Microsoft Surface Duo 2 vs Xiaomi Mix Fold 2: The Ultimate Folding Phone Comparison

Folding phones are still a relatively new category, but they're rapidly evolving. The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 and the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 represent different approaches to this form factor. One prioritizes productivity and dual-screen functionality, while the other focuses on a premium, flagship experience with a stunning display. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one comes out on top.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 takes the crown with its superior display, faster processor, significantly quicker charging, and generally more polished flagship experience. While the Surface Duo 2 offers unique dual-screen productivity, it struggles to compete with the Mix Fold 2's overall package.

PHONES
Phone Names Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Xiaomi Mix Fold 2
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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 20, 25, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat20 2000/150 Mbps, 5G 6 Gbps DLHSPA, LTE, 5G
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 - USACDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, September 22. Released 2021, October 212022, August 11
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, August 26
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass)-
DimensionsUnfolded: 184.5 x 145.2 x 5.5 mm Folded: 145.2 x 92.1 x 11 mmUnfolded: 161.1 x 144.7 x 5.4 mm Folded: 161.1 x 73.9 x 11.2 mm
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight284 g (10.02 oz)262 g (9.24 oz)
 Stylus support-
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusSchott UTG glass
Resolution1892 x 2688 pixels (~401 ppi density)1914 x 2160 pixels (~360 ppi density)
Size8.3 inches, 204.0 cm2 (~152.6% screen-to-body ratio)8.02 inches, 206.0 cm2 (~88.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR, 800 nits (peak)Foldable LTPO2 OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
 Folded position display: 5.8 inches, AMOLED, 1344 x 1892 pixels (4:3)Cover display: AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak) 6.56 inches, 1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 730
OSAndroid 11Android 12, MIUI Fold 13
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
 UFSUFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama, Leica lenses
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)50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.6, 45mm (telephoto), dual pixel PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.4, 15mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, gyro-EIS, HDR8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single12 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.0µm20 MP, f/2.4, 23mm (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, DisplayPortUSB Type-C
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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging23W wired67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 40 min
TypeLi-Po 4449 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsGlacier, ObsidianBlack, Gold
Models-22061218C
PriceAbout 1480 EURAbout 1300 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 82h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.2 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 1050139 (v9) GeekBench: 4368 (v5.1) GFXBench: 52fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Microsoft Surface Duo 2

  • Unique dual-screen productivity
  • Microsoft ecosystem integration
  • Compact form factor when closed
  • Good for reading and note-taking

  • Lower performance than competitors
  • Subpar display quality
  • Slow charging
  • Higher price for what you get

Xiaomi Mix Fold 2

  • Stunning display with high brightness and contrast
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor
  • Fast 67W charging
  • Premium build quality
  • Excellent camera system

  • Expensive
  • Software can be MIUI-centric (may not appeal to all)
  • Large and heavy

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 boasts a significantly brighter and more impressive display. Its 1054 nits peak brightness and near-infinite contrast ratio offer a far more vibrant and immersive viewing experience than the Surface Duo 2's displays. The Duo 2's dual screens, while innovative, lack the same visual punch and suffer from a noticeable crease. The Mix Fold 2's external display is also more usable for quick tasks.

Camera Comparison

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 generally offers a superior camera experience. While specific camera specs are not detailed, the Mix Fold 2's reputation and typical Xiaomi camera performance suggest better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Surface Duo 2's camera is adequate but not a standout feature.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Surface Duo 2's Snapdragon 888. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and demanding games run with greater ease. While the Duo 2 is still capable, the Mix Fold 2's chipset offers a more future-proof and responsive experience.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2's endurance rating of 82h suggests significantly better battery life than the Surface Duo 2. Coupled with its 67W fast charging, it offers a much more convenient and long-lasting power solution. The Duo 2's 23W charging is comparatively slow.

Buying Guide

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is ideal for users deeply invested in the Microsoft ecosystem and those who value a unique dual-screen productivity experience. The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is for those seeking a premium, high-performance folding phone with a gorgeous display and cutting-edge features, willing to pay a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Surface Duo 2 worth it if I'm a heavy Microsoft user?
If you're deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem and value the dual-screen productivity features, the Surface Duo 2 can be worthwhile. However, consider the compromises in performance and display quality.
❓ Which folding phone is more durable?
While both phones have their durability considerations, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 generally uses more robust hinge mechanisms and materials, suggesting slightly better long-term durability, though both are susceptible to screen damage.