Full Breakdown
First Impressions of Apple’s iPhone Duo Foldable Phone
By Drooid · · How we work
Overview of the Early User Experience
A tech enthusiast who has used virtually every foldable phone to date spent three days using the iPhone Duo as a primary device. The author describes the piece as an “impression” rather than a formal review, noting that the user experience is expected to evolve as software and app ecosystems adapt.
Design and Interface Changes
Apple replaced Face ID with a side-mounted fingerprint scanner that requires a two-step unlocking process—press the button, then keep the finger on it for a beat—making unlocks slower than on previous iPhones and slower than Android foldables with similar scanners. All basic controls and software buttons have been shifted to the right side of the 7.4-inch display. For right-handed users this layout feels natural, but left-handed users must stretch their palm to reach the right-most edge of the 3.3-inch wide screen, resulting in awkward one-handed operation. Apple has blocked the entire outer right side of the outer screen from app use, so unoptimized apps appear with black bars (pillarboxing) on that side.
App Compatibility and Optimization
At the time of testing, major apps such as Google’s suite, WeChat, and WhatsApp were not yet optimized for the Duo’s unusual screen shape, leading to visible black bars. The author expects rapid optimization because of the iPhone’s global market share, and notes that running two apps side-by-side can serve as a temporary workaround.
Performance, Battery, and Thermals
The device is powered by Apple’s A20 Pro chip built on a 2 nm process, delivering “top-notch performance” and efficient thermals. Games and video-editing tasks run smoothly. Despite a relatively small battery, the phone sustained a full 12-hour day of typical use, and the chassis remained only marginally warm under heavy workloads.
Overall Assessment
The author concludes that the iPhone Duo is “a compromised iPhone right now.” While the display’s near-crease-free glass and anti-reflective coating are praised, the current software ecosystem and left-handed ergonomics limit the experience.