Unboxing the Surface Duo: Hands-on with Microsoft’s ambitious new phone

Whether you are planning to buy it or just watch the hype that is spreading on the internet, the Surface Duo is without a doubt one of the most interesting phones that will be released in 2020. That it comes so early in the year – it was originally planned for closer to Christmas – is one of the few gifts this otherwise terrific year has given us.

Most typical smartphone users are simply accustomed to the idea that foldables are real, that they are not as fallen as originally thought, and that they will, unexpectedly, be mainstream. Microsoft takes the foldable front end and avoids the foibles of flexible displays and fragile plastic overlays, relying instead on two distinct OLED screens and a sturdy, infinitely adjustable hinge that forms the Duo’s own, well, backbone.

Microsoft Surface Duo specs, at a glance

Although it’s too early for me to show you the phone’s software, I’m lucky enough to be among the first people in the world to unbox the Surface Duo this week, and I’ll walk you through that process now. run.

The reviewer’s kit is a deliberate play about the Duo’s extended nature, horizontally unwound to open a vertical flap inside that under the Surface Duo’s storefront, like a pair of Surface Earbuds in a new graphite color that ‘ t should be available on September 10, the same day as the Duo itself.

The box also contains a printed and embossed card from Panos Panay, Microsoft’s Chief Product Officer, which says, “I hope you enjoy using Surface Duo as we love making it.” It’s a nice touch.

Inside the Surface Duo’s box, opened with a quick pull tab, is the phone itself, an 18W USB-C charger, a USB C-to-USB C cable, and a bumper case that attaches to ‘ the edges of the ultra-thin Surface Duo. I do not see myself using the bumper – it makes an already wide phone even wider – but it’s great to have it included, as the unconventional design of the phone limits the options for third – party accessories.

And then there’s the phone itself. Panay described it more than once as a smaller surface, not necessarily an Android phone, and after looking at it I can fully understand where it comes from. This is the first phone I can remember that I do not have a rear camera. Apart from the Microsoft logo on the front, there are no other decorations.

The buttons, all decorated on the right side of the phone when closed, are clicky and easy to identify. The capacitive fingerprint sensor is in a comfortable position for the thumb when the phone is open on either side. The USB-C port is unfortunately not central.

When the Duo is open, it actually feels like you’re holding a tablet, albeit an ultrathin one. The hinge holds securely, even if you only hold one side. It’s easy to place the phone in a laptop-like orientation, and it’s even easier to tune it to view video content. Yes, the edges above and below the two monitors are large.

I can not say whether they distract during use, but they offer enough space to grab the Duo anywhere on the open chassis without covering the screen, which I’m sure is the point.

The phone ends with a soft, satisfying metallic finish thud, and it goes back to being an unassuming book-like thing that looks like nothing else on the market today.

You’ll have to wait a little longer for a full review, but I hope this has been at least somewhat helpful in understanding what the Duo looks like, how it feels and what you can look like if you choose one. to buy. I will hang in the comments to answer any questions you have, or save me Twitter if you prefer.