iPhone Duo reviews praise its speed but flag first-generation compromises

The first reviews of Apple’s foldable iPhone Duo appeared ahead of its Friday launch. Reviewers described it as an interesting but expensive first-generation product with significant compromises.

In a battery test, the phone lasted 13 hours and 20 minutes while browsing over 5G at 150 nits. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 lasted 10 hours and 6 minutes, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max reached 17 hours and 31 minutes.

Performance nearly matches iPhone 18 Pro

Gizmodo reported that the iPhone Duo uses the A20 Pro chip with a 6-core CPU, 7-core GPU and two 16-core Neural Engines. In Geekbench 7, it scored 4,002 in single-core, 10,728 in multi-core and 60,608 in the GPU test, nearly matching the iPhone 18 Pro.

The Galaxy Z Fold8 scored 3,112 in single-core, 10,438 in multi-core and 17,331 in the GPU test. The reviewer said those results were 22% and 71% lower in single-core and graphics performance, respectively.

Two displays serve different tasks

CNET found the 5.4-inch outer screen suitable for messaging, checking email, ordering rides and taking photos. The unfolded 7.6-inch display was used for Google Docs, video, reading and multitasking.

Apps still need optimization

WIRED reported that many third-party App Store apps have not yet been optimized for the full width of the inner display. Unoptimized apps appear with black bars on both sides; the reviewer recommended waiting a few months for developers to update them for the iOS 27.1 SDK.

Some preorders have delivery estimates between November and January, although dates moved earlier for some buyers.

Touch ID and camera limits

A 9to5Mac reviewer called the switch from Face ID to Touch ID the hardest change to adapt to. The sensor was described as fast and reliable, with an advantage when the phone is lying flat; Apple Watch unlocking can also make the process easier.

The iPhone Duo has two rear 48-megapixel Fusion cameras—main and ultra wide—but no telephoto camera. Other reviews focused specifically on its photography capabilities.

The Verge characterized the phone as expensive and incomplete, but also appealing to early adopters.