Surface Duo 2 vs Galaxy S22 Ultra: The Ultimate Showdown

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 offers a unique dual-screen experience, while the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a powerhouse flagship. Both devices cater to different needs, but which one truly delivers? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is the clear winner for most users, boasting superior performance, a vastly better camera system, and longer battery life. However, the Surface Duo 2's innovative dual-screen design and productivity-focused software make it a compelling choice for those seeking a truly unique mobile experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 20, 25, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G 6 Gbps DLHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G (5+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / 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 - USA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA
Launch
Announced2021, September 22. Released 2021, October 212022, February 09
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, February 25
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass)Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus+), aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 184.5 x 145.2 x 5.5 mm Folded: 145.2 x 92.1 x 11 mm163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm (6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight284 g (10.02 oz)228 g / 229 g (mmWave) (8.04 oz)
 Stylus supportIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised) Stylus, 2.8ms latency (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus+
Resolution1892 x 2688 pixels (~401 ppi density)1440 x 3088 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~500 ppi density)
Size8.3 inches, 204.0 cm2 (~152.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~90.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR, 800 nits (peak)Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1750 nits (peak)
 Folded position display: 5.8 inches, AMOLED, 1344 x 1892 pixels (4:3)Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) - EuropeOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) - ROW
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - EuropeQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) - ROW
GPUAdreno 660Xclipse 920 - EuropeAdreno 730 - ROW
OSAndroid 11Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
 UFSUFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Quad-108 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.52", 1.12µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 10 MP, f/4.9, 230mm (periscope telephoto), 1/3.52", 1.12µm, PDAF, OIS, 10x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, Super Steady video
Single12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.0µm-
Triple12 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)-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, HDR8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.0µm40 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.82", 0.7µm, PDAF
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPortUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), dual accelerometer, dual gyro, dual proximity, dual compassFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging23W wired45W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4449 mAhLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGlacier, ObsidianPhantom Black, White, Burgundy, Green, Graphite, Red, Sky Blue, Bora Purple
Models-SM-S908B, SM-S908B/DS, SM-S908U, SM-S908U1, SM-S908W, SM-S908N, SM-S9080, SM-S908E, SM-S908E/DS
PriceAbout 1480 EUR€ 397.07 / $ 269.98 / £ 304.99 / ₹ 63,899
SAR-1.18 W/kg (head)     0.98 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.05 W/kg (head)     1.58 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life-Endurance rating 108h
Camera-Photo / Video
Display-Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker--27.3 LUFS (Good)
Performance-AnTuTu: 968359 (v9) GeekBench: 3657 (v5.1) GFXBench: 37fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Microsoft Surface Duo 2

  • Unique dual-screen design
  • Excellent for multitasking
  • Compact and pocketable
  • Good software optimization for dual screens

  • Lower performance than competitors
  • Shorter battery life
  • Less impressive camera
  • Higher price for limited features

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

  • Exceptional performance
  • Outstanding camera system
  • Long battery life
  • Bright and vibrant display
  • Premium design and build quality

  • Large and bulky
  • Expensive
  • Software can feel bloated at times

Display Comparison

The Galaxy S22 Ultra's 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and incredible brightness (1266 nits) is a visual feast. The Surface Duo 2 features two 5.8-inch OLED displays, offering a unique dual-screen experience, but with lower peak brightness and a slightly less vibrant color profile. The S22 Ultra's display is simply more impressive overall.

Camera Comparison

Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra's camera system is a standout feature, offering incredible versatility and image quality. Its 108MP main sensor, telephoto lenses, and advanced software features produce stunning photos and videos. The Surface Duo 2's camera is adequate but lacks the S22 Ultra's capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions and zoom.

Performance

The Galaxy S22 Ultra, powered by either the Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, delivers significantly faster performance than the Surface Duo 2's Snapdragon 888. While the Duo 2 is capable, the S22 Ultra handles demanding tasks and games with ease. The S22 Ultra's newer chipset and RAM configuration provide a noticeable edge.

Battery Life

The Galaxy S22 Ultra dominates in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 108 hours. The Surface Duo 2's battery life is considerably shorter, requiring more frequent charging. The S22 Ultra's larger battery capacity and power-efficient chipset contribute to its superior longevity.

Buying Guide

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is ideal for productivity enthusiasts who value multitasking and a compact form factor. It's perfect for note-takers, readers, and those who appreciate a novel device. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is for users who demand top-tier performance, a phenomenal camera, and all-day battery life in a premium package.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Surface Duo 2 worth the price?
The Surface Duo 2 is a niche device. If you value the dual-screen experience and productivity features, it might be worth it. However, for most users, the Galaxy S22 Ultra offers better overall value.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and superior cooling system.