Surface Duo Review: Above the Fold (Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold 2)

Microsoft Surface Duo is not perfect but better at multitasking than Galaxy Z Fold 2. Here are real world examples! I used it for several weeks and it opened up possibilities that I didn't expect. It's expensive and has bugs but I want to give it a chance.
/ ericagriffin
www.EricaGriffin.com
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[@EricaGriffin]

Note 20 Ultra review is coming next.

[@mcq31mc]

Any thoughts on throwing one up on Ebay?

[@QC_Ret]

3DS in a nutshell basically am i right erica

[@joemanner6171]

Next month or next week? Lol

[@jfranco3281]

Cant wait!

[@coxb29]

Erica Griffin can't wait for the full review of that device as I am still on the fence about buying one

[@minminli6248]

Erica is the only reviewer who knows how to use the Duo CORRECTLY...

[@amguit]

Absolutely

[@hgreen70]

Agreed

[@six3sin]

I LOVE the Duo but if you have to "show how to use it" then there are flaws dude.

[@DigitalBenny]

#Fact

[@thetruq4857]

@@six3sin I actually think you need to read what you just typed. That says more about the user than the designer, in this case. If you have been using a slab phone and app switching with 3 to 4 gestures or taps per, you have some issues if you can't see the use case - and that's a simple example.

[@imaliltpot]

This is the best comparison video I have seen yet on these two devices!! Bravo Erica!

[@EricaGriffin]

Thank you! I gave it the best go that I could to get to the root of its purpose.

[@criticalshot516]

@@EricaGriffin You were successful and did it gracefully/eloquently.

[@OGchaibhai48]

THE BEST...!!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@OGchaibhai48]

@@EricaGriffin THANK YOU for all the hard work & effort...!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Absolutely brilliant 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@FarrokhZarnegar]

Finally someone skipping the unboxing, and showing side by side the use case scenarios of both devices. Great video. Thank you. Looking forward to see more videos from you.

[@1fjeflistens]

Best REAL demonstration of The Duo.

[@Jim00000]

Thank you for showing how you actually use the devices in your real life situations. I hate how reviews show you how you could hypothetically use it but don't demonstrate how a consumer would actually apply it to their lives. You've been the best reviewer for quite some time now.

[@FarrokhZarnegar]

Finally some one skipping the unboxing, and showing side by side the use case scenarios of both device. Great video. Thank you. Looking forward to see more videos on Duo from you.

[@SheKnives]

I can't wait to see how this folding screen tech improves in the next few years.

[@danielbarakat]

think this is spot on. I'm loving the duo. I don't even notice how much i'm using the dual screens and multi-tasking until I take a step back and realize it. Its all so second nature

[@oskaveli662]

"Specs aren't everything" when a device cost 1500 + tax it matters.

[@kevinkev1530]

Hell yeah there everything at tht price

[@paltrax]

"iPhone user enters the chat"

[@kevinkev1530]

@@paltrax nope android all day!!!!!!!

[@paltrax]

@@kevinkev1530 I don't use iPhone I was making a joke here since iPhone users pay top dollar for lesser specs

[@coby7398]

@@paltrax Apple silicon is pretty impressive

[@jonslife]

Watching this on my fold 2 it's been two weeks and still love it

[@kamalnathsingh9197]

Watching this on my fold 3 it's been a year and will love it

[@brenticusthegreat]

Fold 2 for the win. No hate if you like the Duo but it's overpriced imo for the hardware.

[@ryanpatterson336]

@@brenticusthegreat they are both over priced

[@brenticusthegreat]

@@ryanpatterson336 to a degree. But you're going to pay extra for the fold. Nothing else does what it is doing. Tech prices be like that.

[@kelvinmorris1991]

@@kamalnathsingh9197 watching on my Fold infinity

[@mattytwotimess]

The most helpful comparison I've seen. I love my duo too! It's so personal. Great content thanks

[@dfgf159]

Best comparison so far. I'm glad we have Erica's review. I really appreciate the in depth review or comparison.

[@joep9912]

Microsoft got the aspect ratio perfect. It's their attention to Surface devices that makes them great.

[@carlosAlvarez-gf5ef]

I agree and i love how both of these devices are so different even though they have similar concepts

[@samratspeaks]

Finally someone who actually understands duo! Sick and tired of others complaining about the screen in the middle and camera.

[@The-Heart-Will-Testify]

@@TommyRadio. how about that ugly crease on the fold, why nobody mentions it? Is it because is samsung? I rather have note 20, the fold is too thick, and has a cheap screen...

[@TheRealCaptainAwesome]

@@TommyRadio. I actually went from the Samsung Note 20 Ultra to the Duo as my primary device and I love it. I am the perfect user for this. Money is no factor and I simply go with what I enjoy the most. I definitely understand that some people can't see themselves with this device, no matter if it is for the camera, the specs or the fact that you will not watch videos in "full screen" with it. It has some bugs too. But for me as an entrepreneur, who wants an extra productivity tool. This is THE device.

[@TheRealCaptainAwesome]

@@TommyRadio. Hey nostalgia is not always bad.. just most of the time ;) Nostalgia has gotten me so many times! Not sure what you mean by wantrepeneur though.

[@TheRealCaptainAwesome]

@@TommyRadio. Cheers!

[@kennethlee1977]

Finally someone who got how this device is meant for 👏👏 other reviewers seems they just couldnt get it. Love the wallpaper on that dou

[@arturodeguzman]

Erica does it. Other channels produce “light touch” content just to stick to an editorial calendar. I remember Erica years ago when she quit her job at PetSmart on video.

[@Nexus6Variant]

Looking forward to your in depth of the Z Fold2. Glad to see you back. Your reviews are by far the best!

[@TheJma945]

This is the best comprehensive comparison I've seen yet! Thanks for the review

[@ceodrymix7117]

This is the first professional review I have seen , we need more, so we can decide which device to buy, keep going

[@diogoepronto]

Your reviews are awesome! You mentioned everything I wanted to know about the Duo. My first thought when I saw the Duo for the first time was how would it feel to read in it, but strangely you're the only reviewer I saw talking about this

[@blackoutblaze]

It's literally the best android device for reading. I use it every day to read my books, it's phenomenal!

[@marky3609]

Man Erica this has to be the most in depth Duo review I have ever seen. You really so get to the heart of what the best use cases of the Surface Duo are. This was a great video.

[@DavidRooke5412]

Best overview i have watched so far, so glad your back on KZbin

[@rtw68]

Erica, thanks for the comparison video. Awaiting the arrival of a Duo so I can try out the multitasking aspects of it. I think it will fulfill my usage case more than the fold.

[@mrbabyears]

Finally. Ive been waiting on you Erica to do a review on these phones.

[@bonespiel]

You're intelligent approach to videos is always appreciated. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@lordsknight3984]

I love you are 100% more articulate and actually get to the point than your male colleagues in the tech review KZbin community! Super fan of your channel !

[@kylerubens]

This was very helpful! I didn’t realize just how helpful the duo’s second screen could be!

[@SharatMenon]

Welcome back Erica! Great video...offers a good perspective on the duo’s real world usage..

[@RobVandal]

Finally a honest review on these devices that doesn't just look at a spec sheet and say one is better than the other because one device just has the better specs. I really appreciate how you went over how they can be used and the pros and cons of each device for the different use cases. The Duo is a productivity beast, and that is how microsoft is advertising it. Where as the Z Fold 2 is a beautiful media consumption device. I cant wait to see what Microsoft does with the Duo 2! Like the original surface device and how they kept getting better and better generation after generation, i think the Duo will become a serious device that will stand up to what Apple and Samsung offer.

[@Food4Dogs]

Amazing. Thank you, Erica.🙏 You covered exactly all that I'd been wondering about. So helpful! 💜

[@EricaGriffin]

Thank you for the encouragement! So glad you liked it!

[@sokolum]

This was a very good review! Liked a lot the review part about the productivity aspect. As far unknown, even the tablets doesn’t having this fluent handling as the duo or iPads.

[@frunteermane]

I’ve missed Erica Griffin! I’ve rocked with you since the Note 2 days.

[@ksquared2618]

This is the best and most practical video on the Surface Duo I've seen yet. REALLY thinking about getting one. Great job!

[@superbaggio87]

Finally Erica's fold review been waiting so long. Keep rolling girl!!

[@Ryfhoff]

You use the duo better than I’ve seen any other fellow tubers can. Excellent video. Honestly, your video sealed the deal on my order.

[@stevenpugliese3542]

Erica, just a terrific review and explanation. Just about the best so far! Great insights into the Duo's charm. I just bought one from amazon for under $700, which was the price that made me bite after months of longing!! So now I'm scouring You Tube for reviews. So glad I found yours. Thanks so much! You're great!

[@christopherthuraisingham5083]

What a practical real world comparison. Hats off to you Erica!

[@yabuxia]

Very informative since I am a Note user since Day 1 and been waiting for it to evolve into something foldable for optimum usage. Now I am thinking of getting the duo for my office use. Good job for presenting the pros and cons.

[@6maxwell99]

Great review Erica. Good to see you giving these these two foldables a chance.

[@c00lmike]

How do you set up the swipe between apps on the fold at 2:10? For some reason I can't figure it out

[@robertc574]

Love Your Video THE Best Insight that I've seen on these two Not just reading specs/ features, but actual, real Usage

[@NQTspinner]

This video convinced me to subscribe and you're now among the top trusted reviewers to me

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Erica, I always enjoy your videos but I think this video clearly highlights why you are such an excellent reviewer. My use of the Duo mirrors your own, I truly enjoy using it more than my other devices and find that I'm more productive when I use it.

[@jonglee71]

Great detailed comparison! I learned a lot from this - thanks.

[@anismistry1]

Very nice content showing the strengths on the Duo.

[@nabeelahmedsiddiqui8]

Erica you are just fabulous with your reviews. Love your sensible and genuine thoughts. Keep it up.

[@3DJapan]

You make some very valid points about both. I think the only time I would switch from the Note to the Fold is if it had an S pen. As an artist I would want that big screen for sketching and other art.

[@iamdave84]

Yeah, lack of S pen on the Fold is a turn off for me too. Hopefully they'll include it in future versions.

[@oryanol]

Great content as always. Now I remember why I subscribed in 2013. Thank you for the video. The duo is actually very useful, especially for us students. It's a productivity device

[@BigChuck777]

Absolutely love this review!!! My duo will be here today and I am excited to get it.

[@ravimeena7280]

Happy 😊 that she back with a very much informative and different kind of video.

[@KevinLimSG]

I've so many tech reviews, but you are so on point with my concerns, as if you read my mind! Thank you Erica! :D

[@OmarMohamed-yr7kj]

Have you tried decreasing the dpi of the fold to make it show the apps and readers like a tablet/book?

[@eyitaotudor3646]

Excellent review, Erica. Very helpful! Logical. Did you experience the software bugs that Flossy and MKBHD talked about, e.g. inconsistent behaviours when the Duo’s screens are flipped, inconvenience camera launch, etc?

[@coryndavies]

I've always liked Erica's reviews , she knows what's she's talking about

[@Garaktys]

I wish more reviewers covered the use case scenarios of the Duo in their review. Most reviews brushed over it's groundbreaking strengths like it was nothing special. You truly gave the device justice!

[@JhonnyFitness2NV]

Well cuz in real life theres nothing special! You can do the same on a 700 bucks Lg with dual screen case! Also she demonstrated her life scenario! At least for me its totally different! I dont see myself or havent seen a video yet someone texting one hand on the Duo! Also its missing a ton of hardware and software features, nfc, mobile payment wireless charging, camera, the list goes on! But again its personal preference! My wife and i got the Fold2! We can play games, wireless charge, text with one hand like a real phone, take good pictures and videos, we use samsung pay which is the best out there! Its a more future proof device!

[@Garaktys]

@@JhonnyFitness2NV Yeah surely it misses all that. But this device was not designed with such features in mind. It took an entirely different approach and started from scratch to sort of reinvent how we use mobile devices. It's far from perfect, but I think it's important to acknowledge the work Microsoft has done here to build something unique that can be used in ways other phones cant. Adding to that that it's a gen 1... Can't wait what gen 2/3 will bring! Oh and... Yes the fold 2 is a great device, you should indeed be super happy with it :)

[@The-Heart-Will-Testify]

@@JhonnyFitness2NV I rather get note 20, it does the same, and it doesn't have a cheap screen with a crease in the middle, u can use pen and is thinner..i still don't get the hype lol...duo is atleast different, microsoft just messed up the specs but is by far the better design and its more durable... expensive fold should be durable too

[@JhonnyFitness2NV]

@@The-Heart-Will-Testify thats all good, i respect your opinion! My wife and i returned our Note20s Ultra and got the Fold2 instead! I really dont see all the special youre seeing on the Duo, its not a foldable, its not one hand use, and its missing a lot! The only highlight most people talk is how thin the Duo is, lol, of course its thin, it does not offer a bunch of hardware! If Samsung takes off the cameras, wireless charging, nfc, this and that, it will probably be as thin! But for what?

[@marschlionoalexander8498]

finally the surface duo getting some real love. Love the vs, and just subscribed as well.

[@izziboye]

Love your comparison. Very practical. I also think the duo is the more practical device for multi tasking and it will be my preference. Can't wait to have it available globally

[@xrayusg24]

Three things i noted in your review. 1st; you give your enough precious time. You try to grab all essence of devices to be reviewed and put your views perfectly. 2nd is presentation. Same scenario and work flow are going through both devices and with ease you are making show that which one is better. 3rd is content creation part and thoughtfulness behind it. 3+ is your voice is soothing and crispy clear. I am not going to buy either of two, as they are priced heftily for my use. But i still prefer, if possible will try to go for 2nd hand surface duo in future; if at all available in India or can import ! Thanks.

[@tranquilitybase2351]

The most balanced, comprehensive and simply explained comparison of these two cutting-edge devices I have seen. Glad you took your time with so many real-world uses for each. You've demystified the complexities so well, I feel no need to search further. (Maybe a Z-Fold 2 with DeX real world demo).

[@BornObsidianGaming]

This is legitimately THEE best and most honest (and comprehensive) comparison between these two devices that I have found thus far.

[@exon15]

Great review, you put a lot of work into this to get it right. Very useful bits of information was gained here. Keep it up. I'm subscribing now.

[@Lifeneverlost]

Great video! I have had the Duo since release day. It really disappointed me at first, but I have grown to really enjoy it. It just had a higher learning curve than I expected.

[@BePoosh]

This is an awesome review Erica. And I'm just halfway.

[@anomalyeclipse8559]

Erica don't miss! Love this comparison and keep up the quality content.

[@gabrieltataru7366]

Omg finally somebody who has done a meaningful review... congrats and thank you for your thoughts and effort !

[@3DJapan]

I used to love the page turning liked that in the old Nook app. Does Nook even exist anymore?

[@JimSt24]

Great job! Thank you for this thorough and realistic comparison.

[@nh8383]

I'm warming to the surface duo. It's just so good for multitasking 🙂

[@tOnySi]

Bro its worth it

[@Designedbyalebanese]

This is a great review of the Duo. Nice job! You answered a lot of my questions. Thanks :)

[@roxanam3856]

0:29 i can't explain how genius that wallpaper is

[@Skysams]

Hi Erika are you still using the Surface Duo? Any problem with the USB C port? Any signs of cracking? Thanks you!

[@GroundedTech]

I've been considering the Fold 3 and the Duo 2 at some point soon and your video has convinced me further that the Duo 2 would be the better fit for me. Great video and subbed 👍🏻

[@7Djole7]

As everyone else is saying, this is a very good review, with actual use cases. Made me see the duo differently. Keep doing what you do Erica! You are great! Any chance you will review the LG Wing?

[@d11ita]

Great review/comparison! And lovely voice, as always. The Duo seems a good idea.

[@lawgwen9287]

Great review! And the Duo system doesn't look janky in your video, I've ordered one after watching your review!

[@kenbee1957]

“But of course I bothered....” Hehehe That’s why I’m here

[@hamidalhaja]

She is a true reviewer!

[@iphoneyfour]

The best one to do devices reviews, please keep doing these more than gaming consoles,

[@michielboerjan6618]

Will you also be doing a review of the LG Wing when it comes out ? Cause I am curious about how good it is 😁

[@ThomasHoffDE]

Really well done. Very helpful. I ordered the duo. Hard to say why I prefer it but you did it here.

[@traderblacksheep]

Awesome Erica. I'm so excited to buy my Surface Duo soon.

[@HoppiHopp]

Great video. You presented some good arguments which made me rethink a little, how useful foldable devices are.

[@dgmessenger]

That Duo is near the holy grail for me. It has a lot of promise. Incidentally, the side by side Bible reading and note taking on a digital device is what I've been waiting for. Thought Courier was going to deliver that for me a decade ago. 🙂. Can't wait for gen 2!!

[@ancientflames]

Gen 2 is gonna be nice if they don't abandon it due to poor sales.

[@mrcandycanemcc6686]

@trufiend138 lol the zfold breaks just as much as other foldable phone. Lol you must be a samsuck famboy. Good luck buying lagsung with their shitpynos 990 processor.

[@lilrell804]

@@mrcandycanemcc6686 zfold doesn't have a exynos and u only get lag on a exynos if u playing a heavy game but the 2021 exynos and exynos in general going forward will be superb

[@yodanim]

Great comparison video. Earned a subscription for sure. What a hidden treasure of a Chanel

[@duckvogel]

Nice to see you back with phone tec 💪

[@denniscarlson9297]

Great video! Getting a duo + a good mid-range phone sounds like a winning combination. Thank you for your hard work!

[@tOnySi]

this is such an amazing positive Duo review. almost like a wake up call. microsoft is still productivity king.

[@davmarch1]

This is a great comparison and review. Thanks Erica. Great job.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

What a brilliant video. Unlike the vast majority of tech reviews, you really learn something useful from Erica Griffin.

[@SakzmaHolic]

Man, I’ve been a fan of Erica for years now I just realized the intro is funny as hell🤣🤣

[@heroldorico9375]

hi... love your review... you are the only tech vlogger that makes sense... that makes me want the duo more... your thoughts are same as mine... i thought im the only one seeing duo is a revolutionary new form factor

[@dweiss1]

Excellent review! For the reasons you mentioned, I would prefer the Duo over the Fold. I use my phone more for consuming content than for playing (videos or games). So, having Outlook and Teams both open during work would be great. Plus, as you mentioned, the Duo is much cheaper than the Fold 2 - but both are still more than I want to pay. Some reviewer mentioned issues flicking apps between screens or changing from the back screen to the front one. I didn't see you demonstrate the second scenario but you didn't appear to have trouble flicking apps around. Was double-tapping to change screen priority when the phone is folded screen side out causing any issues?

[@eljonsathwe8874]

what is it you use to switch between apps?

[@Coffee_Addict981]

I need the link to that link wallpaper on the fold

[@edstarbaby]

Any luck finding it? I need that wallpaper

[@richardk1994]

how do you type on the duo while multi tasking?...seems a bit awkward since the two screens are wider...i only see you typing and multitasking when the duo is placed flat on a table...seems kind of inconvenient

[@DarkPa1adin]

love your workflow on Duo!

[@elngige]

Great review based on use cases. The duo has many unique things going there.

[@ddoggie]

I was so happy when I found out it has 4 : 3. I'm super into emulating retro games so hearing that I can perfectly upscale sold me right away! Thank you for the info!

[@mtmt88]

[span the app to 2 screen in portrait] ...and the seam is no longer an issue now that it's parallel to the content and doesn't cut through it" --- this is so insightful!

[@alexanderv176]

Thank you for this details of the modes comparison.

[@robertleek6433]

Great video that focuses on what matters instead of just the cameras. Good work 👍🏻

[@DouglasMcLaurin]

I think you nailed it. I finally got a Surface Duo (with the recent price cuts) and I'm really enjoying it. You really grokked the device.

[@sjaakvantilburg6160]

Thanks for the review. How does the bible app YouVersion deal with the opportunities the Duo gives. Like reading one page and note taking in the other?