Microsoft just sent them out Surface Duo overview and demo units to technical reviewers, Best Buy and AT&T stores, and is set for the big release on September 10th. The thinnest folding device in existence has two 5.6 “screens that combine to form one large 8.1-inch screen when you open it – now, if you do not count the thin gap, set by the hinge in the middle, of course.
Microsoft Surface Duo vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 design and display
First, the Microsoft Duo is a faux “in-folder” because the screen does not bend, but it has a small hinge gap between two screen halves. Much easier to draw than flexible OLED display with ultra-thin coverslip that flexes when closed.
Second, while its double-door design avoids the infamous shrinkage or bump in the middle of foldable display phones, there is also no way to watch a video or browse a website without being interrupted by a black border in the middle, even if there is a way to streak the content across both screens. That’s arguably more annoying than the crease of the Fold that you’ll soon forget is there, because there’s also content to be seen in its place.
Do not even start us on the lack of a large external screen on the Microsoft Surface Duo, because our own experience with foldable phones has shown that you still have to open the corrupt thing hundreds of times a day. You can, of course, rotate the 360 hinge, and keep it with the screens on the outside, but then you do not have to keep anything in the pocket when storing the Duo. Did we say pockets? This thing is 93mm, against 68mm (2.7 inches) of the Z Fold 2 when closed, and that’s the real pocket and overload.
Sure, the Duo’s hinge is very refined, as you might expect from Surface line makers, and the phone is very thin, light and compact for a double-door design, but the wide footprint, and the need to match it with the wearing outdoor displays takes the design round in Samsung’s camp. Well, at least the Duo is a bit lighter.
Microsoft Surface Duo vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 specs and camera comparison
Check out Microsoft Surface Duo’s quick spec list:
- Two 5.6 “displays 1800 x 1350 pixels OLED screens
- Snapdragon 855
- 6 GB RAM and 128 GB / 256 GB storage
- 11MP camera
- 3577mAh battery with 18W charging
It’s all downhill here for the Surface Duo, and even the fact that it can use its single camera for both selfie and rear shots does not compensate for the lack of specifications compared to Samsung’s latest and greatest.
Microsoft Surface Duo vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 price and release
- Microsoft Surface Duo Price: $ 1399 for 128 GB, $ 1500 for 256 GB
- Microsoft Surface Duo Release Date: September 10th
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 price: $ 1799 for 256 GB
- Release Date of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2: September 18th
The Microsoft Surface Duo is certainly an intriguing device that has increased the dual-screen format to perfection, if we do not count the wide body, but its specs are so lacking compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 2, that a few Benjamins more for a real folding display in a way looks more powerful and ergonomic phone than a bargain in the flying folding phone market.
