Microsoft Surface Duo 2 (2021)

Marked camera upgrade over predecessor ; Large aspect ratio for reading and multitasking ; Software is largely fixed ; Top-tier flagship specifications ; Superior multitasking capabilities

Poor lowlight camera performance ; Awkward to hold for camera use ; Still a few software bugs to work out

“The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 addresses almost every qualm we had with the original. It's a quirky phone that's fun to use.”

Unique multitasking abilities ; Razor-sharp screens ; Solid 4G and 5G reception

Poor cameras for the price ; So-so battery life ; Unpredictable software

No other handheld device multitasks like the dual-screen Microsoft Surface Duo 2, but it lives in a category of its own. It's not quite phone, not quite tablet.

Dual-screen experience is exemplary ; Surprisingly good daytime shots ; Very good battery life ; Great performance

Dual-screen experience is exemplary ; Surprisingly good daytime shots ; Very good battery life ; Great performance

Microsoft still believes in its dual-screen phone/tablet hybrid. Its vision is coming closer, but isn’t quite there. Hold out for the Surface Duo 3.

Head-turning, futuristic design ; Excellent multitasking ability ; Useful pen support

Frustrating bugs ; Lousy camera ; Expensive ; Awkward form factor to actually use

The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is the company’s second attempt at a folding phone. It corrects a lot of the problems of the first generation, but still doesn’t justify its $1,500 asking price.

Fun app juggling ; Triple-lens camera setup ; New Glance Bar ; Ultra-thin, portable form factor

Pricey ; Buggy camera app

Battery life ; Performance ; Two screens are better than one

Mediocre camera ; Awkward design ; Expensive

One of the best things about the original Surface Duo was its design, which featured ultra-thin glass displays held together by a nifty hinge and virtually no awkward angles or unsightly protrusions to break up its minimalist lines. It looked as if...

Fast, fluid dual-screen Android experience ; 5G, NFC, Snapdragon 888 ; Brilliant hardware design ; Larger 90 Hz displays ; Respectable rear cameras

Even more expensive ; Occasional minor bugs ; No Wireless charging ; Not much for the pen to do (yet)

Bottom line: Surface Duo 2 is a significant improvement over the first-gen with much better hardware, attention to detail, and software that is significantly less buggy. There are still issues to solve, however, and the high price will keep many away.

Big boosts to processor and cameras from the first Surface Duo ; Optimized apps take advantage of both screens ; Elegant design ; Thin body

More expensive than first Surface Duo ; Full-screen experience marred by separate display panels ; Camera bump juts out from phone ; Prominent bezels

For people who want to run apps side by side that will be enough to make the Surface Duo 2 an intriguing option. But if you're looking to lose yourself in the expansive flow of an uninterrupted screen, the Surface Duo just doesn't provide that — not...