Microsoft Surface Duo 2 vs Google Pixel Fold: The Ultimate Foldable Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Google Pixel Fold edges out the Surface Duo 2 with its superior camera, faster charging, and more polished foldable experience. However, the Duo 2's unique dual-screen design and Surface Pen support offer a distinct productivity advantage for specific users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Microsoft Surface Duo 2 | Google Pixel Fold |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 20, 25, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G 6 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 20, 25, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 257, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 22. Released 2021, October 21 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, June 27 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass) | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 184.5 x 145.2 x 5.5 mm Folded: 145.2 x 92.1 x 11 mm | Unfolded: 139.7 x 158.7 x 5.8 mmFolded: 139.7 x 79.5 x 12.1 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 284 g (10.02 oz) | 283 g (9.98 oz) |
| Stylus support | IPX8 water resistant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | - |
| Resolution | 1892 x 2688 pixels (~401 ppi density) | 1840 x 2208 pixels (~378 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.3 inches, 204.0 cm2 (~152.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.6 inches, 183.3 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR, 800 nits (peak) | Foldable OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1450 nits (peak) |
| Folded position display: 5.8 inches, AMOLED, 1344 x 1892 pixels (4:3) | Cover display: OLED, 120Hz, HDR, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 5.8 inches, 1080 x 2092 pixels, 17.4:9 ratio, 408 ppi 1200 nits (HBM), 1550 nits (peak) | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G710 MP7 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 51mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom 16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1.0µm TOF 3D, (depth) | 48 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10.8 MP, f/3.1, 112mm (telephoto), 1/3.1", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 10.8 MP, f/2.2, 121˚, (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.25µm |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, HDR | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Cover camera: 9.5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), dual accelerometer, dual gyro, dual proximity, dual compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| - | Ultra Wideband (UWB) support | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 23W wired | Wired, PD3.0 Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4449 mAh | Li-Po 4821 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Glacier, Obsidian | Porcelain, Obsidian |
| Models | - | G9FPL |
| Price | About 1480 EUR | € 670.87 / $ 389.26 / £ 899.99 |
Microsoft Surface Duo 2
- Unique dual-screen design
- Excellent for multitasking
- Surface Pen support
- Compact and pocketable when closed
- Seamless Microsoft ecosystem integration
- Subpar camera
- Slow charging (23W)
- Visible bezels
- Less durable hinge compared to Pixel Fold
- Higher price for limited camera capabilities
Google Pixel Fold
- Flagship-level camera
- More conventional and durable foldable design
- Faster charging (PD3.0, Wireless)
- Excellent software experience
- Bright and vibrant display
- Expensive
- Bulky when folded
- Cover screen aspect ratio isn't ideal for all content
- Tensor G2 isn't as powerful as Snapdragon 888 in raw performance
Display Comparison
The Pixel Fold boasts a larger, more conventional foldable display with a cover screen, making it easier to use when closed. The Duo 2's dual screens offer a wider canvas for multitasking, but the bezels are more prominent. Pixel Fold's internal display is brighter and more vibrant.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel Fold significantly outperforms the Duo 2 in the camera department. Google's computational photography expertise shines through, delivering superior image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The Duo 2's camera is adequate but lacks the Pixel Fold's versatility and image processing prowess.
Performance
Both phones offer flagship-level performance thanks to their respective chipsets. The Snapdragon 888 in the Duo 2 is a proven performer, while the Tensor G2 in the Pixel Fold prioritizes AI and machine learning tasks. Real-world performance is generally comparable, though the Pixel Fold might feel slightly smoother due to software optimization.
Battery Life
The Pixel Fold generally offers better battery life due to its larger battery capacity and more efficient power management. The Duo 2's battery life is decent but can be impacted by heavy multitasking across both screens.
Buying Guide
The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is ideal for productivity-focused users who value a unique dual-screen experience and seamless integration with Microsoft's ecosystem. The Google Pixel Fold is best for those prioritizing a flagship camera, a more conventional foldable design, and Google's software expertise.