Microsoft Surface Duo looks like a phone, but won’t function or compete as a phone
The key to Surface Duo's success depends on how Microsoft optimises the software on a dual-screen device. The apps need to work seamlessly across the two displays, which might be a challenge.
The whole idea behind the Surface Duo is to create a new category of device that merges a phone and tablet together. (Image credit: Panos Panay/Microsoft)
Microsoft wants to sell a dual-screen device, which it does not want to call a phone but one that certainly looks like a crossover between a phone and a tablet. The Surface Duo has two 5.6-inch displays that are integrated together with a 360-degree hinge, but runs Android and not Windows. Is the Surface Duo a phone? No. It’s a Surface. That’s what Microsoft Surface hardware chief Panos Panay said at an event in New York.
“You are going to talk about it as a phone and I get that,” he said. “You are going to talk about it as a communication device, and it does both of those things well. But make no mistake, this product is a “Surface”.
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Panay doesn’t like to call the Surface Duo a phone. Instead, he likes to call the device a “Surface”. The device can make calls and it’s so portable that the Surface fits inside the pocket.
Panay has a logic. The Surface Duo is not a phone, as many had thought it would eventually be. It can be used as a single screen, but it is designed to bring dual-screen multitasking to the forefront. The whole idea behind the Surface Duo is to create a new category of device that merges a phone and tablet together. That’s the main purpose of the device.
The Surface Duo might find it tough to take on iPhone 11 or Galaxy S10
The Surface Duo is a mobile device and can be used to take calls like a regular smartphone. The device runs Android and is powered by a Snapdragon 855 processor. But those similarities alone are not enough to qualify the Surface Duo as a smartphone.
The narrative that the Surface Duo is a “normal” smartphone is in itself flawed. Since the Surface Duo doesn’t have an outer screen, it would be really cumbersome for users to take calls on the device. To attend calls on the Duo, you need to fold it the other way with screens on the front and back, which is awkward and that is putting it mildly.
Another problem with the Surface Duo is that it is not designed for one-handed use. The device seems to have a 4:3 display and not a 16:9 like most smartphones do. This would mean the device will be extra-wide in nature. Honestly, it will be a nightmare to type a message on this device while driving or on the go. To me, the Surface Duo reminds of a BlackBerry Passport, the extra-wide smartphone shaped like a passport.
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Microsoft has launched a ton of new devices at its fall event in New York on October 2, including the Surface Pro 7, Surface Laptop 3, Surface Earbuds, Surface Pro X and two dual-screen devices.
Microsoft is making a big deal about the Surface Duo, but the device isn’t as innovative as it has been presented. Dual-screen devices aren’t new, but the extra screen never caught on. The first device that had a dual-screen was the Kyocera Echo launched in 2011. After that, we saw the Sony Tablet P, followed by ZTE Axon M in 2017 and the LG V50. Not a single device succeed in convincing users to buy a dual-screen device.
The key to Duo’s success depends on how Microsoft optimises the software on a dual-screen device. The apps need to work seamlessly across the two displays, which might be a challenge. Some Microsoft apps will get support for the dual-screen interface, but what will happen to those millions of apps available in the Google Play store. Right now, none of the apps are designed to work on a dual-screen device. Both Microsoft and Google have a mammoth task to get the software implementation right on dual-screen devices.
It remains to be seen how well the Surface Duo is appreciated when it hits the market late next year. There is no doubt the Surface Duo is a new type of device, but calling it a smartphone is far too stretched.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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