A few seconds later, the phone fell out of my pocket, crashed to the floor and cracked the corner of the screen. Or in my case, I put it in a coat pocket, not realizing that it didn't quite fit all the way. It just doesn't fit properly, which means you end up carrying it in your hand most of the time, or slipping it into your back pocket. When closed - in a pocket is downright uncomfortable. Then there's the fact that putting the oddly shaped smartphone - which is wider than the But because the camera bump (more on that in a minute) no longer allows the device to fold completely flat, the gap between makes it feel lopsided, as if you're doing something wrong. This is probably the most comfortable, or at least my most used, orientation for typing longer messages or replying to emails. When the device is folded over on itself, giving you a single screen to view and use, the keyboard spans the entire screen to make it easier to type two-handed. With both screens open, you're forced to type on one side with a single thumb, with the keyboard shrinking down towards the edge of the screen to make it easier. But I've yet to figure out the most comfortable way to type on it.

Microsoft has made adjustments to the keyboard, its positioning and size based on whether or not the Duo 2 is open, or one side is folded onto itself. But the longer I've used it, the more awkward I've found it.

It was a nice break from the long, black rectangles all smartphones resemble. The first few days of using the Duo 2, I didn't really mind the different approach to its size and shape.

Let's be honest –– It's an awkward design Or at least, be more aware of how you're carrying the Duo 2. Let's start with my least favorite part of the Duo 2. I'm going to stick to my original plan and live with the Duo 2 for an extended amount of time, but here are some of my thoughts after using it for a couple of weeks. I've been using the Surface Duo 2 as my main Android phone for two weeks now, and have a good feel for what I like and what I don't. There are some modest changes to the second generation device, including a speedier processor, better cameras and it runs Android 11. There was clear potential with the phone, but I felt the concept was a better fit for a tablet (or even a laptop).įast forward and Microsoft is ready to ship the I purchased one and returned it within 30 days (Microsoft offers a 60-day return policy). That actually has a screen that folds in half, the Duo had two displays that are physically separated.Īs is often the case with first-generation devices, the Duo wasn't all that impressive. Instead of putting out yet another rectangular Android phone, the Duo featured two impressively thin displays, held together by hinges, that made it possible to fold the phone in half. , the company took a novel approach to the standard smartphone. Microsoft hasn't given up on its aspirations to create a unique, if not niche, smartphone for its loyal Surface fans.

Surface pro 4 camera not working