device!!

[@MiguelMartinez1980]

Always look forward to your reviews, always great information, before I buy anything I wait till you have done your review

[@TheKrakatour]

You're awesome! I've always loved your videos! I think you're a person that I'll love that chat for a long time. You're smart and thoughtful! 🙂🙂

[@n.atwell3137]

Your channel and videos are the best! 👍🏾👍🏾

[@Mizzoulord13]

That was a great in depth review of the Duo. I like how you go through all the features, which looks promising. It's unfortunate that the Duo has had its issue with the software because this is a brilliant idea. Hopefully they will build on that if they decide to keep pushing. Great job Lisa.

[@wildscorpion73]

great review, very informative, much better than other reviews i watched !

[@JimmyL121]

Great video as always Lisa! I highly doubt it since no reviewer has mentioned it but need to ask...Does this have an always-on display (with it flipped 180-degrees)? If I'm at my desk (stationary in general), I'd like to see if I have any notifications (it's on silent when on conference calls & what not) without having to open/touch it. Yes, I know there's that peek feature but not the same thing.

[@divyanshuduttaroy]

Hey Lisa, thanks for such a detailed, helpful review. You deserve wayyy more subscribers.

[@maverickdancer]

Your review offered an unique perspective, very different from others.Thank you

[@gabrieltataru7366]

This review convinced me to give it a try ... thank you for the best review I’ve seen of the device

[@petepaxton5109]

Here's a question regarding duo. On the Fold 4 in Chrome browser I can press and hold on a link and I get the option to open the link in a new window so now I have a split screen. Is this possible on the Duo? When I press and hold a link in Chrome, I don't get the new window option. I can do this with edge but not Chrome. Is this even possible?

[@MatthewParksSr]

This might have been the best most complete review I've ever seen. You understand the purpose of the device which a lot of other reviewers, even some reviewers that I really highly respect don't seem to get. This is a productivity first device. I get the complaint about the camera, but for me this will be my work phone I'll have a personal phone that has a better camera so that's not a deal breaker for me at all. Besides most good cameras nowadays are 12 megapixels have been for about the last three iterations so 11 megapixels isn't a killer and it is an f2 aperture so it should be relatively bright and I think that software could probably fix a lot of the issues as they tighten that up.

[@cynthhgn]

Been waiting for this review!

[@PreppyHorror]

I was waiting for your review!! Thank you.

[@call_me_pebble]

Love your reviews lisa. Really interested to see your take on that LG phone theyve teased.

[@bluerq]

getting one.... this is the best review of the surface duo so far.

[@mdwm1981]

Another very informative review. Thanks Lisa

[@brianward1318]

Hi Lisa. Best review of this device I’ve seen. And I have one 😃 Really thorough and accurate.

[@WillNewcomb]

Thanks for one of the best reviews. I’m really interested but will wait to see what Gen2 is like in a year’s time.

[@oryanol]

This one, Casey's and Erica's are the most understanding review of the surface duo. Thank you. I would also like to know which app you use to draw, and is it available on pc (Microsoft store) as well?

[@kenbee1957]

"It's so THIN! There's no room for anything" ~Lisa 2020

[@crisvizcaino9449]

Must say even though this might not be the device for me I do appreciate your in depth review of all the products you review. Gives me a better understanding on the device.

[@ImagineAS]

As an owner of this, you did the best and most accurate review. So many reviews were completely off.

[@brandonwhitman1115]

I am a huge apple fanboy and have ordered the duo. Lisa is the BEST!

[@mikecane]

Excellent review! Paraphrasing: "We think we're happy doing one thing -- because that's the only choice we've had." And solving a problem you never knew you had. Yes.

[@Trukinbiker1]

Your site has some of my very favorite product reviews. Currently really wanting to see what you think of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus!

[@vernelfpv]

i really like your videos when it comes to tech review. very concise and understandable

[@yorokobezasshu]

Are you doing a long term review? It’d be interesting to know how it fares as a single or main phone.

[@TanzimulIslam]

Loved your review. Totally unbiased and open minded, unlike other reviewers. You just got my sub! Keep it up.

[@rt3156]

Let’s have a moment of silence was too funny. As usual I love your reviews and your cat!

[@f1racer908]

sensible review, not sweating the little stuff, but focusing on the important functionality, and the only review I've seen so far, not even Microsoft support knew the answer to, yes the Duo does 4x4 mimo, or ATT's 5Ge, really just advanced 4G LTE, hence the faster speeds, even faster than TMobile's real actual 5G

[@ColdCrush]

Thank you so much for your review. If I didn't watch yours I would not have bought it. The other reviewers made it sound terrible because like you said the got early buggy units. I love this thing and it works perfect, no problems. Thanks again for your awesome review!!!

[@SparkyRih]

I wonder how the Android built-in magnifier would work... Would it zoom both screens at the same time, or would it just zoom the one screen on which you triple tap?

[@kascax]

Lisa, great review as usual! Thanks for the video :)

[@nicholasliew2200]

Excellent in-dept review!!!

[@DJAYPAZ]

Thanks for a very comprehensive review. You have identified a number of important usability issues this device deals with. Multitasking looks to be way more usable than on other devices. I would love to try out some music composition software and packages such as Launchpad. The Duo could potentially make a huge difference to the usability of DAW type software.

[@consumercompute]

Lisa, what do you think about this phone nowadays with the z fold 4 out and the Google pixel fold on its way? also are dual screens a dead technology?.......thanks for your hard work and the videos you produce this youtube thing is not easy. and what you create it a great value.

[@paulm5025]

Great review... Thanks Lisa! One concern I would have is the hardware quality of the product... my concern is based on the numerous hardware problems we have had at home with our Surface Pro 3 + 4 + 6. We loved the form factor of the Surface Pro so keep buying them, but we have had to return all of them numerous times due to various screen problems (all of them), fan (SP3), dead SSD (SP4). We keep an old one on standby for when the latest one has to go back for repair. (We ALWAYS buy the 3 year warranty offered by the retailer just for financial piece of mind as the Pros are very expensive to repair).

[@rmcfadde1]

Absolutely love the Duo! And great review 👍👍👍

[@MakeMoneyGuide]

As always, quality videos right here!

[@PeterHerget]

Lenovo Yoga your way into a phone - subtle, clever, and such a GREAT intro about the Microsoft Surface Duo. Just watched your review again, from start to finish, thank you for your professional review and honest perspectives :)

[@Locutius11]

Great review. Love the t-shirt Lisa :)

[@michelejp69]

Oh I love your review. Everyone else is bashing it but I’ve ordered one from the US - not available in the UK.

[@JosephPatton316]

you are my favorite tech reviewer!

[@jpfriis]

Great review, you managed to cover all vital points, thank you!

[@janicenunn3339]

Love the form factor, reminds me of my lenovo yoga somewhat, which I use as secondary device for my biz.

[@eftorq]

Janice Nunn same thoughts exactly!

[@jamesdean6747]

Your review is so enjoyable! Thanx!