iPhone Duo starts at 3.29 million won; 4 decisive drawbacks identified by actual user

With Apple's new foldable smartphone 'iPhone Duo' ahead of its October 23 release, an editor from THE EDIT, who pre-tested the product, shared four core drawbacks felt during actual use. In addition to the high price point starting from 3.29 million won, technical elements that could hinder user convenience were pointed out.

'Nano-texture glass' reduces reflections but lacks clarity

One of the most noticeable features of the iPhone Duo is the 'Nano-texture glass' option applied to visually mitigate the screen crease. According to the video, this technology disperses light in multiple directions through microscopic irregularities on the surface, creating an effect that makes the crease characteristic of foldable displays less noticeable. In actual use, the optical effect is evaluated as being so distinct that it is difficult to notice the crease when the screen is on. The editor explained, "When using it in real life with the screen on, (the crease) is really almost invisible," adding that the curvature is hardly felt even when touching it with a fingertip.

However, this technology was a double-edged sword. This is because the matte coating introduced to reduce the crease resulted in a decrease in screen clarity. The editor noted, "When receiving strong direct sunlight, there are angles where the entire screen looks hazy as light spreads widely across the screen surface," citing the dull appearance of the black tones unique to matte finishes as a disappointment. In particular, it was pointed out that the perceived drop in clarity and lack of visual unity when switching from the external screen (standard display) to the internal screen (Nano-texture display) detracts from immersion. This also acted as an element that hinders the unity of the user experience, clashing with Apple's unique animation experience where apps expand smoothly when unfolding the screen.

Limited multitasking and fixed aspect ratios

Opinions were also raised that the multitasking functions utilizing the larger screen did not meet expectations. While the iPhone Duo emphasized that the aspect ratios of the inner and outer screens are almost identical and showcased animations where apps expand smoothly, the actual multitasking method was very limited. The currently supported method is only placing two apps side-by-side in a 1:1 ratio.

Users want to adjust the size of apps depending on the situation, but because the iPhone Duo cannot change the ratio arbitrarily, a phenomenon occurs where one side has leftover space while the other feels cramped. For example, flexible usage such as viewing a web page widely while displaying a memo in a small window, or viewing a map in a large view while checking messages, is impossible. Additionally, the operation of dragging an app from the Dock at the bottom of the screen to execute multitasking is blocked, and the number of apps that can be placed in the Dock is limited to a maximum of 4, giving the impression that the wide screen is not being fully utilized. In particular, multitasking is not smooth in apps other than video apps, receiving evaluations of feeling "half-finished." While an interface exists to group two apps into a single set for switching, it was also pointed out as a limitation that its utility is low because it cannot be saved as a favorite.

The inconvenience of Touch ID and disappointing camera specs

Authentication methods and camera performance were also mentioned as major drawbacks. Unlike the Face ID of existing iPhones, the iPhone Duo adopts the Touch ID method using the side button. The editor explained, "I don't have the confidence to live in a world without Face ID," adding, "The action of having to place a finger accurately is itself cumbersome." Especially given the nature of foldable phones where the device is rotated vertically, the button position keeps changing, so the authentication process that must be repeated dozens of times a day could come as a great inconvenience in daily use.

In the case of the camera, the dual camera configuration supporting only ultra-wide and wide angles was pointed out. This is a disappointing configuration for users who prefer telephoto cameras, and it is analyzed that the camera specs are insufficient compared to the 3.29 million won price, as advanced aperture functions included in the iPhone 18 Pro Series are excluded. However, in terms of weight, there were opinions that 254g is within an acceptable range despite being a foldable, as it is similar to the existing iPhone 18 Pro Max (249g). The editor mentioned, "It is heavy, but for someone who used brick-like phones, it is not a huge hurdle."

iPhone Duo main specifications and release information

The iPhone Duo is equipped with the A20 Pro (2nm process) processor, providing up to 20% improved CPU performance and up to 40% improved GPU performance compared to the previous model, the A19 Pro. The display supports Super Retina XDR with an external size of 13.6cm (approx. 5.4 inches) and an internal size of 19.3cm (approx. 7.6 inches), and both screens support ProMotion and Always-On functions. The internal screen can select the Nano-texture glass option, and the maximum partial brightness outdoors reaches 3,000 nits.

The battery is designed with a dual battery structure, allowing for up to 31 hours of video playback when using only the internal screen, up to 44 hours when using only the external screen, and up to 24 hours when using both screens in combination. Regarding charging speed, it can charge up to 50% in about 20 minutes when using a wired connection, and takes about 30 minutes when using wireless. Storage is provided from 256GB to 2TB, and it is released in two colors: Star White and Night Sky. The price starts from 3.29 million won, and the official release date is October 23.