With a new design, an external display, and a triple camera module, the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 fixes issues from the first iteration.
Microsoft will unveil its second-generation Surface Duo smartphone today at the Surface hardware event. Microsoft appears to have addressed many of the issues with the original Surface Duo from a year ago with the Surface Duo 2, including the addition of 5G connectivity. In fact, it gives the first smartphone the appearance of a prototype.
When the first Surface Duo was released, there was a unified opinion about the device. The hardware design and construction were stunning, but there were obvious compromises. The camera, large bezels, and some software quirks that did not feel ready were all issues that were difficult to overlook.
As a result, the Surface Duo was most likely not a smartphone for the average user. Microsoft's new Surface Duo 2 addresses the majority, if not all, of the issues. Before we get into those changes, it's worth noting that the Duo is still running on Android and connects to Windows 11 via the Your Phone app.
Improvements
It's probably best to start with the design to see what's different here. Because this was one of the original Surface Duo's selling points, Microsoft has opted for more subtle changes. With rounded corners and glass finishes, the design is softer and more subtle. Unlike the Surface Duo 2, which was only available in grey a year ago, the Surface Duo 2 will be available in black as well.
On the outside, Microsoft has focused on one vexing aspect of the Surface Duo's user experience: the lack of an outside screen. Because Samsung's Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 devices have outside screens, it's clear that people who own folding phones want information on an outside display rather than having to open their phone every time.
Microsoft isn't entirely sold on the idea, but the Duo 2 makes some inroads. The Surface Duo Glance bar, which sits on the outside of the hinge, was designed by the company. While it is not a notification hub, it does display the number of calls and messages you have received, as well as the time and battery life.
I'm not sure why this couldn't be a full notification ticker, and perhaps it will be in the future. For the time being, it is a small step in the right direction... and it does appear to be very cool. In terms of the hinge, it has been improved this year, so the Duo will once again have the best hinge mechanism in the tech world.
Camera
On to the camera, which was easily one of the most problematic aspects of the original Duo. It simply felt like an afterthought, a single primary lens that wasn't up to the Duo's flagship standards. Microsoft addresses this with the Surface Duo 2, which includes a trip camera module with a wide-angle lens, an ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto lens.
I doubt the Duo 2 will become the best smartphone photography experience overnight, but it is a significant improvement.
There are still bezels around the two 4-inch screens on the inside, but they have been reduced. Microsoft has also curved the screen near the hinge, giving the impression that the two screens are connected. The Surface Duo display stretched to 8.2-inches when both 90Hz screens were used.
While I will need to get my hands on it to be certain, there are signs that Microsoft may also resolve some software issues. The Surface Duo 2 should run smoothly thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 CPU, avoiding the slow app transitions between screens that plagued the first device.
As far as second-generation upgrades go, the Surface Duo 2 is quite impressive. The Duo 2, like all new Surface devices announced today, will be available on October 5 alongside Windows 11.
