'Polished but rough': The common flaws in the iPhone Duo found by nine different reviewers
Multiple reviewers have their first impressions on the iPhone Duo out now, and we found the common flaws that popped up across all of them.
Nine different reviewers have found several common flaws in Apple's iPhone Duo, a foldable device that has been in their hands for a week. Despite overall positive reviews, highlighting the iPhone Duo as an early adopter device with room for growth, critics have noted several issues.
Firstly, the price is a significant concern, with reviewers mentioning it in all their assessments. The $2,000+ price tag is higher than the Galaxy Z Fold 8 by $100, yet still considered reasonable for a foldable. However, the limited availability and high cost may make the iPhone Duo less appealing for many potential buyers.
Secondly, the iPhone Duo lacks a telephoto lens, which is a downgrade compared to the iPhone 18 Pro models. The cameras are considered subpar, and the Duo's camera experience is less than satisfying, with awkward handling and subpar image quality.
Thirdly, the display suffers from a noticeable crease, which is a concern for foldable phones. While Apple's nanotexture layer helps to reduce glare, it also impacts video quality and contrast compared to the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Fourthly, the absence of Face ID in favor of Touch ID was a major complaint. While Touch ID is functional, it introduces noticeable lag when unlocking the phone, making it slower than Face ID.
Fifthly, the iPhone Duo is heavy and feels substantial in the hand. Weighing 8.96 oz (254 grams), it is significantly heavier than the Z Fold 8, which weighs 7.09 oz (201 g). This weight can become noticeable over time, especially when compared to other devices.
Lastly, software optimization is a growing pain for the iPhone Duo. The device runs on a customized version of iOS 27, but left-handed users are left out due to a locked dock on the right side of the display. While Apple's own apps work well on the Duo, third-party apps are not yet optimized for the device, resulting in a suboptimal user experience. However, this issue can be easily addressed by developers updating their apps for the Duo or Apple providing an update to the docked controls.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
