We asked experts if Surface Duo 2 can compete with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, and responses are mixed

Surface Duo 2 Notification Shade New Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

Microsoft's Surface Duo two is a special device in more means than i. Not only does it sit down in a corner of the market all past itself, detached from even its closest competition — such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold three — but it's also the successor to a product that, to this day, remains a bit of an enigma for a great many people.

The original Surface Duo saw an onslaught of fire sales throughout 2022. It was a device that commanded a $1,400 MSRP in tardily 2022 and, not more than 1 year later, saw itself being put on sale for under $400. It is a device line that Windows Central readers rally effectually and applaud the concept of (even if they aren't going to buy it themselves), equally well as ane that non-enthusiasts often don't even know exists.

So, when the Surface Duo 2 released, there were questions: Could it right the wrongs of the Duo 1? Could information technology differentiate itself in the marketplace plenty to make the dent its predecessor couldn't? Was there promise for a Duo revolution?

Now that the sequel device has been out for a few weeks, answers are starting to shape. Though, depending on who yous ask, those answers won't exist the same. Here'south what experts idea about the Surface Duo ii'south prospects.

Surface Duo 2: On the surface, there's potential

Surface Duo 2 Hero Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

Surface Duo as a line, on a conceptual and execution level, has had no shortage of critics and skeptics. Specifically, many people meet it every bit serving a niche that doesn't really exist, and then long every bit in that location are alternatives such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 on the menu. Nosotros asked Mikako Kitagawa, Gartner Research Director, for her thoughts on whether the Duo ii could stack up confronting the competition.

"It is less likely that Duo 2 volition compete against Samsung Galaxy Z Fold," Kitagawa said. "The principal heir-apparent target of Duo 2 and Z Fold 3 is technology enthusiasts, but not average consumers. For enthusiasts, the folded screen of Z Fold is attractive equally there are quite some engineering feats behind the production, just the Duo two just has two screens connected by hinges, which does not attract the enthusiasts."

Anshel Sag, Moor Insights & Strategy Principal Analyst, took an opposing opinion to that claim, arguing that there was very much a reason to enjoy Microsoft'south expensive Nintendo DS lookalike on its own terms.

"I call back the Duo 2 does have a identify in the market considering it's a very unlike pattern and user feel from the Fold 3," he stated. "I have both devices and I like using them both for different reasons. I also find myself multi-tasking on the Duo 2 far more frequently than I practice on the Fold simply considering information technology's simply easier to exercise."

When asked about the Duo 2's eyes, Sag commented on a point that, for many, as well remains one of the major pitfalls of the original Duo. "I remember the Duo ii's biggest obstacles are long-term software support and initial launch software quality. The visitor has addressed about of my hardware concerns with the device, but information technology seems like the software isn't quite in that location however."

Surface Duo two: Zero'due south guaranteed

Surface Duo 2 Jez 2022 Source: Windows Central

Information technology may be too early to tell whether Microsoft has remedied the long-term mistakes of Duo 1, only there's been plenty fourth dimension to at least get a vague idea of whether the Duo teams upwardly in Redmond have ironed out the biggest kinks with their sequel device. When asked about whether the Duo two was adequately set up for a brighter time to come than its predecessor, Kitagawa outlined the large challenge notwithstanding standing in the way of Microsoft's foldable.

"Adopting Android OS is the right direction instead of trying to get their ain OS, but the challenge for Microsoft is to build the make perception associated with a smartphone, which they don't have at the moment," she said. "For consumers, Microsoft is a make for PCs, and adding brand perception will take a long time."

Microsoft ... smartphones ... something sounds familiar there. Almost like, oh, say, a Windows Telephone, or some such concept. Imagine if Microsoft had a thing like that and permit it autumn to the wayside.

With that said, it's non impossible for Microsoft to double-downward on Duo (like it already has) and make a serious, continued play for recognition in the sector it'due south had issues with. It'due south but going to be difficult. But Microsoft is no stranger to throwing money at things until they work (bank check out the best Xbox Game Pass games, hint hint), so perhaps futurity software updates can amp up the Duo 2'southward reputation, or a Duo 3 can rewrite the rulebook from the ground up. Either way, the Duo isn't down and out withal, no thing what Samsung or the rest of the competition dare to duel it with.

An internet connection will soon be required when setting up Windows 11 Pro

UH OH

An internet connection will soon exist required when setting upward Windows 11 Pro

Microsoft has appear that afterwards this yr, users will be required to connect to the net and sign-in with a Microsoft Account during the out of box setup experience on Windows 11 Pro. Microsoft has already been enforcing this requirement on Windows xi Abode since launch final October, and Windows 11 Pro is now expected to follow accommodate soon.

Grab a case to protect your Surface Duo 2 with these options

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Grab a instance to protect your Surface Duo 2 with these options

Looking for a case to protection your shiny, new, and very expensive Surface Duo ii? We've got you covered with a round up of the best Surface Duo 2 cases you tin can find. Unfortunately, there aren't many (yet) only we'll keep updating this postal service with new products as we find them!