OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (8GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,130RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:8.3 inchesMain camera megapixels:16 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP

Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (8GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (8GB + 256GB)
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components

90%

6.7

Technical score

10%

8.1

User score

â–²Better than 54% of smartphones
6.1

Value for money

Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

4.5

Price

â–¼Worse than 98%
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Score components

25%

7.1

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.8

Camera

15%

7.2

Display

15%

5.3

Battery

10%

4.1

Software

10%

7.6

Connectivity

4%

6.3

Audio

3%

5.7

Design

â–²Better than 52%
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

6.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 68%
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Best prices
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Available versions:
8GB + 256GB8GB + 128GBCheck price
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Technical Specifications of smartphone Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (8GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Score components:

25%

7.1

Performance & Hardware

18%

7.8

Camera

15%

7.2

Display

15%

5.3

Battery

10%

4.1

Software

10%

7.6

Connectivity

4%

6.3

Audio

3%

5.7

Design

6.7
User score
User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

6.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 64% of models
Popularity:
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (8GB + 256GB) has a popularity of 6.9 points, which is higher than 64% of smartphones.
6.9
Value for money
Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

4.5

Price

6.1
Brand name
Microsoft
Processor model
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
This smartphone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor which is faster than processors in 75.5% of smartphones and equal to processors in 2% of smartphones.
RAM capacity
8 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >16 GB
This smartphone has a RAM capacity of 8 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 28.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 30.4% of smartphones.
Internal storage
256 GB
Market range: <64 GB – >512 GB
This smartphone has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 38.8% of smartphones and equal to that of 38.3% of smartphones.
CPU boost clock speed
2.84 GHz
Market range: <2 GHz – >3.3 GHz
The CPU boost clock speed of this smartphone is 2.84 GHz which is higher than the boost speed of 68.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 4.7% of smartphones.
Show more
Operating system
Android
This smartphone uses the Android operating system, which outperforms that of 1%.
Android 11
Android version
Android 11
This smartphone runs Android version Android 11 which is older than that found in 80.3% of smartphones and equal to that in 8.5% of smartphones.
Direct OS updates
no
This smartphone does not receive direct OS updates. 20.6% of smartphones receive direct updates.
Open-source OS
yes
This smartphone uses an open-source OS. 94.6% of smartphones use an open-source OS.
Dark mode
yes
This smartphone offers dark mode. 95.8% of smartphones support this feature.
Show more
Multi-lens main camera
yes
This smartphone includes a multi-lens main camera system. 93.7% of smartphones include multi-lens setups.
Main camera megapixels
16 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP
Market range: <10 – >100
This smartphone has a main camera resolution of 16 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP which is lower than that of 86.1% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.3% of smartphones.
Main camera aperture
f/1.7 & f/2.2 & f/2.4
This smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.7 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 which is wider than that of 83.7% of smartphones and equal to that of 2.1% of smartphones.
Main camera sensor area
31.4 mm²
Market range: <19.7 mm² – >71.4 mm²
This smartphone has a main camera sensor area of 31.4 mm² which is smaller than the main camera sensor area of 57.3% of smartphones and equal to that of 5.8% of smartphones.
Main camera pixel size
1.4 µm
Market range: <0.64 µm – >1.22 µm
This smartphone has a main camera pixel size of 1.4 µm which is larger than in 92.7% of smartphones and equal to the size in 4% of smartphones.
1.4 unbinned
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Number of SIM slots
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This smartphone has 2 SIM slots, which is more than in 3.8% of smartphones and equal to the number in 96.1% of smartphones.
Cellular module
yes
This smartphone includes a cellular module. 100% of smartphones include cellular modules.
5G connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports 5G connectivity. 66.9% of smartphones support 5G.
LTE support
yes
This smartphone supports LTE. 99.7% of smartphones include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This smartphone supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 100% of smartphones offer Wi-Fi support.
Show more
Screen size
8.3 inches
Market range: <6.3 inches – >6.82 inches
This smartphone has a screen size of 8.3 inches which is larger than the screens of 99.9% of smartphones.
Screen resolution
1892x 2688 px
This smartphone has a screen resolution of 1892x2688 px which is higher than that of 98.9% of smartphones.
Pixel density
401 ppi
Market range: <264 ppi – >460 ppi
This smartphone has a pixel density of 401 ppi which is higher than that of 58.5% of smartphones and equal to that of 3% of smartphones.
Display type
OLED/AMOLED
This smartphone uses a OLED/AMOLED display type. 58.6% of smartphones use this display technology.
Refresh rate
90 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >144 Hz
This smartphone supports a refresh rate of 90 Hz which is lower than in 65.4% of smartphones and equal to that in 18.9% of smartphones.
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Battery capacity
4,449 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >7k mAh
This smartphone has a battery capacity of 4,449 mAh which is smaller than the batteries in 84.8% of smartphones.
Charging speed
23 W
Market range: <15 W – >90 W
This smartphone supports charging speeds of 23 W which is slower than in 72.5% of smartphones and equal to speeds in 0.2% of smartphones.
Fast charging
yes
This smartphone supports fast charging. 93.1% of smartphones support fast charging.
GSMArena full wired charge time
?
Wireless charging
no
This smartphone does not support wireless charging. 25.2% of smartphones support wireless charging.
Show more
Stereo speakers
yes
This smartphone includes stereo speakers. 64.4% of smartphones provide stereo audio.
3.5 mm headphone jack
no
This smartphone does not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack. 45.5% of smartphones offer this port.
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This smartphone includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 10.5% of smartphones and equal to the number in 66.6% of smartphones.
FM radio
no
This smartphone does not include an FM radio. 34.2% of smartphones offer FM radio functionality.
aptX Lossless
no
This smartphone does not support aptX Lossless. 12.9% of smartphones provide aptX Lossless.
Show more
Height
145.2 mm
Market range: <156.2 mm – >171.56 mm
This smartphone has a height of 145.2 mm which is shorter than 98% of smartphones and equal to that of 0.1% of smartphones.
Width
184.5 mm
Market range: <73.1 mm – >81 mm
This smartphone has a width of 184.5 mm which is wider than 99.9% of smartphones.
Thickness
5.5 mm
Market range: <7.53 mm – >10.5 mm
This smartphone has a thickness of 5.5 mm which is thinner than 99.1% of smartphones.
Weight
284 g
Market range: <175 g – >256 g
This smartphone weighs 284 g which is heavier than 91.7% of smartphones and equal to the weight of 0.1% of smartphones.
Device volume
133,400 cm³
Market range: <80 cm³ – >190 cm³
This smartphone has a device volume of 133,400 cm³ which is larger than 89.8% of smartphones.
Show more

Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (8GB + 256GB) vs the average smartphone

246810TotalPerformance & HardwareSoftwareCameraConnectivityDisplayBatteryAudioDesign
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1892x2688 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1892x2688 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 2 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (2 x vs 0 x).
    2 x vs 0 x
  • 0.6 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.4 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    1.4 unbinned
    1.4 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • 1.63 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (8.3 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    8.3 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.2 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.0.
    3.2 vs 2.0
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • 0.7% higher user score
    User score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Microsoft Surface Duo 2
    the average smartphone
    Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (8GB + 256GB) has a higher user score than the average smartphone (8.06 vs 8.000).
    8.06 vs 8
  • Newer DDR memory version
    This smartphone supports a newer DDR version than the average smartphone (5 vs 4). The average DDR version is 4.
    5 vs 4
  • 57.3% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 single-core than the average smartphone (1,482 vs 942). The average smartphone scores 942 in single-core.
    1,482 vs 942
  • 18.3% higher CPU boost clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU boost clock speed than the average smartphone (2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The average smartphone has a boost clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
    2.84 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • Higher CPU base clock speed
    This smartphone has a higher CPU base clock speed than the average smartphone (1x2.84 GHz & 3x2.42 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz). The average smartphone has a base clock speed of 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz.
    1x2.84 GHz & 3x2.42 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz vs 2x2.2 GHz & 6x2 GHz
  • 33.3% lower TDP
    This smartphone has a lower TDP than the average smartphone (8 W vs 6 W). The average TDP for smartphones is 6 W.
    8 W vs 6 W
  • 2x higher memory bandwidth
    This smartphone has higher memory bandwidth than the average smartphone (51.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s). The average memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
    51.2 GB/s vs 25.6 GB/s
  • 81.5% higher 3DMark Wild Life benchmark
    This smartphone scores higher in 3DMark Wild Life than the average smartphone (5,653 vs 3,115). The average smartphone scores 3,115.
    5,653 vs 3,115
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    This smartphone uses a smaller process node than the average smartphone (5 nm vs 6 nm). The average process node size is 6 nm.
    5 nm vs 6 nm
  • 3x more shader units
    This smartphone features more shader units than the average smartphone (768 vs 256). The average smartphone has 256 shader units.
    768 vs 256
  • 44.3% higher Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
    This smartphone scores better in Geekbench 6 multi-core than the average smartphone (3,655 vs 2,533). The average smartphone scores 2,533 in multi-core.
    3,655 vs 2,533
  • Better processor
    This smartphone features a better processor than the average smartphone (Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
  • 33.5% higher PassMark benchmark
    This smartphone achieves a higher PassMark score than the average smartphone (5,858 vs 4,389). The average smartphone PassMark score is 4,389.
    5,858 vs 4,389
  • 14.3% higher maximum RAM
    This smartphone supports more maximum RAM than the average smartphone (16 GB vs 14 GB). The average smartphone supports 14 GB RAM.
    16 GB vs 14 GB
  • 22.1% more L3 cache
    This smartphone has more L3 cache than the average smartphone (5000 KB vs 4096 KB). The average L3 cache is 4096 KB.
    5,000 KB vs 4,096 KB
  • 16.4% faster memory speed
    This smartphone supports faster memory speed than the average smartphone (3200 MHz vs 2750 MHz). The average smartphone supports 2750 MHz memory speed.
    3,200 MHz vs 2,750 MHz
  • 24.7% higher 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark
    This smartphone performs better in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme than the average smartphone (1,529 vs 1,226). The average smartphone scores 1,226.
    1,529 vs 1,226
  • Has optical image stabilization
    This smartphone has optical image stabilization (OIS), the average smartphone does not. 48.3% of smartphones feature OIS.
  • 2 x higher optical zoom
    This smartphone offers higher optical zoom than the average smartphone (2 x vs 0 x).
    2 x vs 0 x
  • 0.6 µm larger main camera pixel size
    This smartphone has a larger main camera pixel size than the average smartphone (1.4 µm vs 0.8 µm). The average pixel size is 0.8 µm.
    1.4 unbinned
    1.4 µm vs 0.8 µm
  • Uses a BSI sensor
    This smartphone uses a BSI sensor, the average smartphone does not. 40.5% of smartphones include BSI sensors.
  • Has a front LED flash
    This smartphone features a front-facing LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 7.8% of smartphones include a front flash.
  • Has a multi-lens front camera
    This smartphone features a multi-lens front camera, the average smartphone does not. 18% of smartphones have multiple front lenses.
  • Better main camera video
    This smartphone records better main camera video than the average smartphone. 22.60x of smartphones support 4K or higher.
    2160x60 fps vs 2160x30 fps
  • 1 more flash LEDs
    This smartphone has more flash LEDs than the average smartphone (2 vs 1). The average smartphone has 1 flash LEDs.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports HDR10 video recording
    This smartphone supports HDR10 video recording, the average smartphone does not. 35.9% of smartphones support HDR10.
  • Has a dual-tone LED flash
    This smartphone features a dual-tone LED flash, the average smartphone does not. 41.4% of smartphones include dual-tone flash.
  • Wider front camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider front camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average aperture is f/2.2.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Wider main camera aperture
    This smartphone has a wider main camera aperture than the average smartphone (f/1.7 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4). The average smartphone has a main camera aperture of f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4.
    f/1.7 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 vs f/1.8 & f/2.2 & f/2.4 & f/2.4
  • Newer USB version
    This smartphone supports a newer USB version than the average smartphone (3.2 vs 2). The average version is USB 2.0.
    3.2 vs 2.0
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    This smartphone supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average smartphone (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average smartphone uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Higher screen resolution
    This smartphone has a higher screen resolution than the average smartphone (1892x2688 px vs 1080x2400 px). The average smartphone resolution is 1080x2400 px.
    1892x2688 px vs 1080x2400 px
  • 1.63 inches inch larger screen size
    This smartphone has a larger screen size than the average smartphone (8.3 inches vs 6.67 inches). The average smartphone screen is 6.67 inches.
    8.3 inches vs 6.67 inches
  • Better display glass type
    This smartphone features a better display glass type than the average smartphone (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5). The average smartphone uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
    Corning Gorilla Glass Victus vs Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • Has a secondary display
    This smartphone features a secondary display, the average smartphone does not. 6.7% of smartphones include a secondary screen.
  • Has a curved display
    This smartphone features a curved display, the average smartphone does not. 24.5% of smartphones have curved screens.
  • 21.2% higher screen brightness
    This smartphone has a higher screen brightness than the average smartphone (800 nits vs 660 nits). The average smartphone brightness is 660 nits.
    800 nits vs 660 nits
  • 1.5% higher pixel density
    This smartphone has a higher pixel density than the average smartphone (401 ppi vs 395 ppi). The average smartphone has a pixel density of 395 ppi.
    401 ppi vs 395 ppi
  • Supports aptX
    This smartphone supports aptX, the average smartphone does not. 50% of smartphones are aptX compatible.
  • 18.4 mm shorter
    This smartphone is shorter than the average smartphone (145.2 mm vs 163.6 mm). The average smartphone height is 163.6 mm.
    145.2 mm vs 163.6 mm
  • 2.8 mm thinner
    This smartphone is thinner than the average smartphone (5.5 mm vs 8.3 mm). The average smartphone thickness is 8.3 mm.
    5.5 mm vs 8.3 mm
  • Is foldable
    This smartphone is foldable, the average smartphone is not. 3.9% of smartphones are foldable devices.
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (16 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    16 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • No location privacy controls
    This smartphone does not offer location privacy controls, the average smartphone does. 88% of smartphones include location privacy features.
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • 11% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4449 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,449 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • 4.35x more expensive
    Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (8GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average smartphone (£1,130 vs £260).
    £1,130 vs £260
  • 19.8% worse value for money
    Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (8GB + 256GB) has worse value for money than the average smartphone (6.12 vs 7.3).
    6.12 vs 7.34
  • No live text recognition
    This smartphone does not support live text recognition, the average smartphone does. 50.9% of smartphones offer real-time text recognition.
  • No location privacy controls
    This smartphone does not offer location privacy controls, the average smartphone does. 88% of smartphones include location privacy features.
  • Lacks app tracking protection
    This smartphone does not have app tracking protection, the average smartphone does. 70.2% of smartphones include app tracking protection.
  • Lacks focus mode
    This smartphone does not have a focus mode, the average smartphone does. 60.4% of smartphones include a dedicated focus mode.
  • No camera/mic privacy toggles
    This smartphone lacks camera and microphone privacy toggles, the average smartphone includes them. 87% of smartphones offer these toggles.
  • Older Android version
    This smartphone runs an older Android version than the average smartphone (Android 11 vs Android 14). The average smartphone runs Android version Android 14.
    Android 11 vs Android 14
  • No Wi-Fi password sharing
    This smartphone does not support Wi-Fi password sharing, the average smartphone does. 57.9% of smartphones allow easy Wi-Fi sharing.
  • No battery health monitoring
    This smartphone lacks battery health monitoring, the average smartphone includes it. 66.3% of smartphones provide battery health stats.
  • Does not allow app offloading
    This smartphone does not support app offloading, the average smartphone does. 51.9% of smartphones support app offloading to save space.
  • Lacks instant markup
    This smartphone does not support instant markup, the average smartphone does. 52.2% of smartphones include instant markup tools.
  • No scrolling screenshot support
    This smartphone does not support scrolling screenshots, the average smartphone does. 81.1% of smartphones allow scrolling screenshots.
  • No theme customization
    This smartphone does not support theme customization, the average smartphone does. 91% of smartphones allow theme customization.
  • No offline voice commands
    This smartphone does not support offline voice commands, the average smartphone does. 90.4% of smartphones offer offline voice control.
  • Does not allow play while downloading
    This smartphone cannot play games while downloading, the average smartphone can. 77.3% of smartphones support play-while-downloading.
  • No dynamic theme support
    This smartphone does not support dynamic themes, the average smartphone does. 81.9% of smartphones support dynamic theming.
  • Lacks extra dim mode
    This smartphone does not have extra dim mode, the average smartphone does. 82.5% of smartphones offer extra dimming features.
  • Lower-resolution main camera
    This smartphone has a lower-resolution main camera than the average smartphone (16 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP). The average smartphone has a 50 MP & 8 MP main camera.
    16 MP & 12 MP & 12 MP vs 50 MP & 8 MP
  • Lower front camera megapixels
    This smartphone has lower front camera megapixels than the average smartphone (12 MP vs 16 MP). The average smartphone has a 16 MP front camera.
    12 MP vs 16 MP
  • 1.9% smaller main camera sensor area
    This smartphone has a smaller main camera sensor area than the average smartphone (31.4 mm² vs 32 mm²). The average smartphone sensor area is 32 mm².
    31.4 mm² vs 32 mm²
  • No memory card slot
    This smartphone does not have a memory card slot, the average smartphone does. 53.5% of smartphones feature expandable storage.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This smartphone uses an older Bluetooth version than the average smartphone (5.1 vs 5.2). The average smartphone uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.1 vs 5.2
  • 25% lower refresh rate
    This smartphone has a lower refresh rate than the average smartphone (90 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average smartphone has a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
    90 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 200 nits lower peak brightness
    This smartphone has a lower peak brightness than the average smartphone (800 nits vs 1000 nits). The average smartphone peak brightness is 1000 nits.
    800 nits vs 1,000 nits
  • 11% smaller battery capacity
    This smartphone has a smaller battery capacity than the average smartphone (4449 mAh vs 5000 mAh). The average smartphone has a capacity of 5000 mAh.
    4,449 mAh vs 5,000 mAh
  • No reverse wired charging
    This smartphone does not support reverse wired charging, the average smartphone does. 60.8% of smartphones support reverse wired charging.
  • 30.3% slower charging speed
    This smartphone has a slower charging speed than the average smartphone (23 W vs 33 W). The average smartphone charges at 33 W.
    23 W vs 33 W
  • 44.8% heavier
    This smartphone is heavier than the average smartphone (284 g vs 196.2 g). The average smartphone weighs 196.2 g.
    284 g vs 196.2 g
  • 108.5 mm wider
    This smartphone is wider than the average smartphone (184.5 mm vs 76 mm). The average smartphone has a width of 76 mm.
    184.5 mm vs 76 mm
  • 3 year/s older release date
    This smartphone is an older model than the average smartphone (2021 vs 2024). 3.00% of smartphones were released more recently.
    October 2021
    2021 vs 2024
  • 36.4% larger volume
    This smartphone has a larger volume than the average smartphone (133400 cm³ vs 97800 cm³). The average smartphone volume is 97800 cm³.
    133,400 cm³ vs 97,800 cm³

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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thesurfaceguide.com
18/12/2021
Summary of the review
The Surface Guide Surface Duo 2 review: Turbocharged, but held back;
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xda-developers.com
23/12/2021
Summary of the review
XDA Developers Microsoft Surface Duo 2 review: A productivity powerhouse;
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forbes.com
30/11/2021
Summary of the review
Forbes Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Review: Two Screens Are Better Than One;
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mashable.com
21/10/2021
Summary of the review
Mashable Microsoft Surface Duo 2 review: A sequel that's better than the...;
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laptopmag.com
21/10/2021
Summary of the review
Laptop Mag Microsoft Surface Duo 2 review;
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windowscentral.com
02/11/2021
Summary of the review
Windows Central Surface Duo 2 review: A huge step in the right direction, but...;
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wired.com
04/11/2021
Summary of the review
WIRED Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Review: A Bad Case for 2 Screens;
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pcmag.com
21/10/2021
Summary of the review
PCMag Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Review;
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theguardian.com
28/01/2022
Summary of the review
The Guardian Surface Duo 2 review: Microsoft’s dual-screen Android needs work;
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cnet.com
21/10/2021
Summary of the review
CNET Surface Duo 2 review: Microsoft's folding phone is innovative, but impractical;
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inside-digital.de
21/10/2021
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Duo 2: Review, Specs, Price, and Availability
(Translated)Show original
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pcwelt.de
15/02/2022
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Review - PC-WELT
(Translated)Show original
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futurezone.at
14/04/2022
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Review: The idea is good, but...
(Translated)Show original
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spiegel.de
30/10/2021
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Review: Something Is Always in the Way
(Translated)Show original
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chip.de
20/05/2022
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Review | CHIP
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leclaireur.fnac.com
19/01/2022
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Lab Test: An innovative concept, refined
(Translated)Show original
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cnetfrance.fr
23/09/2021
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Duo 2: Hands-on - CNET France
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lesnumeriques.com
12/11/2021
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Review: Slightly Better Than Its Predecessor
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frandroid.com
18/11/2021
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 review: Our full verdict - Frandroid
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smartworld.it
22/09/2021
Summary of the review
Microsoft Surface Duo 2 Technical Specifications: Would you like me to find international reviews in English for a more technical comparison of the ca...
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (8GB + 256GB)

  • Superior multitasking capabilities with true dual-screen functionality
  • Sleek and elegant hardware design that feels premium and unique
  • Bright, high-resolution AMOLED displays with 90Hz refresh rate
  • Significant improvement in camera quality over the original Duo
  • Powerful performance powered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset
  • Excellent for productivity, specifically with Microsoft 365 and Outlook
  • Solid battery life that typically lasts through a full day of usage
  • Innovative 'Glance Bar' for checking notifications on the hinge spine

What we don't like about Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (8GB + 256GB)

  • Software experience remains buggy with occasional UI glitches and crashes
  • High initial price point makes it a difficult recommendation for many
  • Lack of wireless charging and official water/dust resistance ratings
  • Limited app optimization for the dual-screen form factor
  • Awkward ergonomics for one-handed use and traditional phone calls
  • Noticeable physical gap between the two screens when spanning content
  • The large camera bump prevents the device from folding completely flat
  • Uncertain long-term software support and slow update cycles

Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (8GB + 256GB model) is a dual-screen Android smartphone featuring two 5.8-inch AMOLED 90Hz displays that combine for a large 8.3-inch workspace, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G processor. Its main characteristics are the unique 360-degree hinge and form factor optimized for app multitasking, allowing two applications to run side-by-side. Key hardware benefits include 5G connectivity, NFC for payments, a decent triple-lens rear camera system (12MP wide, 16MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto), and pen input support. However, the primary drawbacks include the noticeable gap between the screens, some persistent software glitches, average battery life compared to traditional flagships, and the device's bulky feel for single-handed use.

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