Some of them can be bought in any store, while others are exotic and not so easy to get.
A typical smartphone has just one screen – and for the vast majority of users, this is enough. However, there are also models with two displays. Which, among other things, solve completely different problems in different devices. Below is a selection of smartphones with a pair of displays.
HTC U Ultra 64GB
If you look at the back of this smartphone, you will not find a second display. Where is he? It is located above the main display - it is a small screen with a diagonal of only 2.05 inches, on which notifications are displayed. The idea is interesting and logical: the additional display should save battery energy, since when a notification is received, the icon is reflected on the additional display - there is no need to turn on the main one.
- Screen diagonal / resolution: 5.7 inches / 2560×1440
- Device weight: 170 g
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
- RAM / internal memory: 4 GB / 64 GB
- Battery capacity: 3000 mAh
- Memory card slot: yes
Advantages and disadvantages of dual-screen touch phones
Phones with 2 displays are not very rare, however, they are not yet widely popular among users. In order to understand whether such a smartphone is needed, it is worth understanding the pros and cons of this device.
Pros:
- convenient device management;
- the ability to solve more problems simultaneously;
- there is no need to close programs/applications to perform minor actions;
- the ability to turn off one of the displays, which increases the operating time of the device.
Minuses:
- price;
- in the event of a breakdown, not every technician will undertake to repair the device;
- the cost of repair also increases;
- insecurity of the device (difficulties with cases for these devices).
HTC U Ultra 128GB
The same smartphone, only with a larger built-in memory capacity.
- Screen diagonal / resolution: 5.7 inches / 2560×1440
- Device weight: 170 g
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
- RAM / internal memory: 4 GB / 128 GB
- Battery capacity: 3000 mAh
- Memory card slot: yes
Dual-screen phone: reborn
Different mobile phone manufacturers have been in a race for a long time. The quality, design and uniqueness of smartphones are changing every day. Designers, engineers and designers resort to various methods in an attempt to sell a product.
Knowing that everything new is well-forgotten old, manufacturers decided to bring back the era of dual-screen phones, and thus smartphones with two displays appeared.
Meizu Pro 7 64GB
In this case, we see the additional display on the back of the case. Despite the fact that it is relatively small (only 1.9 inches), the secondary screen is used not only for notifications, but also for taking selfies with the main camera. The idea is really cool, but judging by the fact that the company’s more modern smartphones did not receive a second display, the idea had to be abandoned.
- Screen diagonal / resolution: 5.2 inches / 1920×1080
- Weight: 163 g
- Processor: MediaTek Helio P25 (MT6757T)
- RAM / internal memory: 4 GB / 64 GB
- Battery capacity: 3000 mAh
- Camera resolution front / rear: 16 MP / 12 MP + 12 MP
- Memory card slot: yes
Design and appearance
While there were a lot of complaints about the first Surface Duo, few complained about the build quality. Microsoft hasn't changed anything with the Surface Duo 2.
A pair of durable hinges connect the two glass panels. The edges are so smooth that opening the phone requires some skill. But after opening, the hinges reliably hold the screens in the desired position. At the same time, the hinges are flexible enough to open the device 360 degrees.
The smartphone is available in two colors – Obsidian (black) and Glacier (white). There is a square Microsoft logo on the front panel. The back is smooth, except for the noticeably protruding camera.
The dimensions of the updated Duo when closed are 145.2 x 92.1 x 11 mm, and 184.5 x 145.2 x 5.5 mm when open. The smartphone has become a little thicker, although the original model did not fit the NFC module, the new version provides the ability to pay with one touch.
When Surface Duo 2 is closed, the Quick View panel is visible between the hinge. It displays notifications about incoming calls and messages. However, it is not active all the time, so you can miss the notification if you don’t look at your phone in time. While charging, the charge percentage is displayed in the quick view panel.
Unlocking occurs using a fingerprint scanner built into the power button. Located on the right on the same panel where the camera block is located. The reader works accurately and is located at a sufficient distance from the volume control to avoid accidental touches.
You can use the new Surface Slim Pen 2 with wireless charging with Surface Duo.
Meizu Pro 7 Plus 64GB
Although the Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus look like each other, there are actually a few important differences between them. So, the Pro 7 Plus has a 5.7-inch main screen, which means it has a larger body. Secondly, different processors are used - the MediaTek Helio X30 is installed here, and not the MediaTek Helio P25 (MT6757T). The amount of RAM (6 GB) and battery capacity (3500 mAh versus 3000 mAh) are higher.
- Screen diagonal / resolution: 5.7 inches / 2560×1440
- Weight: 170 g
- Processor: MediaTek Helio X30
- RAM / internal memory: 6 GB / 64 GB
- Battery capacity: 3500 mAh
- Camera resolution front / rear: 16 MP / 12 MP + 12 MP
- Memory card slot: yes
DOOGEE T3
— 4.7-inch main screen, resolution 1280 * 720; — additional screen 0.96 inches; — 8-core processor; — RAM 3 GB, main — 32 GB; — camera 13 megapixels, front — 5 megapixels; — battery 3200mAh; — price about $130.
The location of the second screen here is unusual - on the upper beveled end of the device, you won’t immediately notice it. The smartphone itself looks brutal and will clearly stand out from the crowd of its own kind: the back panel is made to look like leather, the ends shine with shiny metal. Nothing more than a “skew” for Vertu J
The good news is that it has a removable battery. Thanks to the beveled top edge, the information on the second display is always clearly visible. By default, it displays the time, call and message information - it doesn't offer extensive customization options. Its main task is to show information about the time of night and calls during a meeting, when it is better not to use the phone - after all, a smartphone with its entire appearance shows that it is aimed at business people. The model has received a number of fairly good characteristics, but now you can only buy it in Chinese online stores.
YotaPhone 3
It’s difficult to buy this smartphone from us - welcome to foreign sites.
As in models of previous generations, the main feature of YotaPhone 3 is the presence of an additional screen on the back of the case. Since the secondary display is monochrome, it is used primarily for reading - this reduces eye fatigue and reduces battery drain.
The diagonal of the main display is 5.5 inches, the secondary one is 5.2 inches.
- Screen diagonal / resolution: 5.5 inches / 1920×1280
- Weight: -
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
- RAM / internal memory: 4 GB / 64 GB
- Battery capacity: 3300 mAh
- Camera resolution front / rear: - / 12 MP
- Memory card slot: yes
Component Performance
The first Surface Duo with the Snapdragon 855 processor lagged behind the flagships on the Snapdragon 865 in performance. The Surface Duo 2 has a Snapdragon 888 under the hood combined with 8 GB of RAM.
In the Geekbench 5 single-core and multi-core tests, the Microsoft Surface Duo 2 scores 1094 and 3476 points. OnePlus 9 Pro left all competitors far behind, scoring 1130 and 3656 points. In graphics tests, 3DMark Wild Life Surface Duo showed almost 34 fps versus 33 fps for Samsung.
Apps run smoothly on the Surface Duo 2, and graphics look sharp enough even in demanding games like Asphalt 9 and PUBG Mobile. However, there is lag when running applications that are not stored in memory. This is especially noticeable in paired applications. When the first one starts on the right screen, there is a pause before the second one starts.
The use of Snapdragon 888 provides 5G connectivity. Microsoft's specification specifies support for mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G.
LG V20
Most likely, you will have to look for this model on the used market, since it is almost impossible to find it for sale. But the smartphone turned out to be interesting. For example, this is a real flagship based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset and 4 GB of RAM, and the back cover is also removable - and you can easily replace the battery!
But for us, the LG V20 is valuable primarily for its additional display, which, as in the case of the HTC U Ultra, is located above the main screen - notifications are displayed on it.
- Screen diagonal / resolution: 5.7 inches / 2560×1440
- Weight: 173 g
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
- RAM / internal memory: 4 GB / 64 GB
- Battery capacity: 3200 mAh
- Camera resolution front / rear: 5 MP / dual 16/8 MP
- Memory card slot: yes
Smartphone displays
It's impossible to talk about the Microsoft Surface Duo 2's screens without comparing them to the foldable Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3.
The two devices have the same goal - to offer the user a tablet-sized screen in a pocket smartphone. However, the approaches are different. Samsung uses a 7.6-inch flexible display, while Microsoft uses two separate panels. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is narrower than the second Duo, but thicker even when open.
Two Surface Duo 2 AMOLED panels measuring 5.8 inches with a resolution of 1892 × 1344 and a frame rate of 90 Hz (Fold 3 - 120 Hz) form an 8.3-inch workspace. The brightness of the displays reaches 672 nits. This beats the Galaxy Z Fold 3's 424 nits internal display. Although the Duo 2's display isn't as bright as the Galaxy S21 Ultra (821 nits) or iPhone 13 Pro Max (1,038 nits with adaptive brightness).
When watching videos, colors seem a little muted. You have to increase the brightness of the display as much as possible. But this is not the main problem. The video, of course, can be expanded to full screen. But there is a gap between the two displays. And although Microsoft claims that the gap is almost invisible, like on the original Duo, the frame is broken by a long dark stripe.
In my opinion, it is better to use one of the 5.8-inch panels for viewing, but this is not so much. Especially considering the rather wide frames around the viewing area. Additionally, the non-traditional aspect ratio of Surface Duo displays may result in image stretching and cropping.
Some apps (like YouTube) are optimized for the Surface Duo's dual screens. But this means that the video is displayed in one panel, and thumbnails of other videos are displayed in another.
LG X view K500DS
Another smartphone from LG that is worth looking for on the secondary market is the X view K500DS.
It was a relatively inexpensive model that received an additional display located above the main one and designed to display notifications.
The smartphone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor, has 3 GB of RAM and a 2300 mAh battery.
- Screen diagonal / resolution: 4.93 inches / 1280×720
- Weight: 120 g
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 410
- RAM / internal memory: 2 GB / 16 GB
- Battery capacity: 2300 mAh
- Camera resolution front / rear: 8 MP / 13 MP
- Memory card slot: yes
Highscreen Ice 2
— 4.7-inch main screen, resolution 1280 * 720; — additional screen 0.88 inches; — 8-core processor, frequency 1.7 GHz; — RAM 2 GB, main memory — 16 GB; — camera 13 megapixels, front — 2 megapixels; — battery 2500mAh; — price about $170.
The back and front panels of the smartphone are made of Gorilla Glass 3, so the device looks solid. The second display is located at the back and is a thin, monochromatic strip. It acts as a screen to display the time, weather, missed calls and messages, the information required to be displayed can be customized. The performance and cameras are average, the operating time is also average due to the non-resource-intensive use of the screen and processor.
Let's not think about how much a second screen is needed - each user will decide for himself. Finally, we only note that the release of the long-awaited YotaPhone 3 is scheduled for the end of 2022. According to preliminary data, like the legendary YotaPhone 2, it will receive a second large black and white screen made using ink electronics and will be presented in two versions with 3/4 GB of RAM and 64/128 GB of main memory, a Snadpragon 820 processor and a battery 3500 mAh. It will cost 350-450 dollars. There are also rumors that Samsung is preparing to release a smartphone with two 5-inch hard color screens in a foldable body. Well, we'll wait and see, but the choice of smartphones with two displays is now more or less sufficient.
VKworld T2 Plus
The smartphone can be purchased at foreign sites. The interesting thing here is not only the two displays, but also the fact that the smartphone is designed as a clamshell: one display is located inside and the other is outside.
At the same time, the device runs on the Android operating system, the display diagonal is the same - 4.2 inches, the processor is MediaTek MT6737, and the memory capacity is 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory.
ZTE Axon M ($725 in the offices of the American operator AT&T)
The most unusual dual-screen smartphone in this collection. Displays can be combined into one large screen, they can display different applications, or they can display the same ones. In general, there are a lot of options. Please note that Axon M is not the first of its kind - previously, for example, the Japanese Kyocera experimented with this form factor. Whether you take such a smartphone or not is up to you. Let us only note that this is more of a “look at what we can do” style product than a really convenient gadget for every day. One way or another, in the foreseeable future you will be able to buy Axon M only in the USA.
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Middle class and state employees
This includes phones up to 20 thousand rubles. Of course, the choice here is narrow, since most smartphones in this class are made in either a metal or plastic case.
Xiaomi Mi 9T (aka Redmi K20)
Up to 20 thousand rubles, the coolest smartphone is the Mi 9T from Xiaomi, and not only among glass models, but in general. There is an Amoled screen with Gorilla Glass 5 and HDR support, on the back there is a camera with 3 modules with a resolution of the main sensor of 48 megapixels. There is also an f/1.8 aperture and autofocus. Additional cameras – with tele and wide-angle optics. By tradition: look for examples of camera photos in the Xiaomi Mi 9T review.
What else is good:
- The best processor in the mid-range is the new 8nm Snapdragon 730 chip.
- Large 4000mAh battery, 18W fast charging.
- Retractable front camera that does not take up screen space. True, it does not have autofocus (there are no front cameras with autofocus in the middle class).
- Headphone output 3.5 mm, NFC, radio, Bluetooth with aptX HD support.
There is nothing cooler on the market under 20 thousand rubles, especially in glass. Feel free to take the Xiaomi Mi 9T – it gives you 100% bang for your buck.
Xiaomi Mi 9 SE
Mi 9 SE on the left;
Mi 9 - on the right The full-fledged Mi 9 is a flagship, it is also glass and generally a cool device in its class, but the “middle class” includes the Mi 9 SE model with a Snapdragon 712 processor, an Amoled screen and a camera with regular, telephoto and wide-angle optics . The smartphone turned out great, it sells well and collects positive reviews.
Characteristics:
- Glass body, screen with Gorilla Glass 5 and HDR support.
- The 10nm Snapdragon 712 chip is a less powerful chip compared to the Mi 9T, but still not bad.
- The main camera sensor is 48 megapixels, f/1.8 aperture, telephoto and wide-angle cameras are included.
- There is NFC, an in-screen scanner, and fast charging.
The disadvantages include a 3070 mAh battery, which will not provide high autonomy. Plus, there is no 3.5 mm headphone output and a slot for a flash drive. And although the smartphone has Bluetooth with aptX HD support, the sound over the air a priori cannot be as high quality as with wired headphones.
Meizu 16Xs
The Meizu phone is becoming one of the best in the middle class; it has an 11nm Snapdragon 675 processor, an Amoled screen with infinite contrast, and most importantly, a glass body. Unfortunately, it is not indicated what kind of glass is used here; it is possible that it is weak or cheap.
The device features a decent camera with a resolution of 48 megapixels and wide-angle optics on the main module. This is the only smartphone in the world where the main camera received such optics, and this is an interesting solution. Inside there is a 4000 mAh battery, fast charging. There is also a headphone jack, but no stereo speakers, NFC, or memory card slot.
Meizu 16Xs is an inexpensive phone and is worth the money, but the lack of NFC is a big minus.
Redmi Note 7 and Redmi Note 7 Pro
Both phones from Xiaomi are made in a glass case, with Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front and back, which is cool considering the low price of these models. There are only two differences between the phones – processor and price. The Pro version received a new 11nm Snapdragon 675 processor, which means it is better in terms of performance. But this affects the price - Note 7 Pro is more expensive at 2-2.5 thousand rubles.
Unlike previous models, there are IPS screens, no NFC chips, but inside there are large 4000 mAh batteries and fast charging. It was Redmi Note 7 that became the best-selling smartphone on the market; see the review of the smartphone here.
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Autonomy of Microsoft Surface Duo 2
Underneath the huge body of the Surface Duo 2 is a 4,449 mAh battery, up from its predecessor's 3,577 mAh.
However, increasing the battery capacity did not lead to a significant improvement in battery life. A full battery charge lasted 9 hours and 47 minutes of continuous web browsing at 150 nits on one of the displays.
Enabling two screens reduced the operating time to 7 hours and 38 minutes. This is close to the results of the original Duo. Microsoft recommends using a 23W charger for Surface Duo 2. Since the kit only includes a USB-C cable, I used a 21W charger that was on hand, and it took 15 minutes to top up the battery from 76% to 82%.
