Nicole Nguyen’s Duo Review for the WSJ

Nicole Nguyen, who also published a 5-minute video on the subject, wrote an article for The Wall Street Journal (gift link) discussing her experience using the Duo in phone mode. She found the device to be wider, thicker, and heavier than an iPhone Pro, as well as heavier than competing foldables. This made it difficult to grip securely, especially when trying to reach the far edge of the screen, leading to hand strain after prolonged use.

An Apple spokesperson defended the Duo's durability, attributing it to the titanium frame. However, other folding models utilize lighter aluminum. The company also relocated the dock and common controls to the right for easier reach, though this created issues for Nguyen, such as turning off the flash in the camera app or typing the letter "A."

Despite these challenges, Nguyen acknowledged that some individuals with two-handed capabilities, like train commuters, frequent fliers, or parents waiting for their children, may not face the same difficulties. She expressed her hope for a lighter and thinner Duo, possibly the size of a deck of cards, as seen in the movie "Her." Interestingly, she noted that if Apple were to produce a second size, she would prefer an even smaller one, similar to Westworld's super-thin tri-folds.