Is the Apple iPhone Duo a waste of your money?
Oh my, the latest Apple iPhone The Duo has just been released and is already causing a lot of problems for many users. And that's not exactly what you hope for after spending a hefty(!) amount of money on a new phone.
You carefully take it out of the box, peel off the protective film, and promise yourself that this time you will really take care of it. No keys in the same pocket and definitely not dropping it. But if the first reports are correct, even being careful may not always be enough with this thing. Several brand new users are reporting issues with the screen. Oops! And just when you thought you were all set with this brand new phone for the foreseeable future.
The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable smartphone and to be honest: the idea is there. A regular phone that you can unfold into a larger screen? Ideal for watching series, if you want to work on your phone with a dual screen, and of course the calling mode. You just don't want that handy new gadget to turn into an expensive little project for the repair shop.
A broken screen after a few folds
The first reports about the iPhone Duo are not exactly what you hope for after spending a hefty amount of money on a new phone. Users are sharing online photos of damages to the inner screen, including thick lines and cracks around the fold. Sorry, but wasn't that to be expected? There are even reports of people whose screens would have issues within just a few hours.
Apple has since confirmed that a small number of devices have issues with the inner screen. Users experiencing this are advised to contact AppleCare for a replacement. This does not mean that every iPhone Duo is on the verge of falling apart. But if you were just about to raid your savings account for this new toy, I would really wait a bit longer.
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Is that hinge really such a good idea?
The whole concept of the iPhone Duo revolves around that one handy trick: opening and closing it. A bit like an old-fashioned flip phone, but with a hefty dose of Apple chic and a price tag that you prefer to look at more than once.
It is precisely that hinge and the flexible screen that are now raising questions. Repair experts have examined the iPhone and looked at the construction. Possible vulnerabilities around the hinge have come to light. Shocking! One possible explanation is that the screen experiences too much pressure in certain places when you fold the phone shut. For now, this is a suspicion, not an officially confirmed cause.
But yes, they really should have come up with this earlier. Maybe before releasing this version? No one wants a new phone where you think with every movement that you might be better off handling it with two hands. Being a bit careful with your belongings is fine, but when you buy a smartphone, you also want to be able to use it.
The durability test is also not entirely reassuring
As if the broken screen wasn't enough, the iPhone Duo was also subjected to a durability test by YouTuber JerryRigEverything. This included testing how the device reacts to scratches, dust, and bending.
Well, I can tell you, that test was not passed. The test showed that the inner screen was really not durable at all. Yes, flexible screens are built differently than the sturdy glass screens we are used to. Still, you don't want to feel like you have to handle a phone in this price range with kid gloves.
A repair that won't make you happy
Then there's the financial aspect. Because a broken phone is annoying enough, but an expensive phone that is also costly to repair? That's a combination that won't exactly lift your spirits. According to iFixit , replacing the inner screen outside of warranty or additional coverage can cost around 999 dollars. That's a hefty amount for a part you would rather not need at all.
Imagine: you're sitting on a terrace, want to take a photo of your cappuccino with that perfect swan in the milk foam, and suddenly discover a problem with your screen. Your coffee is cold before you finish figuring out what exactly is wrong (and no one wants that).
Is the Apple iPhone Duo a waste of your money?
I think so, but Apple doesn't necessarily agree. The idea behind a foldable iPhone is still interesting, and for people who want a larger screen without constantly dragging an iPad around, this version can certainly be appealing. Moreover, based on the first reports, it's not fair to say that all units have problems.
But I might personally wait a little longer before emptying my bank account. First, let's see if more reports follow, what Apple is doing to resolve the issues, and how reliable the device proves to be in the long run. Because yes, having a new phone is fun. Being the first with the latest phone might be even more fun. But if you feel your heart rate rise every time you open it, the fun quickly fades.
