Hi, this is Wayne again with a topic “Do Dual Screen Phones Make Sense?”.
Sponsored by Surfshark VPN. No. That’s the answer that Betteridge’s law dictates be given in the case of a headline that asks a question. And I’m just gon na put it out there right upfront.. It’S also true for me.. Personally speaking, a dual-screen smartphone doesn’t meet most of my needs most of the time., But my needs are not everyone’s needs.
And more to the point, Microsoft is about to hit the dual-screen scene in a big way with its Surface Due later this season.. So this isn’t just a flash in the pan. To try to get a better handle on it. For the past few months, I’ve been using a few LG dual-screen review, devices. I’ve compared notes with other LG users., And I’m now convinced that there are benefits to a twin display device.
As long as you’re willing to put up with some fairly large compromises in the Process. ( gentle upbeat music ), As you can tell from the box. The focus of this video is the Velvet on loan from LG.. For now, the only company really making an effort in the dual-screen smartphone space. LG seems intent to make a splash ahead of the Surface Duo with the Velvet which, in my case, came in a limited edition, reviewers kit packed with accessories like a Wacom stylus and some Genuinely pretty cases., But the only case that matters to me is this one.. This is actually LG’s. Fourth, iteration of the dual-screen concept after earlier experiments with the V50 G8X and V60. “ Chunky ,”, you say too, which I nod my head. Until you also say “ Clunky ,”, at which I also nod. Clumsily folding, the flap, underneath around back the biggest phone case Of my life., That’s a reference to the 2000 single “, Hey Pretty” by Poe., Which is apt because, in contrast to those earlier clunky designs, the Velvet’s dual-screen cases is pretty.
Pure white, with a scalloped back for grip and out front an intentionally offset external display. Looking like a Cylon visor. And because the Velvet is thinner than its predecessors, this case is too. Using the second display is pretty much plug and play.
You drop the Velvet into place. You tap one soft key and bingo you’ve got double the desktops.. So what can you do with them? Well, when I touched on that question in the first episode of “ Into the Fold” my series exploring life on a folding screen, it was in the context of a comparison with true foldables., And I found no usability advantages to the dual-screen.
In terms of software. The Samsung Galaxy Fold can do everything, dual-screen phones can and more., But folding phones are more fragile due to the lack of water and dust resistance and the softer plastic displays. And then there’s adaptability..
My Galaxy Fold will never not be a giant 270 gram mass.. It feels like a gold bar in my pocket and it costs almost as much.. The Velvet is not only much cheaper, but it can turn into a standard thin phone on demand.. Yes, when relieved of its bulk, the Enterprise becomes an exceptional weapon., Quick aside, massive props to LG for the speaker performance, even when the Velvet is in its case.. I’M reviewing a 17-inch laptop alongside this phone at the moment., And it’s no exaggeration to say that sometimes the phone has better audio. ( upbeat music ) Using the Velvet over the past few weeks has given me an insight into why people really enjoy this dual-screen life..
One night I had an outdoor drink at a bar that has an online menu and I enjoyed being able to keep the menu up for reference on one screen, while scrolling Twitter on another.. I also juggle a few group chats on Telegram, so it’s nice to monitor those convos on the side-screen while seeing how far away my Lyft is on the primary or whatever., And probably the most polished dual-screen feature on this phone is one I pretty much, never use’cause. I don’t really like mobile games, but the gamepad is slick..
It’S got several preset modes for different game types and even the option to create your own custom configuration.. I knew that was only scratching the surface though.. So, as I often do, I took to Twitter to talk to real owners.
Far and away the most popular response to my question of what do you use this? For Was multitasking while watching a video., Even though you should be paying attention to me. Just kidding., But I got productivity suggestions too.. The second screen is great when you need to take notes on one document, while consulting another.. As I do every time I build a shot list for a video while consulting the script. I wrote. One gentlemen said it was useful for him when trading stocks keeping info on one screen and executing trades on the other..
Several folks said it makes password managers easier to use.. I see that. A longhand fan even brought the stylist into the equation. Taking handwritten notes on one screen concerning video from the other. And in the only example I can think of where spreading an app across both screens makes sense. Several folks said: editing. Video on the go is made easier with dual-screens., Recalling my experience. Cutting a video on the Galaxy Note, 10 plus yeah I’d, have appreciated more screen real estate for sure.. So there are plenty of reasons. The dual-display concept makes sense, but there’s still a lot that needs fixing, including my two very favorite, use, cases.. The details after this special offer for MrMobile viewers., I’m not traveling as much as I have in years past, but I’m still using today’s sponsor just as often. While Surfshark VPN is great for safely browsing on a public hotspot.
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Thanks to Surfshark for sponsoring this video. ( upbeat music ) A mini-laptop.. You may not like it, but this is what peak dual-screen performance looks. Like., At least to me., Spreading out with two hands typing on the full width of a phone screen with another screen up top. Unless you’ve got a Cosmo Communicator in your pocket, it just doesn’t get any better for on the go. Writing that doesn’t require you to pack a backpack..
So what a shame that this mode requires you to use LG’s subpar keyboard with terrible auto-correct and basically nonexistent, auto punctuation.. Also, the keyboard takes a long time to deploy in this mode. And, as usually happens when you try to push Android to do something unusual. It works, but it’s funky.. Normally I’d switch over to Gboard or SwiftKey, but spreading the keyboard. That way doesn’t really work. Well because, again, not all apps allow themselves to be divided across that huge hinge gutter, at least not without downloading another app to force that behavior.. The other big compromise isn’t LG’s fault. It falls squarely on Amazon., Dual-screen devices were absolutely made for eBooks, but Kindle the industry leader doesn’t offer two-column view in portrait. Mode.
Such a missed opportunity, and I really hope Amazon rectifies it soon.. There are a few things. Lg can fix like its software, which still tells you you shouldn’t remove the battery to reset the phone, even though LG hasn’t shipped a flagship with a removable battery in five years.. A custom launcher could smooth over some of LG rough edges, but the physical realities of a removable case, they’re tougher to negotiate.
Yeah, slim as it is by comparison with its forerunners. The Velvet in the dual-screen case is still a beast. Using it one-handed. While folded back is awkward., You need its proprietary cable to charge it.
If you don’t have Qi. And when it’s closed, you only get the barest glimpse of usable data on the outer display.. Some of these are problems.
The Surface Duo will likely share others, not so much., But at the end of the day, this is one particular case where Betteridge was wrong.. Broadly speaking, the dual-screen smartphone does make sense. Just depends on how you use your phone.. They are for a very specific set of use cases, most of them involving multitasking. And for now you have to also enjoy LG phones to experience. Them. Now, they’re still not for me. You’ll, have to watch my “ Into the Fold” episodes to see why I still consider them an intermediate step toward a fully foldable future., But for a world as full of compromise and half measures as the one we find ourselves In in 2020, well, dual-screen phones seem like a perfect fit. If you’re interested in learning more about Microsoft’s take on the dual-screen life check out, Zac Bowden’s videos at Windows, Central for a detailed walkthrough of the Surface Duo emulator..
This video was made possible by several reviews samples from LG, but MrMobile works for you. Not the manufacturers. LG provided no compensation for this coverage, nor was it offered copy approval or an early preview of this video., So they’re, seeing it for the first time right alongside you.. Please subscribe to the theMrMobile on YouTube. If that’s the kind of video you’d like to see more of. Until next time, thanks for watching. And when you’re not staying home, remember to stay safe and mask-up.
While you stay mobile, my friends .