OnePlus Open vs Surface Duo 2: An Unfair Folding Phone Fight...

TEAM SGG PATREON / somegadgetguy OnePlus Open vs Surface Duo 2! My favorite folding tablets have given us better tools for multi-tasking! The Open is a STELLAR piece of hardware, but can we still learn a few things from Microsoft's tablet style?
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#oneplusopen #surfaceduo2 #foldingphone

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

This video was released early for Patrons (and in 4K) here www.patreon.com/posts/oneplus-open-vs-91371652

[@stevewelbert5039]

Juan.. you just inadvertently made me want to buy another DUO2.. instead of wanting an Open. How did this just happen?

[@FAT8893]

I do like the Duo 2 a lot, but I don't think it's gonna replace my current LG V50 with its detachable Dual Screen case as my daily driver. Would love to have the Duo 2 as a custom ROM machine though.

[@stevewelbert5039]

@@FAT8893 I was amazed by the V50. I didn't have the pleasure of even using one. I would have loved to though. The Wing has been striking my curiosity. Have you had any experience with that one?

[@kerc]

​​@@FAT8893LG was my go-to brand, starting with the V10. Eventually moved to the Pixel 6 Pro after LG mobile folded (pun intended).

[@thebittersideoftech]

I have an lgv60 with the dual screen case(that I don’t daily nowadays) Was a cool concept, but the duo is way better for a lot of things. I don’t disagree that being able to detach that second screen came in handy a lot.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

My bad buddy. I am kind of a tech enabler like that...

[@sidersproductions941]

My man Juan is one of the few tech reviewers making a compelling and sensible case for how good the Duo 2 still is. Great breakdown.

[@OleHippy]

And the Duo 1 is almost as good for about $300 these days. Same OS.

[@rainbowsix7959]

I'm still on duo 1, gonna just wait for duo 3

[@HandheldAddict]

Great video, concise look at multitasking & love the PFold cameos. This vid feels old-school no nonsense youtube style maybe back to 2015 or something

[@jamesbarger5241]

Still prefer the Surface Duo form factor. If they would ditch the camera bump, have top of the line specs, and have a built in stylus it would be my perfect phone.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I really didn't need the rear cameras on the Duo 2. That would be kind of a dream tablet, if I could get the Duo 1 body with up to date internals.

[@FAT8893]

I still take dual display over foldable all day because it's so much easier to handle app multitasking and screen compatibility. Having said that, it's great to see some tough competition for Samsung's Z Fold5.

[@BrianGlaze]

Yes, we need someone to strike fear in Samsung's heart

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Acknowledging good competition is critical to getting better products from out market "leaders".

[@DjangoGroen]

Nah most of the time I use 1 app at the time. That’s sucks on the Microsoft duo

[@sergiopabzu6692]

I would always choose a two screens phone over a complete foldable.

[@codelyoko2439]

It just came to mind but id like to see how the lg v60 stacks against the new folding phones or even the older flagship phones

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I COULD make that happen LOL...

[@avatarspirit57]

​@@SomeGadgetGuyMe in Palpatine's voice: Do it!

[@richardalvarado1877]

I still love how LG implemented their dual screen. Too bad they left the mobile market. They could have made a different approach to foldables.

[@FAT8893]

That's why LG made their Rollable concept. That meant to be the next thing aftet foldables.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I'm REALLY sad other companies didn't try a dual display case.

[@richardalvarado1877]

@@SomeGadgetGuy Innovation is slacking. No one else's trying new concepts.

[@RJ_Uploads]

Someone finally answered my question about the tent mode... Thank you Juan!

[@thebittersideoftech]

Yeah. Nobody else has really pointed out that as soon as you open it goes into tablet mode way earlier than the others.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's a pretty tight spring yeah.

[@Mr.Wonderfool]

Loving the OP Open content! Keep it up!

[@Ronnet]

Considering going from my original Duo to the open, so thank you for this. I will say, you didn't mention the two finger down function on the open which mimics the Duo function of opening the second app via the launcher. Which is why I am considering the open as the only viable successor to the Duo when it comes to productivity.

[@AskTheo_]

You didnt show us the video and game in "desk' mode, half closed to see weather we would play and watch! Great video mate! Missing my Duo 2 once again

[@Walrondrm]

Oh Microsoft. I would have preferred to send you the money. If only you would commit to the Duo. 😢

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's really frustrating. Google got REAL tight with Samsung, and kinda picked them to be the preferred partner. Really gutting me that MS is slashing a big chunk of the Surface team now. 😢

[@glutentaco]

Didn't realize I needed you back in my life. It's been a while since I watched one of your videos and I'm glad to see you are still pumping out bangers.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

But what would there be in a taco with gluten in it? 😉

[@glutentaco]

@@SomeGadgetGuy 🤔 You know what, I never thought of it that way.

[@gmosc]

Gosh, now I'm considering a duo, again. At a discount, why not? It would have a data sim in it anyway. And I alteady have stylii for surface and lenovo (which is the same as Microsoft)

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

They really are fun multitaskers...

[@BlackHeart_YouTube_Channel]

I miss my duo2 tbh. It's just a better concept, just not as mainstream like the other foldable..

[@MrLoipurz]

I still use my Duo 2. The only thing that irks me is the camera bump make it feels weird. Really love Duo 1 form factor. Because MS will not release another Duo, I need to stick and stuck with the dreaded camera that doesn't even take a good picture and only hampering the usability of the device. Not to mention it's weird to take a picture with it. Microsoft screw up the priority with Duo 2. Cause I'm sure the majority of people who actually bought Duo 2 don't even need that good of camera either

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I really wish they had stuck with smaller selfie cameras to keep it flat.

[@Ronnet]

The oneplus open does has a tent mode. But it doesn't active until you place it down on a surface (hold it vertically).

[@BrianGlaze]

I love how wide the Microsoft screens are.

[@FAT8893]

Ikr. MS wants to give an iPad-like experience when using both screens. After all, it has two 3:2 screen in the first place.

[@BrianGlaze]

​@@FAT8893Right. That's a very usable experience. I could get a lot done with that.

[@CJ-bw8ek]

Thanks for this video! All of us Duo users are wondering where our next stop is. For those that don't like the camera bump on a Duo 2 you can find a wedge shaped bumper that fits over the back that gives it a feel of a Og Duo. Sure no room for the pen but who can find a pen cover anyway? Why go through all this debugging just to kill it's beyond me. Too bad... it's my favorite phone ever! They could have simply made a single folding screen version of it with the same experience. If you really want to span it it's one move to the center. Not the many steps it takes to have multiple apps on your folding screen like the others.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I think it was the first victim of MS culling a huge chunk of the Surface team. Panos left recently. Really anxious about MS' future hardware.

[@ascomycotinazzz]

Great video out there, even person who don't have any needs for this type of device could be properly educated, that what i wish more reviewer do, instead of become "salesperson" of specific brand 😢

[@smburn]

Excellent, As as Duo lover who is waiting on my Oneplus it nice to see someone talk about Why haven't folding phones a Multitasking first option like the Duo. I returned the Pixel fold because it was too far off for me but I am looking forward to the open

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Baby steps in the right direction IMO. It still won't replace the duo for those fluid gestures, but I think you will like it a bit better than the fold.

[@williamcopeland2617]

Great video. Simply put, DUO 2 multi-tasking is by far the best of any foldable phone on the market.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

NO argument from me. 😁

[@andoletube]

Great discussion. I agree with all the points you made, Juan. The biggest problem though, is affordability. These things are purely aspirational to about 3/4 of the population. And you should see what these things cost in smaller markets like Australia - I'm talking sell-your-kidney-on-the-black-market kind of expensive.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's a huge engineering, distribution, and support challenge. Add a hinge to a phone, and it's going to be a lot more expensive. Just how tech works when something ACTUALLY different is made. Some glimmers of hope thats starting to change The open is a nice price cut under pixel and z fold. Moto is selling a more affordable flip phone. But it's going to be a WHILE before this idea is common enough for midranger and entry level phone pricing.

[@sendia4744]

Really good job, Juan! Thanks! You mentioned the Duo 2 is not a very good phone yet I use mine as a phone every day without any issues.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's not difficult to use as a phone without serious issues. There's a certain work "flow" in using a phone, and the Duo slows down a lot of gestures and actions that we take for granted on a phone. That doesn't mean you CAN'T use it as your main phone, just that it requires the user to change their behavior to match the unique build of the Duo. I prefer the dual display over plastic for more tablet-y activities, but I do kinda like the cover display and "phone" mode of the Open for being more familiar.

[@justintardif9527]

I want a duo 2 but they are still to expensive even on the used market.

[@BrianGlaze]

The shot of that Spider is insane 😮

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

The cameras are NO JOKE.

[@lovescarguitar]

That audio app you were referencing was probably made with tablets in mind (when tablets were a thing)

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Maybe? It came out almost 12 years ago...

[@vmac38]

Had i not cracked my left screen and the battery didnt become worse, i would have kept using my Duo 2 as a daily driver. Despite my homemade efforts of modifying two pen covers to try and protect it, i manged to drop it face first, while folded back. I love the way the Duo 2 works and I still use it as a research device and study companion.

[@delilahswan4496]

When are we getting the open Z fold comparison ?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Soon-ish. I'm going to do a video with TK on HIS channel to compare the pixel fold, and he's coming on my channel to talk Z Fold.

[@delilahswan4496]

@@SomeGadgetGuy yup I saw was just wondering when the release date was

[@delilahswan4496]

@@SomeGadgetGuy really interested to see the comparison actually been liking the fold more and more. It's very compact witch I liked handled my v60 the other day and it felt huge in comparison also like the narrow desplay on the outside as it's much better for one handed use and I tend to use the inner display for most of my actual usage.

[@johndelabretonne2373]

Juan, I always appreciate your coverage of folding phones. Thank you! The One Plus Open is the first foldable that really reminds me of the form factor of my LG V60. I still think the Surface Duo has the right aspect ratio for a foldable tablet though (it is my preferred). And I think it would be more apparent, had the Surface Duo been a single folding screen --- it would be a great experience with a single app in portrait mode! It is very reminiscent of my Nexus 7 tablet from days gone by, in a form factor that fits in your pocket. I'd really like to see Microsoft's next device be the height of the One Plus Open, while stretching the width enough to still maintain the same 4:3 aspect ratio of the Surface Duo line... That would be my perfect phone!

[@lukedudgeon8699]

Really looking forward to recieveing the duo 2 i just purchased(used). Should be fun.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I think it is a really fun tablet, even for the quirks.

[@jesusnavarrete6317]

The Fold 3 use to open it correctly for the video format. Software changed for the 4/5 what I do is open 2 apps in the bottom and video on top.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

That's the format you end up with on the Open, but you have to be playing the video first. Seems every foldable has their own unique "dance" LOL.

[@petepaxton5109]

I bought the original duo brand new and unlcoked for $214. I already had a zfold 4 but I just wanted to mess with the duo. After about 3 months, I ended up keeping the duo and gave my zfold 4 to my son. i just love the form factor of the duo. Very productive.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's certainly not the best "phone", but it really was my favorite tablet.

[@96bulls2k]

dont you miss the pen/stylus? Its my main heistation about going from SD2 to OnePlusOpen/Google

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I do. I'm hoping the Oppo pen will work on this as the hardware is so similar.

[@oliverodell3105]

Is the Microsoft approach embedded in its launcher ? Can you bring that across to something like the one plus or pixel fold?

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Some of it, but a lot of it is the work MS did on carving up android. Its deeper than just a skin.

[@mrsurfer2655]

My duo 2 screen broke and i have MS complete. MS doesn't support Duos anymore and are very difficult to get in touch with to even open a case. My only option was to get refunded and now i wait for the Open. I wanted to get a Duo 2 again but with no MS support and OEM parts available for self repairs. Its a no brainer to try something new.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yeah. I'm really sad to see how MS is cutting back their hardware divisions.

[@rikaze]

I'm so happy to see this, this is exactly my dilemma, trying to upgrade from a surface duo 1, do I go with surface duo 2 or OnePlus fold. That aspect ratio really matters to me, cause I use my duo as a laptop replacement with an external screen + remote desktop. A desktop isn't really designed to work in a square-ish screen. Yet you lose so much real estate when you try to achieve a 16:9 ish aspect ratio on the android focused foldables. It's such a niche scenario (especially when dex is an option), but yes, aspect ratio.

[@Terrorbrot]

I feel the struggle with 4:3 in Dex but don't forget you also get a way faster processor, more ram, stylus support etc. I found the duo interesting but never really practical

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Yeah it's tough, for how every tablet is different, but the other option MIGHT be to see if Google will do a Pixel Fold 2 next year?

[@kinsey3229]

How do you achieve 'use duo as a laptop replacement with an external screen+remote desktop'?

[@its_eli]

Watching on my Surface Duo 2 and considering upgrading to the Oneplus Open, so this is the vid I needed!

[@WhatGoinOnDotCom]

Curious as to what you did! Kept the duo or switch? I’m highly considering the Duo 2 at a cheap price.

[@its_eli]

@@WhatGoinOnDotCom Heyy, I ended up keeping my Duo 2. I'm waiting for a price drop on the Open. Duo 2 is a great device if you are a power user.

[@cmlosaria]

The lineup is dead in the water sadly. If they release a new version. I wish to see a bit smaller body with thinner bezels.

[@nationharris]

Genuinely love this video. Wish Google would adopt some of the quirky software features Microsoft made for Duo.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

There are so many good ideas to crib here...

[@nationharris]

@@SomeGadgetGuy genuinely! Instead of black barring apps that don't take up all the screen, why not shuffle it to the side and allow the home screen to be used??

[@williamhuigens3192]

Love the vid, and in defence of the Duo Panos never called it a phone to begin with. It's a multitasking giant, or so it was presented. It became way better through the years.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Of course newer hardware is going to outperform it, but it's silly when other techies act like there weren't some GREAT ideas we could crib from Microsoft in making a better tablet.

[@GtheJuggler]

The Open's aspect ratio/size is very similar to the V60 in a DS case. I like this form factor but I would like it more if it would be a Duo Style glass 360 hinde phone - one can dream 😅

[@TheTheShizzler]

Oh man, I'm legitimately looking at this phone as a possible purchase to replace my current device. This just might be the one to make me go join the patrion 😅

[@zeraph9624]

when you realize that people have still not adapted to the idea that a Foldable is still ment to be used as a phone with the possibillity of unfolding it into a tablet. The table is ment to be used while sitting on the train/bus/plane etc and makes you able to do lite work on the go. Its not ment to work as a litteral tablet but a mix in between. Dont compare the foldables to the standard of tablets since its not, personally i dont understand the surface duo its just 2 screens put together instead of one screen unfolding, you might aswell just bring a tablet with you in this case if you want a larger screen to work on rather than 2 halfs.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

LOL. When the second half of your comment directly contradicts the point you were making in the first half of your comment.

[@douglasangelflores6796]

The best on you tube.

[@keitaparada1497]

I think surface duo is better foldable in the my opinion, I hope if microsoft makes another surface duo they should put a sound bar in between the screens. I have the pixel fold and it feels so different from the dou, I prefer the dou

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's tough to express to other people who have not had both to really live with, how the Duo really did showcase some GREAT ideas on forcing Android to do new tricks.

[@BlackHeart_YouTube_Channel]

I miss my duo2 tbh. It's just a better concept, just not as mainstream like the other foldable..

[@stevenjames1138]

I agree that the Microsoft Duo was a better implementation for folding phones/mini tablets than the Android variety. Too bad Microsoft didn't stick with it long-term and get enough developer and consumer support. I was much more likely to get a Surface Duo (or even the Neo) than the Android folding phones with creases, plastic screens, and almost $2000 prices mainly for a larger display for Android apps that don't really support multitasking very well. Also, IMO, any folding phone/mini tablet really needs digital stylus support. I think a stylus is not necessary for a smaller form factor like a phone, but I like using a stylus with a tablet.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

It's the scary thing about plastic screens, and where Samsung deserves a lot of credit for making a soft tip s-pen. Super confusing market right now on what pens might be compatible with which computers.

[@Terrorbrot]

Things have changed tho, the fold 5 is 1200€, creases are barely visible/ noticeable on phones like the open, the plastic screen never actually felt like plastic if you tried it yourself, that only were the screen protectors on early prototype folds and there's barely any app I wouldn't consider optimized. These days you can resize, splitscreen, etc. basically every app. For me personally 2 screens side by side aren't more than a gimmick, yes I may use it but it's not something I profit from on the daily. One huge folding screen however is something different.

[@iankelly4008]

One point to make is that for a time Microsoft features apps were shipped with Samsung. OnePlus and oppo and primary rival. Id like to see pixel fold galaxy fold 5 vs this right down to camera and IP water rating and wireless charging. Sometimes OnePlus gets a pass for features that have been standard since 2017. With a motto of never settle if would seem like corners were cut.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

I mean I guess? While they're moving costs around, they have a better hinge design, a brighter screen, higher tiers of performance, better battery life, MUCH faster charging, 512GB of storage as the default, an IR Blaster, the case and charger in the box, OP estimates the equivalent of IPX4, and it starts over $200 cheaper than the 512GB Z Fold (before you buy a charger and case for the Z Fold). So sure, folks can get picky about wireless charging, but one feature omission does not a WHOLE device make. People in the wireless charging ecosystem because of Samsung and Apple really don't understand how actual fast charging COMPLETELY changes your relationship with your phone. Why set it on a pad to trickle charge hot for 15 minutes, when you can fill half the battery over a cable in the same amount of time? There aren't really any corners being cut when we look at price to performance. It's always OK to just say "hey they made a great phone, and this should spur Samsung to make a better phone as a response." Otherwise, techies are just brand/label slobs.

[@iankelly4008]

@@SomeGadgetGuy believe me im not a Samsung supporter. Android itself at least in the USA has lost some of it's innovation. IP rating I think is a decent concern. Where I live is basically same rain conditions as Seattle but on the east coast. Exact same spot on the map opposite coast. I appreciate OnePlus innovation. The camera especially deserves applause and appreciation and outshines the pixel fold but a sizeable margin. I myself hand a Lenovo p12 pro so im constantly battling back and forth if it's worth the trade in. From what I've read the max id get for a trade in via the manufacturer either for OnePlus or Google for a pixel is about 200. On open trade such as swappa I can get about 400 per device. I do agree the surface duo is exemplary but I just thought it was a point worth making about Microsoft and Samsungs agreement. Android eco system is not nearly as vibrant as it was at launch. Many innovative companies dead on the roadside or gave up. LG pioneered most of what the modern fold device is with the dual screen v50 and v60. Not to mention HTC and their strides with the camera and audio segments. Nokia as well to a lesser extent. Im a laborer by trade so I need a device that isn't afraid to go out of my pocket. I am concerned that with the OnePlus open id need to find workarounds. Also the lack of stylus or s pen type support is a bit concerning, it's one of the reasons I bought my Lenovo because it has all tnsr native while being close to stock. Only issue I've found in that case is Lenovo is super slow to the OS support. The allure of a multi tasking relatively thought out device without the hinge concern of the fold is a plus. I just believe as a consumer if im going to nitpick and bench mark and pixel peep why not extend that all the way throughout the device. Every buyer ought to be informed it's definitely a power house and I like the direction. I just want the ability to directly made to order our phones in the future. If you want higher water resistance , storage , cameras , wireless charging we ought to have some say in what we purchase. It's asking alot and im surely pissing into the wind but that's how im wired, to give an F and be vocal about it.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

LOL well... Uh... I hate to break it to you, but if your concerns were corner cutting and pricing, made-to-order is going to be A HUGE price increase over the solutions we mass produce today. It's never really been a sustainable business model in any form of computing. The CLOSEST we might get today is something SUPER boutique like Framework.

[@riopato2009]

Two words, "Duo Launcher" for foldable phones.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Want!

[@masoodkhan1096]

Master Oogway: pshh pshh pshh pshh

[@nimahassanpour7201]

hi bri❤ from middle east

[@Maxx134a]

One Plus Open IS STILL WAY TOO THIN..!!! ONLY PIXEL FOLD COMES CLOSE!

[@BIG1TOWER]

I still say microsoft version is just better to me.

[@SomeGadgetGuy]

Sad that MS has cut the surface team down quite a bit.

[@samongandroid]

I'm so glad I gave up on dumb Microsoft products years ago, they still don't get how to make good products like the OnePlus, Oppo, Huawei etc.

[@Terrorbrot]

The duo is just such a weird approach, trying to appeal to the tech enthusiasts but not those that care about high end specs and practicality. Extremely niche product, way more niche even than foldables imo.

[@beyondthedetails]

This review is super biased and 🗑️. Duo 2 is a garbage device and I returned mine after 7 weeks. It does not run fluidly all the time especially with multiple apps open and you can’t even use it while it’s closed. To even compare the Pixel or the Open to this is blasphemy

[@thebittersideoftech]

He was pretty clear that it isn’t a good phone. More that he likes it as a tablet.

[@FAT8893]

@@thebittersideoftech Microsoft themselves billed the Duo/Duo 2 as a mobile productivity machine, so that pretty much says it all.

[@Terrorbrot]

​​@@thebittersideoftech I agree, yet it wouldn't have hurt to mention that the duo can't even open up a single app without lagging, let alone multi tasking. Especially considering we can see it with our own eyes. Don't get me wrong I'm thankful for every bit of competition in that market but you can't really compare the duo to anything from this year. Because if you try anyway you get moments like 9:50. The amount/ size of information on the screen ain't fixed my main, it's on you to change that to your liking. I use every app in tablet mode for that very reason. I really don't want to be hateful or overly critical, but if that's the stuff you'll go into, is it even worth making a video?

[@eugenecotton7449]

I stll have my Duo 2 and it's far from garbage. I don't know my Duo 2 works flawless and don't have any issues with it like I did when the first duo came out.