Duo-take: Here's what the media is saying about Surface Duo
When Microsoft announced the price and release date ($1,400 and September 10) of the new Surface Duo earlier this week, reactions among Microsoft fans generally ranged from disappointed to incredibly excited. On one hand, Microsoft is bringing its familiar Surface design prowess to a new type of mobile productivity device. On the other, Surface Duo is a first-generation smartphone that's lacking in some key areas.
Among a lot of the media, there's been a decidedly optimistic tone when it comes to Surface Duo, despite its shortfalls. While Microsoft's new flagship might not stand up to something like the Galaxy Z Fold 2 in terms of raw specs, it's a decidedly focused product intended to deliver a very particular experience. And, for the most part, it's receiving kudos from the tech sphere for trying something new.
If you haven't had a chance to skim through the tens of thousands of words that have been written on it this week, here's a look at just some of the reactions from the media in the wake of the Surface Duo's launch.
Sam Rutherford, writing for Gizmodo:
JR Raphael, writing for Computerworld:
Cherlynn Low, Engadget:
I didn't realize this until recently, but I've been waiting for Google and Microsoft to team up on a mobile-friendly productivity OS/software, and the Surface Duo's UI looks very promising. Well, based on the demos we've seen, anyway.https://t.co/u3RM0NycGgI didn't realize this until recently, but I've been waiting for Google and Microsoft to team up on a mobile-friendly productivity OS/software, and the Surface Duo's UI looks very promising. Well, based on the demos we've seen, anyway.https://t.co/u3RM0NycGg— Cherlynn Low (@CherlynnLow) August 12, 2020August 12, 2020
Tom Warren, writing for The Verge:
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Harry McCracken, writing for Fast Company
David Ruddock, Android Police:
https://twitter.com/RDRv3/status/1293623254934929408?s=20
Raymond Wong, writing for Input:
Mary Jo Foley, writing for ZDNet:
Emil Protalinski, writing for VentureBeat:
Ian Sherr, writing for CNET:
Michael Fisher (aka MrMobile):
But at the same time, I'm not fully sold on the notion of dual-screen smartphones ... mostly because folding-screen devices can do most everything dual-screen ones can.https://t.co/9oPQvTSpG8But at the same time, I'm not fully sold on the notion of dual-screen smartphones ... mostly because folding-screen devices can do most everything dual-screen ones can.https://t.co/9oPQvTSpG8— Michael Fisher (@Captain2Phones) August 12, 2020August 12, 2020
Lisa Gade, MobileTechReview:
Only Microsoft can do this to me. I’m both exited by Surface Duo while feeling that 2018 is calling and wants its dual screen phone back. Snapdragon 855, no NFC, weak cameras at $1,400?! When LG dual screens have better specs for $500 less? But it looks so cool and its a Surface! pic.twitter.com/SDAJ47BI4TOnly Microsoft can do this to me. I’m both exited by Surface Duo while feeling that 2018 is calling and wants its dual screen phone back. Snapdragon 855, no NFC, weak cameras at $1,400?! When LG dual screens have better specs for $500 less? But it looks so cool and its a Surface! pic.twitter.com/SDAJ47BI4T— Lisa Gade (@lisagade) August 12, 2020August 12, 2020
The Surface Duo certainly has many avenues for improvement in further iterations, but it will be interesting to see whether Microsoft's first-generation device can live up to its lofty goals. For now, if you're intrigued and want to get your hands on a Surface Duo, it's available to preorder starting at $1,400 at Microsoft, Best Buy, and AT&T.
Two screens are better than one.
Microsoft delves into the future of foldables with an ambitious dual-screen device, featuring two ultra-thin 5.6-inch AMOLED displays bound by a 360-degree hinge. This pocketable inking-enabled Android smartphone marks the latest in the Surface lineup, geared for mobile productivity.