Quick notes
- The Samsung Fold 4, on the other hand, boasts a more advanced triple-lens rear camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens.
- One UI offers a wide range of features and customizations specifically designed for foldable devices, including the ability to create custom app pairs and use the Fold 4’s cover display as a mini-tablet.
- The Surface Duo 2 is ideal for users who prioritize multitasking and productivity, while the Fold 4 offers a more immersive and feature-rich experience with a single, large display.
The world of foldable smartphones has witnessed a fierce rivalry between Microsoft and Samsung, with each brand pushing the boundaries of innovation. The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 and Samsung Fold 4 represent the latest iterations of their respective foldable flagships, offering unique features and capabilities. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 against the Samsung Fold 4 to determine which device reigns supreme in the realm of foldable smartphones.
Design and Display
The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 sports a dual-screen design with two 5.8-inch AMOLED displays that unfold into a single 8.3-inch canvas. This unique approach allows for multitasking and productivity on separate screens, providing a versatile user experience.
In contrast, the Samsung Fold 4 features a single 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that folds inward, creating a compact and durable device. The Fold 4’s display boasts a high refresh rate of 120Hz, ensuring smooth and responsive performance.
Performance and Battery
Under the hood, the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, while the Samsung Fold 4 utilizes the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset. Both devices offer ample performance for demanding tasks, including gaming and video editing.
In terms of battery life, the Surface Duo 2 houses a 4,449mAh battery, while the Fold 4 packs a slightly larger 4,400mAh battery. Real-world battery life will vary depending on usage patterns, but both devices offer all-day endurance on a single charge.
Camera Capabilities
The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 features a triple-lens rear camera system consisting of a 12MP primary sensor, a 16MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. The Samsung Fold 4, on the other hand, boasts a more advanced triple-lens rear camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens.
Both devices offer excellent image quality, with the Fold 4 having a slight edge in low-light photography thanks to its larger primary sensor. Additionally, the Fold 4 offers a wider range of camera features and modes, such as Pro Mode and Director’s View.
Software and Features
The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 runs on Android 11L, a special version of Android optimized for foldable devices. Android 11L provides a seamless multitasking experience, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously across the two screens.
The Samsung Fold 4 comes pre-installed with Android 12L with One UI 4.1.1, Samsung’s custom Android skin. One UI offers a wide range of features and customizations specifically designed for foldable devices, including the ability to create custom app pairs and use the Fold 4’s cover display as a mini-tablet.
Durability and Water Resistance
The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 features a durable Gorilla Glass Victus display and a magnesium alloy frame, providing protection against scratches and minor drops. The device also has an IP51 rating, which means it is resistant to dust and water splashes.
The Samsung Fold 4 boasts a more robust design with an Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus++ on both the inner and outer displays. It also has an IPX8 rating, making it water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes.
Price and Availability
The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is currently priced at $1,499 for the base model with 128GB of storage. The Samsung Fold 4 starts at $1,799 for the base model with 256GB of storage. Both devices are available for purchase from their respective manufacturers and authorized retailers.
Which Device is Right for You?
The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 and Samsung Fold 4 are both excellent foldable smartphones with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Surface Duo 2 is ideal for users who prioritize multitasking and productivity, while the Fold 4 offers a more immersive and feature-rich experience with a single, large display.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value versatility and multitasking capabilities, the Surface Duo 2 is an excellent option. However, if you seek a more premium and feature-packed foldable device with a large, immersive display, the Fold 4 is the way to go.
Alternatives to Consider
In addition to the Surface Duo 2 and Fold 4, there are other noteworthy foldable smartphones on the market:
- Huawei Mate X2: A premium foldable smartphone with a large, 8-inch OLED display.
- OPPO Find N: A compact and affordable foldable smartphone with a 7.1-inch AMOLED display.
- Xiaomi Mix Fold: A powerful foldable smartphone with a large 8.01-inch AMOLED display and a triple-lens rear camera system.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which device has a better camera system?
A: The Samsung Fold 4 offers a slightly better camera system with a larger primary sensor and a wider range of features.
Q: Which device is more durable?
A: The Samsung Fold 4 has a more robust design with an Armor Aluminum frame and an IPX8 water resistance rating.
Q: Which device offers better multitasking capabilities?
A: The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 provides a more versatile multitasking experience with its dual-screen design.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Microsoft Surface Duo 2 is slightly more affordable than the Samsung Fold 4.
Q: Which device is better for gaming?
A: Both devices offer comparable gaming performance, but the Samsung Fold 4’s larger display may provide a more immersive gaming experience.