Microsoft's Surface Duo 2 undergoes the JerryRigEverything durabilty test

The inaugural Surface Duo arguably did better during its stint on the JerryRigEverything YouTube channel than it ever did on the market. Nevertheless, Microsoft has in its wisdom decided to persist with a second outing for its series. It might have improved in terms of specs, dual-display refresh rates and camera placement; however, its success relative to its predecessor remains to be seen.

We do at least now know how well it compares to the original Duo in terms of classic online durability tests. JerryRigEverything's Zach Nelson put the hinged device through the usual Mohs-pick display-hardness (resulting in "scratches at a level 6 with deeper grooves at a level 7", as usual); frame-etching and burn tests.

The Duo 2 flew through all of these with commendable speed. However, it faltered at a less predictable hurdle, which was its Android-based UI. Nelson proposed an interesting theory that it would benefit much more from a version of Windows instead, thus becoming a mini dual-screen laptop instead.

However, Microsoft might have chosen to stick with the Duo's original OS to avoid competing too well with existing thin-and-light laptops or convertibles - thereby possibly even cannibalizing market share for the rest of the Surface line-up itself - as Nelson himself concluded.

Ultimately, the Surface Duo 2 got through this unexpected criticism to reach the bend test. Its upgraded Gorilla Glass Victus served it well here, although one might wonder why the vlogger attempted the process with the phablet in folded mode only. As either half of the device is only 5.5mm in depth on its own, neither may have fared quite as well when faced with the risk of similar damage.

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