Surface Duo Unboxing – Hands-on with Microsoft’s Dual Screen Phone

Two weeks ago, Microsoft unveiled its first Android device, the Surface Duo. It is a radical evolution of the dual-screen design we have seen in the past from likes of ZTE, LG and others. Unlike those other dual-screen mobile devices, Microsoft puts a ton of resources into ensuring that the software experience continues, even going as far as optimizing Android itself for the dual-screen experience. We have our hands on the device, but although we can not yet show the software, we can give an overview of the fantastic hardware that Microsoft has included in the Surface Duo.

The first thing you will notice about the Microsoft Surface Duo is the size. It’s about the size of a small notebook when it falls and about the size of an iPad Mini while it’s unfolded. But what’s really remarkable about it is how thin it is. It is really thin while unfolding, measuring in at just 4.8 mm in thickness! The Surface Duo is probably the thinnest Android device I have ever used. It’s only slightly thicker then the USB-C port on the device. Even while it does fall, it does not feel bulky at all, despite the fact that it is a bit thicker than most phones at 9.9mm.

The building material is glass at the front and back. The only outer parts that are not made of glass are the sides and the hinge. Because of concerns about durability – especially with such a thin device, Microsoft included a bumper in the box that adheres to the Surface Duo with glue. This is a similar setup as the Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Flip cases. The bumper in the box comes in white, but Microsoft will sell different colored bumpers to match the other covers of Microsoft Signature Surface Type.

As for my first impressions of actually holding and / or opening / closing the Microsoft Surface Duo, I have to say that it delivers the best feel from any foldable device I have used so far. Folding feels nothing like the Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, or even LG Velvet with its Dual Screen attachment; I consider it a class of its own. The hinge feels incredible to move – actually flawless. It requires just the right amount of power to move, but does not feel at all difficult to move. It drops a full 360 °, or you can just fill it to any position and it stays. The great hinge combined with the super-thin and lightweight construction really makes the Surface Duo a mobile device with a fantastic dual screen feel.

Microsoft Surface Duo Forums

Just like with all the other mobile devices we’ve looked at, the hardware doesn’t tell the whole story. As I mentioned earlier, I can not yet talk about the software experience, the performance, the battery life, or other aspects of the phone. For those details, you will have to wait for my full review in the coming weeks. Because of this delay, I recommend either waiting until our full review is published or walking into a Best Buy as an AT&T store later this week to try it out in person before making a pre-order.

Pre-order the Surface Duo from Microsoft