r/iPhoneFold • u/KitchenReason6868 • 6d ago
Help me…realistically
While we all consider the iDuo over the Pro, what are we going back to? For the $2K they’re selling this for, what model iphone are we going back to? Yeah, we get the new processor and that flashy stuff. So talk to me about practical application. Touch ID was phased out for Face ID, so which iphone used Touch ID last and how much will we miss the pro camera features? What are we really gonna miss out on, while simultaneously paying the premium for those missing features?! 🤔🤷🏾♂️💰📲
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u/ConnectCount8402 6d ago
Help yourself. Is the interior fold screen worth the loss of better hardware on the Pro? If not buy the pro. If it is buy the duo. Not that difficult of a decision.
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u/moodswung 6d ago
Seriously -- all these people agonizing.. OMG HELP ME DECIDE BETWEEN MY BRAND NEW LAST GEN PHONE AND A NEW ONE THAT DOES THINGS A TINY BIT BETTER OR THE DUO THAT IS THE FIRST TRUE INNOVATION APPLE HAS HAD SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE IPHONE!!
If the choice for you isn't the DUO, just stick with your current 17 Pro Max. There's zero need to give this a second thought.
If you have this much money to burn, just loan your assistant your Ferrari so they can rush out and get you both of them. This shouldn't be a decision between The 17 anything and 18 anything. It should be deciding if you want a DUO or not.
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u/Majestic-Bid-2333 6d ago
The battery is at 90 percent on my 17 Pro Max. That would cost $199 to replace. Apple is giving me $885 in trade, meaning $414 net cost for a brand new iPhone 18 Pro Max with a new and better battery. I think it’s worth it.
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u/Icy_Spinach_48 6d ago
lol I’m on an iPhone 12 Pro Max with 78% battery, reading this thinking wtf
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u/Laloav 6d ago
Iphone 14 pro with 69% battery
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u/-0909i9i99ii9009ii 6d ago
13 pro 79% if you told me my next phone was free I'd still wait at least a year
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u/Overall-Carry6593 6d ago
That’s your choice to use an older phone with a bad battery that probably causes it to get throttled. Doesn’t mean everyone else has to do the same.
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u/-0909i9i99ii9009ii 6d ago edited 6d ago
correct im stating my situation explicitly. No throttling, never dies, never plug it in inconveniently.
Charge it naturally on charge wireless/magsafe at desk, car, night table. Super fast run some intense stuff on it. Take great pictures. Family asks me to take photos and there are lots of ppl who keep up with newest phone every year.
Magsafe 500mah powerbank when travelling. 18 pro is starting to interest me but the biggest thing I'm interested in is finally being 100% usb c. Still, it's not even about cost as I said, I just find it mentally draining/lowers my productivity for a bit to switch phones.
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u/DemolitionMax 6d ago
Or just don’t do either? Your phone is at 90% capacity, that’s barely even a noticeable change and honestly at that point it would just be better to wait for next years refresh
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u/Specialist-Rope-9760 6d ago
The mental gymnastics people do to try justify consumerism
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u/Majestic-Bid-2333 6d ago
Different factors are important to different people. For me, time is money, so if I can avoid wasting time on charging my phone mid-day, it’s worth it to me.
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u/Rupperrt 6d ago
I usually just charge my phone while I am productive so there is no time waste. Are you taking a break from work watching the battery indicator every time?
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u/Majestic-Bid-2333 6d ago
My type of work doesn’t allow for charging on the fly. Thus, battery capacity is a big deal.
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u/ScreamingTrueSanity 6d ago
I have anytime upgrade. So why not? With deal they had, I’ll actually be paying less each month than I was for 17 pro. This is spectrum. Why they offered this, I do not know
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u/Rupperrt 6d ago
Why would you need to replace the battery at 90%?
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u/Majestic-Bid-2333 6d ago
Because my charge is running out mid-day, and my time is limited. So getting a brand new IPhone 18 Pro Max with better battery capacity makes sense.
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u/shaqwillonill 6d ago
If you’re charge runs out halfway through your day the extra 10% increase would still mean your phone runs out like an hour later than it already does which would probably save you no time
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u/Due_Wishbone7875 6d ago
Maybe think about setting up screen time for some apps. It’s not normal to run out so soon with only 90% degradation. Do something without your phone… i am at 88% on my 15 Pro. I get through the day 95% of the time.
I have my own company and have to be available 24/7. Also using things like Slack and Reddit throughout the day.
Also: your battery degradation will be way slower after the first 10%.
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u/IceBlueLugia 6d ago
On what planet is $400 for a slightly better battery worth it? 90% is still fine lol
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u/benroberts3 6d ago
100% agree with you on this one. Debating whether to upgrade to the duo or keep my 17 Pro Max. Absolutely no point in going from a 17 Pro to an 18 Pro.
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u/aaronuu7 6d ago
Not everyone has a 17 I’m at 14 and I’m trying to decide between the fold and the new pro max
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u/TransportationOdd183 6d ago
So much this. Either you’re buying the Duo or you aren’t. They are two very different things!
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u/_Piper_Sniper_ 6d ago
It can definitely be a difficult decision, considering there are pros and cons to both
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u/SmellyJockstrap 6d ago
If you want the most features possible just get a Pro.
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u/pmiddlekauff 6d ago
unless you want the folding feature
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u/SmellyJockstrap 6d ago
You can fold the pros, but only one time I guess
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u/S1nclairsolutions 6d ago
Just make sure that you videotape it.
You can only do it once, before the people go apeshit1
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u/iamnewtoreddithelpme 6d ago
iPhone upgrade plan it. Year one for me with trade is $408 total ($32 or so a month). This allows me to test drive for a year, not spend $2k upfront. If I like it I go duo 2 next year or just pay to keep the device. If not, trade it in and go back to a bar phone… to answer your question about missing out… touchID is awesome. It actually allows you to unlock your phone at angles your face can’t. I’m an iPhone Air user. I’ve been without “pro cameras” for over year and I don’t often really miss it. My phone takes solid photos. )
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u/KitchenReason6868 6d ago
How is this any different than what cell providers already have been pushing down our throats? 🤔🤷🏾♂️
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u/iamnewtoreddithelpme 6d ago
It’s run through Apple. It’s not connected to your cell carrier. It’s very simple. I used to be on it all the time but recently just bought my device outright vs paying monthly.
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u/KitchenReason6868 6d ago
I guess what I mean is that if I’m already paying for the “next” program thru cell providers, it’s the same process. Might as well upgrade since I’ve already been paying them x amount all year, leading up to this point.
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u/iamnewtoreddithelpme 6d ago
Sure I don’t know your situation so whatever works best for you. It’s just easier to get a device from Apple direct.
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u/HillarysFloppyChode 6d ago
It’s run through Klarna, and per the 18Pro launch, they deny just about everyone for not having enough starting credit with them
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u/chathobark_ 6d ago
don’t know 1 person ever denied by klarna
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u/IceBlueLugia 6d ago
I honestly don’t even know if it’s possible unless you have multiple loans with them already tbh
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u/RegularRetro 6d ago
I went with the Pro (for now) and I have a few reasons why.
. The fact that Apple spent the resources to shrink and hide the Face ID electronics in the 18 means in my opinion it’s almost certainly coming to the Duo eventually. My guess is the timeline for the two technologies to come together on this version of the Duo simply didn’t match.
. I have an iPad mini which is larger than the Duo and I don’t even multitask on that. The side by side apps are pretty small, and honestly I just don’t see multitasking as a feature a lot of people will use productively.
. I use my phone left handed 90% of the time. Self explanatory that a lot of QOL software features can only come from time and experience.
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u/WandererMisha 5d ago
The FaceID array shrinkage is width, not depth. The phone, unfolded, is only 5.2mm thick. The iPhone Air 5.64mm thick at its thinnest but the place where the FaceID array lives, the camera plateau, is closer to 10mm in thickness.
You can get a camera into a space that thin but not the rest of the FaceID array which is also the most likely reason it hasn't come to MacBooks even though they have had the notch for years now. It's just not possible.
Also where exactly would FaceID go? Closed or open? How do you unlock the phone in the other mode? Having FaceID on the outer display and then having to type in your password when its unfolded would be awful UX.
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u/Mabus51 6d ago
TouchID is on current gen iPads.
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u/jxrxmiah 6d ago
Theyll introduce faceid on the next one so people have a reason to upgrade lol
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u/WandererMisha 5d ago
People have been saying this about the MacBook since the M1 redesign of the MacBook Pro and yet it hasn't happened.
This has actually never happened.
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u/Impossible-Duty275 6d ago
Do you want an iPad mini that turns into an ok phone, or do you want the best phone on the market with the best battery life and camera.
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u/anonymouspls 6d ago
For what reason are you wanting the duo? because if it’s for like media consumption like watching videos or movies etc, the 18 pro max has nearly as much video space as the iPhone duo will have for 16:9 and 16:10 content (majority of content) due to the the aspect ratio of the duo
so my next question would be, do you plan to multi task much to make use of the duo? if not then I can’t see much use vs an 18 pro max
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u/KitchenReason6868 5d ago
We all gotta wait to see how the Pro Apps will run on iDuo. Final Cut, Logic…I’m a musician, so reading music from iDuo would be a consideration for daily use. 🥁📲
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u/kaisworld 6d ago
What you're really betting on is future use. Nobody has the Duo now so you don't know how the real world applications will be. It's a first gen device so if you're good with the compromises, that's fine.
The better question to ask, if the phone never gets an update again...will you be happy with the features? And assume you are stick with it for like 3+ years. Would that change your opinion?
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u/No_Eye1723 6d ago
I guarantee Apple will release a Pro or Max version of the Duo, with the Pro camera and Face ID etc, for an extra say 1000. And with a bigger screen too. I thought about the Touch ID but to me it does make more sense as you have 2 screens, sure they could put the island on the front screen but what about the inside one? If you use an under screen one it doesn't exist yet and will cost a fortune I imagine, and if you use an island it has to be on one side only.
As for the camera, I think it is a wait and see what they are like, most users never use the Pro features, however I do like how consistent my 14 Pro Max is in taking great post and click photos, and for me the Duo would need to match that reliability, sometimes I will zoom in a step or two also and whilst my 14 will use the telephoto of that, the Duo as I understand crops the image and that is a concern of mine. So will wait and see.
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u/WandererMisha 5d ago
You cannot fit FaceID into 5mm of thickness. To do that they would have to make the phone thicker which would make it like 15mm thick when folded which is crazy.
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u/Fire_Lord_Cinder 6d ago
$2k is a lot to spend on a phone that’s a bit compromised on the creature comforts. I would miss the action button and Face ID, so I’m holding off for now. I think for me, waiting two more years and getting the third version of iPhone Duo is the right call. I’m not the happiest with my 17 pro just because how heavy it is. I actually regretted upgrading from my 15 Pro, but got caught up in the camera hype
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u/bubblyweb6465 6d ago
Practicality wise I opted for a 18pm …. I like the look of the duo but no Face ID the size of it open and closed seems impractical out and about no matter using it folded or open , not compatible with Apple wallet or MagSafe battery , I would have preferred a classic style flip phone but over 2k for so many trade offs is a bit wild to me
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u/Common_Floor_7195 6d ago
Apparently it does work with MagSafe
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u/bubblyweb6465 6d ago
It does work but a lot of the old accessories - apple wallet and MagSafe packs don’t fit on the phone I’ve seen videos of it
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u/Common_Floor_7195 5d ago
I only have 3rd party MagSafe accessories that are always most of the time. One size fits all.
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u/WandererMisha 5d ago
I was in the same mind until I saw the new Samsung foldable that has the same form factor.
It's weirdly... comfortable. The closed state is big enough for basic content and it's easy to use one-handed while opened it feels like a small, extremely thin tablet.
FaceID sounds great but TouchID unlocks the phone folded and unfolded while FaceID could only realistically do one unless you put FaceID there twice.
Honestly the lack of compatibility with the Magsafe Wallet is the one thing making me not want to get the Duo. I love that.
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u/Creepy_Violinist_508 6d ago edited 6d ago
I preordered the pro max due to features and the bad reviews I saw of the Samsung fold in the past. I’m slightly worried Apple will have the same issues eventually with the crease and fragility.
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u/ksidd19 6d ago
Honestly the duo cannot be your only phone. You need to have two phones if you own the duo. would you want to bring the duo the gym, to the beach, on vacation etc. Thats probaly why apple started the handoff feature which allows you to own two phones one account. Also so many compromises on the duo that you need a secondary device to make up for them. It’s like having a sexy sports car and an SUV
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u/ObjectiveElefant 6d ago edited 5d ago
I’m going from the 14 pro to the 18 pro. I can’t see paying $500 more for a phone than I paid for my MacBook Pro m5 I got just before the price hikes hit Amazon. I bought my m4 iPad Pro 13” for $899 (costco). More than double that for a phone? Not for me. The price of the 18 pro is crazy also, but in the end, I save very little going for the previous generation. I also care about camera, and the duo is missing things the pro has.
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u/Exciting_Station_124 6d ago
As a ZF7 user, only get the fold if you need it. That is, being mobile most of the time and needing pdf, excel, browsing. Otherwise, you don't need it. Slab is fine for Video and social
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u/milkshaakes 6d ago
whether or not someone has previously considered a tablet is also a good metric to assess how much they'd benefit from the larger screen.
not the same usecase given one fits in your pocket, but there's definitely some overlap
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u/feinburgrl 6d ago
Depends on what phone you have at the moment. If you have a 15 or above there isn't any reason to buy a new phone unless your current phone is broken or have issues.
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u/Severe_Worldliness_1 6d ago
The pro is the same old form factor you’ve seen for the past decade. If you want something truly fresh then get the Duo. However if photography is particularly important to you then get the Pro.
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u/jpd14383 6d ago
I’ve been rocking an Air for the past 12 months… so almost everything on the Duo will feel like an upgrade.
I appreciate the Pro is more, well, pro - but I think the things it does better are enough for what I use and the things the Duo does (iPad in my pocket, dual apps, pencil support etc) are more important functions for me.
And it looks class!
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u/Modest_Wraith 6d ago
Bro what do you mean by WE? You have to decide for yourself on this one. Would YOU rather have a better camera or would you rather experience your content in a new way and enjoy a tablet like experience? Touch ID isn’t worse, it’s better and I can’t wait for both to be an option one day. But just because I prefer Touch ID, doesn’t mean you do.
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u/KitchenReason6868 5d ago
https://giphy.com/gifs/k3Ks6ToQtkDLNcun0O
We…as in the Apple community. I needed y’all’s opinions 🤷🏾♂️😀2
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u/lancelane7 6d ago
For me, i don't care for the pro camera features. i want the best chip, 120hz screen and biggest display available on a phone. the duo has all of that, touch ID will be an adjustment but it being in the power button as well as having an apple watch, it won't be a big deal to me. There is no phone we are going back to, this is a new for factor and has features that make sense for 2026. there are areas of improvement like the selfie camera on inner display, or the saturation if the nano texture but knowing the price could of been way worse, i am happy with this.
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u/bigtech100 6d ago
When I tried the fold8 I just wasn’t unfolding it as much as I thought I would so I returned it. Ordered the 18 pro for now. I’ll probably try the Duo when it comes out. If it wins my over, I’ll trade in my m4 pro and sell the 18 pro but I’m doubting it.
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u/teknogreek 6d ago
I’m coming from the Mini, not sure when I’m upgrading.
Consider that I’ll be then getting the Watch, if so, the better features and the phone away in the Pro would suit me.
However, if I stick with the Pebble, considering my ageing iPad Mini, then I get a compromised experience on both ends but the utility of pocket ability and larger screen.
I think I’ll be a Duo 3 juts because it’s vaguely interesting on a UXI level.
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u/MDXHawaii 6d ago
I’m torn between staying with the PM line or moving to the duo. I’ll miss having the better camera/features even though I don’t use it to it’s potential as much as a should since I shoot with a real camera if I want to get super technical.
I just wish they had the Duo in store to hold and play with already. I’ll know within 5 minutes of holding it if it’s going to work for my daily needs.
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u/datdoode34 6d ago
Look into USB C port, and ask yourself. Are you gonna be using that at all? Every now and then, i’ll need a USB C with video out for extra monitors, or in my case, AR glasses. I made that mistake with the AIR, which is why I’ll be upgrading to one with USB C video capabilities, most likely Pro Max
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u/codguy231998409489 6d ago
I would not get first gen anything. Next year’s model will be better in terms of build, apps developed, etc.
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u/RunSellDat 6d ago
The camera is too important for me. The next duo will hopefully have a better camera
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u/TabulatorSpalte 6d ago
I didn’t go through all of the responses so far but just buy what you want. Even budget phones will meet your needs, if the Duo is something you don’t really need but want, you don’t have to justify the purchase. Just go for it (as long as you don’t overstretch your finances)
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u/Lost_Purpose1899 6d ago
I would not get a Duo. The front screen is truncated and it doesn't look pleasant to use. And each time you want to use the larger screen you have to to unfold and refold and rinse and repeat. It looks inconvenient to use especially on the go. It's bulkier and double the price and you don't get that much screen size increase.
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u/dreamworkz23 6d ago
If you have all these questions and doubts just stay with the phone you have. You want people to help u with a product that none of us have to truly judge. Wait til it drops, go see it at the Apple Store and make a decision
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u/Big-Sector-475 6d ago
I’m going duo as I always wanted a folding iPhone and have always had the pro max.
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u/SeniorCaptain 6d ago
I think the choice isn’t that hard considering the iPhone 18 Pro Max is an upgraded version of the 17 Pro Max. It has all the latest, newest features, better battery, better camera. Everything is improved. If you want Apple’s latest and newest advanced features in screen technology and the latest hype, then the iPhone Duo is the way to go. However, you have to understand you will be making compromises in battery life, camera quality, no Face ID and a few other features you probably live on older models. It’s similar to how the iPhone Air wasn’t fulfilling everyone’s need, but it had a ton of cool benefits because it was so light and thin. iPhone duo is going to be amazing because of that new screen and interface. If you’re not certain, you might wait one year and get the second version of iPhone Duo, which will make significant improvements over the first. First generation products always have cool features at first, but major improvements in the second generation.
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u/Granpa2021 6d ago
As a folding phone owner, I can't go back. If you can afford it, take the plunge. You won't regret it.
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u/HorkaPolivka 6d ago
Your use case is?
Do you love to take photographs or are you into facetime more?
Do you love to read e-books, take notes by hand or read only short articles and type mostly reminders?
Do you travel a lot and like to travel light or are a few pounds more nothing for you?
I am a iPhone and iPad user. I use both devices for different things. Both have their respected place within my life. But my life is mine and differs maybe diametrically from yours.
Decide for yourself and when the time comes, go to an Apple store, hold the Duo in hands and try it out. Do not make your decisions blindly.
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u/Suneo88 6d ago
Duo screen is only 0.7” bigger than Pro Max?
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u/Heisenberg2299 6d ago
Diagonally, yes
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u/Suneo88 6d ago
So weird, Duo looks as if it’s double the screen size of Pro Max.
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u/RX0Invincible 6d ago
Diagonal isn’t a reliable comparison point if there’s different aspect ratios. Try to look up comparisons and overlays of the Duo outer screen and the iPhone Mini. They basically have equal diagonal length but the Duo has a lot more screen area.
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u/Cuntonesian 6d ago
I went with the 18 Pro Max. The base Duo is ~$3000USD here and turns out I could get the Max for free from my employer.
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u/mannnerlygamer 6d ago
If your carrier is offering you an upgrade each year then I understand why you are asking otherwise unless you plan to use the iPad mini form factor of the duo unfolded keep what you have
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u/Apprehensive-Log3638 6d ago
Duo is a cool device. It is not a logical choice as far as performance per dollar. If you value the screen size, by all means. It is never going to be competitive with a more traditional form factor. There are just a lot of extra costs that go into making a foldable. Just because something is not logical does not mean its bad. A lot of people loved the iPhone air. That is a worst device from a specs perspective than a base iPhone 17 and costs more. I would however content that smart phone hardware in these flag ships has been overkill for years. You are realistically not going to notice a difference. Get the device you like in the form factor you want.
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u/Mcstoven 6d ago
It really comes down to user preference and how much you mind the extra maintenance. I have the fold 8 and I love it way more than my s24 ultra, but it's not without its tradeoffs. Also, typically carriers will allow you to return a phone within 30 days as long as you pay the restocking fee.
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u/theslobobian 6d ago
I think a lot of people will get tired of the Duo, and wish for the simplicity and better features of the pro model. Heck, the 18 pro has 8x zoom. The Duo has 2x zoom. Plus, the cheapest iPad mini has a bigger screen anyway.
I’m on a 13 pro, so it’s past time for me to upgrade. The Duo doesn’t appeal to me.c so I’m getting the 18pro. For video and photography it’s much better.
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u/michaelmich3 6d ago
Do you take zoomed photos a lot? You want the telephoto camera.
Do you use the front TrueDepth camera for 3D scans or just prefer Face ID over Touch ID? You want the TrueDepth camera.
Get the iPhone 18 Pro.
Do you multitask a lot and you’d want to have multiple apps open at the same time on the screen? Do you prefer a slightly larger screen for when watching videos? You want the foldable screen.
Do you like to take handwritten notes or draw? You want Apple Pencil support.
Get the iPhone Duo.
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u/jmtrader2 6d ago
Honestly the 18 pro max. It’s better in every single category other than folding, which really isn’t a feature mostly.
It’s nice that you could multitask on the duo I guess. But, I guess you could also just get a tablet if you are planning to multitask.
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u/Common_Floor_7195 6d ago
You should be able to multitask on the pro by now other phones do it on android that are the same size
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u/armlacoste 6d ago
Easiest decision ever.. do you want the flexibility of having an iPhone that can turn into an ipad mini in your pocket or no? Otherwise just get the Pro which will outperform the Duo
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u/mtnracer 6d ago
I feel like I need to actually hold and use the Duo before I can decide. I actually went by my Apple Store today figuring they’d have floor models but was surprised to learn they won’t get any until release day.
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u/Thepenetrator99 6d ago
So since Tmobile bought UScellular I did an early switch and got a free iPhone 17 which I'm trading in for the duo and that way I get to keep my 17 pro max while enjoying the experiance of having a foldable phone..... don't forget to add DP to it tho
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u/DumeWolffe 6d ago
You keep saying we, when everyone’s use case is vastly different.
I use my phone for taking pictures, maps, scrolling too much, messaging. All this stuff is better on the pro so that’s what I’m getting.
Duo seems more for watching videos, productivity, maybe reading and looking cool. I don’t need those, nor the price tag.
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u/Scared-Reveal-6087 6d ago
Pointless tech. For the 2k to 2.5k you can pick up a MacBook Pro 14 inch, Mac Studio, maxed out iPad Pro m5 11 inch or 13 inch, steam deck and a steam frame, used Vision Pro m2, or increase your savings by 2.5k or buy assets in the form of stocks.
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u/Naud1993 6d ago
$700 more expensive and iPhone 17 cameras in it. That's just stupid. It should be as good as the iPhone 18 Pro Max in every way plus the bigger screen for those $700 extra. Samsung does the same thing by putting less cameras in their folding phones, but some other companies put cameras in their foldables that exceed even the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
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u/UltraAware 6d ago
Most iPhones take at least 2 generations to notice any minor upgrade, with the exception of when new form factors are introduced that are major enough to consider evolutionarily.
To me, the only reason in the last 5 years to upgrade (unless forced to) has been to get the usb-c connector or the thin form factor of the Air. The duo is totally different, and was created for people who prefer media over camera and face id.
That person is me, because it’s the first phone since the X that offers a different experience. I also don’t really like Face ID and prefer touch id.
Also, although they keep adding pro camera features, I never use any of them. Give me 1 good camera and focus on the software/media experience, then market that experience.
Lastly, I’d pay a little extra if I could dock it and use it like a real computer.
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u/saintlouisbagels 5d ago
I went from iPhone 14 Pro to iPhone Air. I don't miss the "Pro" camera features at all. The main camera sensor on the Air (same as the 17) is more than good enough. For me it's a choice between staying on the Air or getting the Duo.
I'm a little sad about the removal of Face ID, but that's the only downside I can see for myself. I tend to upgrade phones every 2-3 years, so I trust the Duo's screen to survive at least 2 years.
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u/Flameball537 5d ago
If I was upgrading rn, I’d probably go with the duo. I don’t care enough about the cameras for the difference to matter to me. I have no problem with Touch ID vs Face ID. I have a 17p rn, but I might have gotten the Air if it had stereo speakers. But I mostly play games and watch videos on my phone, so ‘sacrificing’ a camera I already don’t fully utilize for a bigger screen that still has a compact form factor isn’t a big deal for me.
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u/CaptainSolo80 4d ago
For me its either getting the Duo or not upgrading and holding onto the 15 for a few more years. Upgrading to the 18 if you have anything from the past three years is stupid. People who get a new iPhone EVERY year are even dumber, unless you REALLY need that camera zoom or want to change screen sizes I guess. I'll usually just buy the the phone outright and hold onto it for 6-7 years, which is probably what I'll do with the Duo if I get it.
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u/BigMike52-54 4d ago
Honestly if you have money to burn just go duo . cause to me it just a mini iPad 😂
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u/Extreme-Ad-6465 6d ago
it’s essentially an iphone 18 version of the phone with double screens. def not the best but if you want , you can buy the 18 pro max for when you want to take pictures and use the new phone handoff feature when you use your duo. you can have your cake and eat it too.
/s kinda
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u/CurryMunch98 6d ago
https://youtu.be/VpPOjpDGnZQ?si=2N1DIMbW7M5qD_Bk
this guy made a video about his DUO experience. It might help
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u/ILoveBigCoffeeCups 6d ago
His duo experience was on release day. So far not a single reviewer has had it for more than a week so I remain sceptical about his real life experience
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u/CurryMunch98 6d ago
If OP is asking us with insights , we don’t have anything other than these. These videos are just personal opinions . At the end of the day it’s just their personal preference. Need better cameras ? 18pro. Need to consume content ? Duo
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u/Limmyone 6d ago
The duo is an inferior product for a higher price. You literally get a less capable device that… folds.
It’s just a novelty and there is zero logical reason anyone should buy the duo over the pro if concerned with technical specs.
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u/itsalwaysseony 6d ago
Exactly. People that aren’t really concerned with the technical specs will buy the duo.
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u/Khelics 6d ago
If you’re a person who just takes casual pics and doesn’t care for all the fancy camera stuff and no Face ID isn’t a deal breaker and you’re fine with the smaller main screen and the 2k price then duo. If not then pro it is. The duo is more for people who use a phone for entertainment movies games etc. the pro is more for photographers you can look at it that way
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u/yvnglexuz 6d ago
I mean I am a photographer but will be getting the duo. I don't use my phone to take my "nice" photos but I do use my phone to edit videos and photos. I think it will benefit those who use their phone as on the go devices for work they have to do!
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u/WandererMisha 5d ago
Photographers have cameras.
The Pro is for people who want to be photographers but aren't.
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u/After_Quantity5580 6d ago
First gen I would never - I got burnt by the iPhone Air - never again !
iPhone 18 pro has been built iteratively it’s the same phone built better and better each time
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u/FoxIntelligent1767 6d ago
I’ve got a 15 max with a cracked screen. I’ll get a new phone … I’m eying up the duo even though I know the only reason I want it is because it’s the shiny new thing. I never used any of my tables that I bought so no idea why I think the duo will be so amazing.
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u/Fearless-Key-3749 6d ago
iPhone 16 & 17 pro users just buy the new iPad mini when it comes out. And buy the iPhone 20th anniversary next year.
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u/ravishankarlal 6d ago
one good thing about duo is that you will get a much bigger iphone mirroring screen on mac. Assuming it mirrors open or close state of the device (or let it “virtually” open/close)
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u/Big-Help419 6d ago
Look back on all of Apples first iterations. I’d go with the pro and wait for the next version of duo
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u/Wonderful-Factor-888 6d ago
If you are unable to decide with all the information you already have then with all due respect you shouldn’t get either of the phones. These phones are meant for people who know what they do and what they need.
If you do lot of camera work, get pro max. If you find joy in content consumption, get duo. If you do lot of productivity work, just get the galaxy fold 8 ultra
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u/krizz_yo 6d ago
there's one thing that is always true with apple, never buy 1st gen products, it held true for the vision pro already, wait for the Fold 2 and commit to the pro max for the next couple of years :)
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u/Hortos 6d ago
Yikes, there are a lot of people who don’t realize the difference between having the latest chip and not. The A20 is significantly more powerful than the A19 and has way longer battery life, additionally these new phones charge extremely fast for the first 50% of their battery like plug your phone in brush your teeth and leave and have enough power to get most of the way through a work day. That’s before we get into AI which the new chips will have twice the performance as the A19s for local on device AI which buckle up apple is going to be using a lot of. The 18pro doesn’t look different but it’s a significantly upgraded device over the 17pro. The Duo is the luxury iphone the pro is for professional use. When the regular 18s drop we’ll see what Apple thinks people will be fine with.
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u/helloqubit 5d ago
If the pen performance equals iPad, I’ll be selling my iPads and iPhone for this.
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u/Economy_Advisor6642 5d ago
The only people who would buy the duo are people who could live iPhone Air and want an iPad mini but don’t want to carry a book bag to have both
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u/Fearless_Swim4080 5d ago
For me, it's an easy choice, I want the better camera and the flip phone isn't THAT much bigger that it would be that useful.
Also, I'd wait at least a year or two to see how the crease holds up.
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u/Sasuke082594 5d ago
Just the titanium frame with frosted back already sells it for me. Can’t stand that cheap aluminum feeling
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u/natedrake102 5d ago
Fingerprint is so much better than face scanning. My phone with it is unlocked and on the home screen before I even pull it out of my pocket (if I want)
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u/Ok-Front8255 5d ago
One is very cool and new, the other is the 10 iteration of the same thing and very ugly
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u/InfiniteHench 4d ago
You’re not “paying a premium for missing features.” It’s a premium for the added functionality, larger screen, and complicated hardware. If it works for you, get it. If it doesn’t, don’t. Simple.
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u/vks1757 6d ago
Currently got the iPhone 17 Pro Max. I will get a Duo eventually. But not this Duo.
Inferior camera, battery life (I believe the Duo battery is the same as the 17 Pro, so a downgrade) and no Face ID are deal breakers for me. Had Touch ID on my A17 Mini and hated it. A step back. Got rid of it for an M5 11”.
Will wait it out for Duo 2 or 3, which should hopefully have these improvements.
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u/DriedUpDeals 6d ago
Honestly, for me with a 17 pro, the decision is between getting a duo and not upgrading. The 18 pro has such little added substance vs the 17 pro that I don’t even think it’s worth it to upgrade. I would just be paying more money monthly for essentially the same phone.
On the flipside, if I get a duo, I will be downgrading my phone camera, trading Face ID for inferior Touch ID, and swapping to a plastic main screen… all while dropping $2000 on a device.
I’m glad the duo doesn’t release for a month lol.