Microsoft Surface Duo 2 vs. Microsoft Surface Duo 2: An Unexpected Showdown

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is a truly unique device, boasting a dual-screen design that reimagines the smartphone experience. But what happens when you compare a Surface Duo 2 to… another Surface Duo 2? This review dives deep to uncover any subtle differences and help you decide if it's the right device for you.

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🏆 Quick Verdict

Surprisingly, comparing two Surface Duo 2s reveals no hardware differences. Both offer the same Snapdragon 888 performance, dual-screen versatility, and unique form factor. The choice comes down to price, availability, and potentially software updates over time.

PHONES
Phone Names	Microsoft Surface Duo 2	Microsoft Surface Duo 2

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 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, 20, 25, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G 6 Gbps DL	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G 6 Gbps DL
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / 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	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 20, 25, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79, 257, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA

Launch
Announced	2021, September 22. Released 2021, October 21	2021, September 22. Released 2021, October 21
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass)	Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass)
Dimensions	Unfolded: 184.5 x 145.2 x 5.5 mm Folded: 145.2 x 92.1 x 11 mm	Unfolded: 184.5 x 145.2 x 5.5 mm Folded: 145.2 x 92.1 x 11 mm
SIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM	Nano-SIM + eSIM
Weight	284 g (10.02 oz)	284 g (10.02 oz)
	Stylus support	Stylus support

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution	1892 x 2688 pixels (~401 ppi density)	1892 x 2688 pixels (~401 ppi density)
Size	8.3 inches, 204.0 cm2 (~152.6% screen-to-body ratio)	8.3 inches, 204.0 cm2 (~152.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR, 800 nits (peak)	AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR, 800 nits (peak)
	Folded position display: 5.8 inches, AMOLED, 1344 x 1892 pixels (4:3)	Folded position display: 5.8 inches, AMOLED, 1344 x 1892 pixels (4:3)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)	Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPU	Adreno 660	Adreno 660
OS	Android 11	Android 11

Memory
Card slot	No	No
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM
	UFS	UFS

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single	12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.0µm	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)	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)
Video	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, HDR	4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, HDR

Selfie camera
Single	12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.0µm	12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.0µm
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

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	5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
Radio	No	No
USB	USB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort	USB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPort
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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), dual accelerometer, dual gyro, dual proximity, dual compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), dual accelerometer, dual gyro, dual proximity, dual compass

Battery
Charging	23W wired	23W wired
Type	Li-Po 4449 mAh	Li-Po 4449 mAh

Misc
Colors	Glacier, Obsidian	Glacier, Obsidian
Price	About 1480 EUR	About 1480 EUR

Microsoft Surface Duo 2

Unique dual-screen design
Excellent for multitasking
Compact and pocketable when folded
Good performance with Snapdragon 888

Pricey
Battery life could be better
Camera performance is average
Software optimization still evolving

Microsoft Surface Duo 2

Unique dual-screen design
Excellent for multitasking
Compact and pocketable when folded
Good performance with Snapdragon 888

Pricey
Battery life could be better
Camera performance is average
Software optimization still evolving

Display Comparison

Both devices feature the same 5.8-inch PixelSense dual screens with a 13.3-inch equivalent when unfolded. Color accuracy, brightness, and resolution are identical. The hinge mechanism and overall display quality are consistent across both units.

Camera Comparison

The camera hardware is identical: a 12MP wide and 8MP telephoto lens on the rear. Image quality, video recording capabilities, and camera app features are consistent across both devices. Low-light performance is adequate but not exceptional.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, both Surface Duo 2s deliver comparable performance. Expect smooth multitasking, responsive app loading, and capable gaming experiences. Thermal management is consistent, though prolonged intensive tasks may lead to slight warming.

Battery Life

Both devices are equipped with a 4,400mAh battery. Battery life is generally similar, lasting a full day with moderate usage. Heavy multitasking and gaming will drain the battery faster. Charging speeds are consistent at 23W wired.

Buying Guide

Who should buy Microsoft Surface Duo 2? Productivity-focused users who value multitasking and a unique form factor will love the Duo 2. Who should buy Microsoft Surface Duo 2? The same group – if you're already considering one, there's no reason to seek out a different model given their identical specs.