Microsoft Surface Duo 2
Microsoft’s new Surface Duo 2 smartphone poses a problem. When we choose to review a product, we try to do so objectively. We test the device, compare it to others in its class, and then advise readers whether we think they should buy it or not. That’s still the goal. But the negative response to the Surface Duo as well as the mediocre offerings that accompanied the waning days of Windows Phone era certainly tarnished Microsoft’s reputation in the smartphone space.
I think it’s important to acknowledge that scepticism, and apply it with a fresh eye towards some key questions: Does the Surface Duo 2 succeed as part of the Windows ecosystem? How does it compare to other Android phones? Does it solve the issues that plagued the first Surface Duo? And can it work as both a traditional phone, as well as some new breed of productivity device? Customers certainly never saw the original Surface Duo as anything special, and it tanked. Microsoft saw dual screens and the way it integrated into the app ecosystem as the selling points. Customers expected a quality camera, NFC, 5G and wireless recharging.
The Surface Duo 2 represents Microsoft’s attempt to reach a middle ground. Yes, it checks some of the boxes people asked for, but little more. The camera is just okay, there are still bugs, and the price tag is outrageous. But under certain conditions, it shines.
CONFIGURATIONS & PRICING
The Surface Duo 2 costs an astounding £1,349, minimum, for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Two other versions are available: a 256GB SSD model (£1,429) and the top option with 512GB of storage, for £1,589. If you buy into the Microsoft ecosystem, you’ll be saving most storage-chewing photos
