Apple's First Foldable iPhone Duo Faces Early Scrutiny and High Price Tag
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
Apple has launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, which has seen limited availability in Israel and faced early reports of screen issues globally. The device features a premium design and a large internal display but is criticized for its bulkiness and an under-optimized external screen. Despite strong performance, software and camera capabilities are noted as areas for improvement, with a high price tag of 8,200 shekels in Israel making it a costly entry into the foldable market.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Apple's new iPhone Duo foldable smartphone faces early screen display issues globally.
- The iPhone Duo is criticized for its bulky design, measuring 11.3mm thick and weighing 254g.
- Its main 7.6-inch internal display is praised, but the external 5.4-inch screen is deemed cramped.
- The device is priced at a high starting point of 8,200 shekels in Israel.
- Only 500 units of the iPhone Duo have been initially imported into Israel.
Apple has launched its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, generating significant global interest as it enters a new product category. In Israel, the device's availability is limited, with only 500 units initially imported. Despite the high demand and anticipation, early reports from users worldwide indicate screen display issues appearing just days after unboxing, raising questions about Apple's entry into the foldable market.
The iPhone Duo boasts premium build quality with a titanium frame and Ceramic Shield glass, offering full water and dust resistance. However, its considerable thickness (11.3mm when closed) and weight (254g) make it feel bulky compared to some competitors. The hinge mechanism is praised for its smooth operation, allowing the device to be propped open at various angles, useful for tasks like group photos without a tripod.
The main internal 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR display features a matte finish aimed at reducing glare and the crease, with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. While the crease is less noticeable than on some Android rivals, it remains perceptible. The external 5.4-inch display is described as cramped and limited, with many apps displaying black bars due to a lack of optimization.
Performance is powered by Apple's A20 Pro chip, handling demanding tasks well, though the device can heat up under heavy load. Software and app optimization appear to be areas needing improvement, with some display glitches and awkward typing experiences on both the external and internal screens.
The dual 48-megapixel camera system produces detailed, colorful photos in daylight but struggles in low light. The absence of a telephoto lens is noted, and the selfie cameras are considered average at best. Battery life lasts nearly a full day with mixed usage, but heavy use of the internal screen drains it faster. Charging is rapid, reaching a full charge in about 40 minutes.
With a starting price of 8,200 shekels in Israel, the iPhone Duo is significantly more expensive than the standard iPhone 18 Pro, positioning it as a premium, albeit unproven, device. Competitors like Samsung offer more established foldable lines, including the redesigned Fold and the Flip, while Google's Pixel Fold and various Chinese manufacturers also compete in this evolving market.
