The foldable iPhone Duo gives you a bigger screen and bragging rights. Here's what you give up.

Apple's first ever foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, is priced between $1,999 and $3,199. The device features a 7.6-inch inner display, which Apple marks as the largest iPhone display to date. While the Duo's unfolded screen is 50% larger than the screen on the next-gen iPhone 18 Pro, certain hardware and capabilities had to be sacrificed to accommodate the new mechanical components.

Early adopters not only gain bragging rights and some unique features exclusive to the foldable phone, but they also have to compromise on certain areas. Here are four trade-offs to consider when weighing the Duo against the iPhone 18 Pro. The Duo has a weaker camera system compared to the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The Duo's outer, front-facing camera is 12 megapixels, whereas the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max boast an 18-megapixel Center Stage camera with autofocus.

Additionally, the Pro models are equipped with a dedicated telephoto lens for capturing distant subjects, something the Duo lacks. However, the Duo's camera system includes a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens for wide landscapes and close-up macro shots, matching the updated hardware found on the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Another notable feature is the Duo's outer screen, which acts as a viewfinder when users activate the rear cameras, a first for an iPhone.

This feature, praised for its boyfriend-friendly nature, allows the subject to see the shot as it's being taken. However, the Duo has forfeited Face ID and replaced it with a fingerprint sensor built into the side button, or their Apple Watch. This means the Duo won't recognize your face when unlocking. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, on the other hand, still boast Face ID.

Furthermore, the Duo lacks the Action button, a customizable shortcut button found on the iPhone 15 and later models. This button, located above the volume controls, can be set to perform various functions on the iPhone 18 Pro models, such as silencing the phone, opening the camera, starting a voice memo, triggering a shortcut, or enabling focus mode.

Despite having two batteries, the Duo's large inner display consumes more power, resulting in shorter battery life when unfolded. Apple claims the phone can stream video for up to 26 hours when unfolded, compared to 38 hours for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The smaller outer screen offers up to 37 hours of streaming battery life, slightly less than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Charging also takes longer with the Duo. Apple states that it takes 20 minutes to gain 50% of charge using a 60W-capable adapter, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max only requires 15 minutes for the same amount of power.