iPhone Duo deficits: Interior camera below average, dock always on the right.
After yesterday’s keynote, reporters were able to test Apple’s foldable for the first time. Initial deficits of the 2300 Euro device were noted.
iPhone Duo interior camera: Relatively well hidden.
(Image: Apple)
There are no official tests of the iPhone Duo yet; not even a pre-order option exists. According to the current status, the first customers will not receive the devices until October 23rd. Nevertheless, after yesterday’s keynote, selected journalists and influencers had the opportunity to see the devices in action. This revealed – at least with the current software and hardware version – some initial deficits. These include, among other things, the under-display interior camera, which is new for Apple, and the operation of the devices.
A bit like FaceTime on Mac back in the day
First of all, it surprised many observers that Apple equipped the Duo with an interior camera at all, which becomes usable as soon as you unfold the foldable. This is intended to allow users to take selfies or hold video conferences in this mode. According to the technical specifications, it is an “Under-Display FaceTime Camera” with Center Stage function and the ability to record videos at 1080p at 30 or 60 fps. There is lens correction, “ultra-stabilized”video, a tap-to-zoom and rotate function, and an f/1.8 aperture. Apple did not provide details on the photo resolution; it is likely to remain at 1080p.
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So, the manufacturer has apparently not solved the typical quality problems of under-display cameras, which, in addition to camera use, also allow screen pixels to pass through when necessary. This is shown, among other things, by a demo video published by YouTuber MKBHD. The image quality is somewhat reminiscent of Apple’s old FaceTime cameras in MacBooks, which are by no means perfect even today, even though they now support 12 megapixels. Of course, Apple can enable improvements through computational photography, but for both selfies and “proper” shots, it’s better to use the other cameras. The exterior camera also has the advantage that the Duo displays a large preview image on the exterior display when unfolded. With Duo FaceTime, people nearby can also participate in a video call on the exterior display, according to Apple. “This way, everyone is included without having to crowd around a single display.”
Operation problems for left-handers and a restricted dock
Some operating concepts implemented by Apple in the Duo remain controversial. For example, there is now a new dock that is also visible on the exterior display. It is always located on the right, and apparently there is no way for left-handers to move it to the other side. The exterior display is also not symmetrical; due to the form factor, the rounding is only on one side.
Furthermore, Apple seems to be limiting the usefulness of the dock, at least in the current software version: only four icons can be placed there on the exterior display, even though there is more space available. This might change by the time the final version of iOS 27.1, with which the devices are to be equipped, is released. The iPhone Duo costs at least 2300 euros with 256 GByte of storage.
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