Apple’s iPhone Duo Now Available for $1,999: Should You Buy It?
In the market for a new phone and bored with the traditional iPhone build? Well, Apple’s first foldable iPhone – the iPhone Duo – has arrived at a price that puts in nearly in laptop territory: entry-level models start at $1,999.
So, why’s this new phone so expensive? Primarily, it’s because the Duo physically opens like a book from a 5.4-inch outer screen into a 7.6-inch display, promising users the convenience of a phone that can also better tackle the reading and video tasks typically suited to a tablet. That convenience may appeal to people who regularly move between the devices, but that steep $1,999 retail price demands a little scrutiny.
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Early reviews suggest the Duo is far easier to recommend to tech enthusiasts than to the average iPhone owner. Its powerhouse battery life and large display are impressive, but the more conventional iPhone Pro costs much less and offers most if not all of the features the average smartphone user needs. Let’s take a look.
That Big Screen and Bigger Battery
The Duo’s primary selling point is having a larger workspace screen without requiring a separate tablet. That 7.6-inch inner display supports the Split View feature, which lets two open apps sit together side-by-side. Consumer Reports notes the matter inner screen is pleasant for reading and said the crease where the Duo folds was barely noticeable when the display was on. Likewise, WIRED praised the hinge and the matte finish’s ability to reduce glare.
CNN Underscored found that the Duo handled demanding games and multitasking smoothly, while its battery lasted an impressive 22 hours and 50 minutes of continuous 4K video playback.
There’s a catch, though. Not every commercially available app is ready for the Duo’s nontraditional screen shape. Some still appear with the traditional-sized iPhone’s layout and surrounded by black bars and wasted space to fit the Duo’s screen. If your everyday apps aren’t optimized (and many aren’t yet), you may be paying for a larger display that doesn’t give you any extra benefits as the apps are still iPhone-sized.
What You Give Up
As noted by Tom’s Guide, the Duo costs about $700 more than the iPhone 18 Pro Max; despite that massive price hike, the Duo leaves out the 18’s dedicated telephoto camera. Its two 48-megapixel rear cameras still take strong everyday photos, but its zoom shots lose detail when compared to the Pro model. That’s significant if you lean on your iPhone camera for concert pics, sports events or distant subjects.
Apple has also replaced Face ID with Touch ID in the Duo. WIRED also notes if heavy at 254 grams, and the short outer screen can feel rather cramped for reading or typing. Meanwhile, that big inner display is better for watching or working, but it requires you to use both hands, instead than just one.
Who Should Spend $1,999 On This?
The Duo’s $1,999 retail tag is broadly in line with other premium foldables, sure, but it’s still not the most affordable phone on the market. CNN Underscored mentioned that carrier financing and trade-ins can soften that upfront cost, but monthly payments still add up. You should consider how often you’d really use the larger screen before relying on a payment plan.
The Duo might be worth it if you’re a frequent tablet user. However, if you mainly text, doomscroll social media or just take photos, a standard iPhone is likely a better use of your money. Moreover, holding off on immediately buying this new model gives app developers time to make their products more Duo-friendly. WIRED suggested that waiting a few months could make the overall Duo experience more polished; future models may address missing features such as Face ID and telephoto zoom. PhoneArena reports that Apple is exploring some of these additions for later generations.
The Bottom Line: Is The Duo For You?
The Duo makes the most sense for people who will use its open display daily. For most shoppers, though, $1,999 buys a level of flexibility most iPhone users may rarely need, along with compromises in camera zoom and everyday handling. Unless the foldable format solves a real problem in your routine, your budget is probably better off with you holding onto your current phone or upgrading to a less expensive traditional iPhone model.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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