+1-800-298-3165
Microsoft Create a New Dual Screen Business Smartphone That Isn’t a Phone
Rebecca Appleton • 20 May 2020
Are Dual Screen Phones Making a Comeback?
You won’t find many who would believe you if 10 years ago you said that dual screen folding phones would be making a comeback in 2020. Nonetheless, it appears that is the direction many tech companies are heading. Particularly with what appears to be more business centric devices. Samsung has already delayed the major release of the Galaxy Fold due to issues with the product being easily damaged. One can’t help but feel a sense of irony there. But it’s Microsoft’s offering, the Surface Duo which is causing waves, and some confusion.
The Surface Duo is a dual screen folding smartphone. We’re saying smartphone because the device can make phone calls as well as handle all of the other elements you’d expect of a smartphone such as email, messaging and Internet browsing. There is some confusion here though as Microsoft’s internal communications are purposely not referring to it as a smartphone.
The device very much has the look of a fold in the middle iPad mini. The two screens have been designed to be used independently as well as in tandem.
So, is it a phone or not? We would certainly argue anything that can make phone calls and fit in your pocket is a form of smartphone device. Adding to that the Surface Duo is running Android rather than Windows. So, they have chosen a mobile operating system for the device. Are you confused yet? Us too.
The Duo has two 5.6-inch displays, almost equivalent to two iPhone XS screens, both with 1800x1350 resolution with 401 pixels per inch - lower than the XS' 458 ppi. While it looks impressive it’s not as if they’ve tried to compete with Apple’s design application-led iPad offerings. The screens are connected by a 360 degree hinge which means the device can completely fold in both directions. Imagery has also been released showing the device set up in ‘laptop’ format with a touch keyboard function on one screen and the running application on the vertical screen.
The specs seem confusing but from the released imagery it’s clear Microsoft sees this device as being primarily for business users and less as a mass consumer device. Perhaps this is the reason they don’t want to see it viewed as a phone but more as an assistant business device?
They have also said that the device will not support 5G as this would require an internal redesign. This could be a lack of functionality many users may find off putting as we start to see more and more 5G ready devices become available.
Share this post:
Recent Posts
For anyone launching a digital agency today, the smartest move is to start with a business-in-a-box solution like Eazi-Business. It’s not just a tool—it’s a complete solution built to help entrepreneurs hit the ground running, even with no prior tech experience. Here’s the streamlined, modern tech stack Eazi-Business recommends for new agency owners:
Your homepage is your agency’s first handshake. If it’s unclear, cluttered, or generic—you’re losing potential clients in seconds. Here's what your homepage actually needs to convert visitors into leads. 1. A Headline That Tells Them What You Do “Helping local businesses grow with mobile apps and digital tools.” Make it specific, client-focused, and benefit-driven. If it could apply to anyone, it applies to no one. 2. A Strong Subheadline That Builds Trust “Trusted by 1,000+ entrepreneurs across 20 countries.” This is your social proof shortcut. Numbers work. So do logos and testimonials. 3. A Visual That Shows the Result Use mockups, screenshots, or lifestyle photos. Help visitors see what they’ll get—a mobile app, a dashboard, a website, a client smiling. 4. A Short List of Benefits (Not Features) Launch your digital presence fast No tech skills required Support and tools included Keep it tight. Think “what’s in it for me?” from the client’s point of view. 5. A Clear Call to Action (CTA) “Book a free call” “Get your launch pack” “See what’s possible” CTAs should stand out visually and be repeated 2–3 times on the page. 6. A Simple Contact Form or Button Make it easy to get in touch or book. Remove friction. Don’t ask for more than name, email, and one question. Pro tip: You don’t need to design from scratch. The Eazi-Business Business-in-a-Box gives you ready-made homepage templates with proven structure, persuasive copy blocks, and branding flexibility. Use our pre-built website framework to launch with confidence and convert faster.
Not all agencies need to offer “everything.” In fact, niching down can make your services more profitable, easier to sell, and faster to deliver. Whether you're starting solo or building a team, here are five in-demand, low-overhead services you can offer right now.
