an honest review of the iPhone Duo

Matte Textured Glass for Reading [00:00]

• The iPhone Duo features a matte textured glass that is highly praised for its readability, especially compared to traditional glossy screens.
• The author compares it favorably to the iPad Mini, noting the reduction in glare and improved reading experience.

  "this matte textured glass is absolutely gorgeous for reading i love this"

Stylus and Software Updates [00:50]

• Future software updates, potentially in October, are expected to enable stylus use on the Duo.
• Users will need a USB-C version of the Apple Pencil, costing an additional $80, as the Pro version will not be compatible.

  "soon we're supposed to be able to use the stylus on the duo supposedly there's a software update coming out potentially later in october"

The Annoying Crease [01:44]

• When unfolded for vertical scrolling, a noticeable crease in the display is described as "really freaking annoying."
• The author expresses doubt about enjoying vertical scrolling on platforms like X or TikTok due to the crease.

  "i notice the crease all the time i think that is okay though for when i'm reading like this or i'm coming in to highlight i like it it works"

Software Bugs and Touch ID [02:33]

• A software bug causes the Touch ID sensor to be misplaced, requiring users to find the correct spot, often over multiple attempts.
• The Apple Watch can unlock the phone quickly, but it does not unlock password-protected apps.

  "this is just a little software bug where if i move it around a couple times it actually then correctly says oh yeah that's where the touch id is"

The Essential Polishing Cloth [03:29]

• The matte glass, while great for reading, attracts grease and fingerprints, necessitating a special polishing cloth.
• The cloth, priced at $9, is crucial for cleaning the screen without scratching it, which can happen if debris is present and too much pressure is applied.

  "you really need to get in there and rub rub rub you don't want to push too hard the risk of pushing too hard is if you get like a sand particle or a salt and pepper particle under there"

YubiKey Security and Always-On Display [04:41]

• A YubiKey can be inserted into the device for enhanced security, acting as a physical key that requires a PIN.
• The always-on display is a "clutch feature," and the device can stand up on its own, offering better viewing angles than a phone with an always-on display.

  "the neat thing is because it has such a small profile i could just leave it in the device and i you might lose it but you're not supposed to take it out"

PDF Saving Hack for Productivity [06:15]

• Users can highlight text on websites like Wall Street Journal and save the entire article as a PDF with highlights using iOS's "full page" screenshot feature.
• This saved PDF can then be accessed and read on other devices, significantly increasing productivity.

  "i now have that whole story with my highlights saved on my icloud drive whatever folder i want to bring it into"

Gimbal Use and Device Reduction [08:27]

• The Duo is not considered ideal for gimbal use or filming, suggesting a traditional iPhone would still be preferred for these tasks.
• While intended to replace an iPad and phone, the author feels they may have just been drawn deeper into the Apple ecosystem.

  "if i go film a property i'm still gonna take the phone and a gimbal though so i don't know that i've actually reduced any devices"

Size Comparison and Case Issues [09:14]

• The Duo's functional reading space is very similar to the iPad Mini, with only a slight size difference.
• The included case, with a kickstand, is not favored by the author, who is tempted to use the device caseless.

  "i don't know that i'm gonna rock that case forever although this could be kind of cool see and then you don't have to have it folded sideways"

Apple Store Acquisition Story [10:37]

• The author acquired the Duo due to a system glitch at Apple that delayed business pre-orders.
• They received assistance from Apple Business Specialists and store teams, emphasizing that public queues were also available.

  "we were told those orders were going to go in at 5 30 a.m at the same time as everybody else's orders not trying to skip anybody's anybody in line"

Business User Perspective [11:47]

• As a business user, the author is excited about the Duo's potential to consolidate devices for travel and research.
• The device eliminates the need to carry both an iPad and a phone for on-the-go work.

  "this is now officially going to do what i hoped and when i travel or i just want to be able to research or whatever on the go i don't need an ipad and a phone anymore"

Ecosystem Pull [12:14]

• The author reflects on being pulled deeper into the Apple ecosystem, questioning if they have truly reduced the number of devices they use.
• The experience is likened to Apple's marketing saying, "Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me right back in."

  "i think i frankly just got sucked a little deeper into the apple ecosystem and so kind of like how they say just when i thought i was out they pulled me right back in"

T-Mobile Handoff Feature [09:59]

• The T-Mobile handoff feature allows seamless switching of cell service between the Duo and an iPhone, working well for the author.
• This feature is considered valuable, though it doesn't appear to work with AT&T.

  "the answer is no thanks to the t-mobile handoff feature it actually works really well"

Back Button and Placement [10:20]

• Getting used to the placement of the back button and other on-screen elements on the side of the device will require an adjustment period.
• The lack of a physical home button at the bottom is noted as something to get accustomed to.

  "i will say that is going to take a little bit of getting used to because i'm really used to a home button being at the bottom as opposed to on the side"

Lens Fingerprints and Gimbal Limitations [08:57]

• Like other iPhones, the Duo's camera lenses are prone to fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning.
• The device's form factor is deemed unsuitable for gimbal use, suggesting a continued need for a traditional iPhone for filming.

  "you also do just like the other phones have a tendency of getting fingerprints on those lenses might be hard to see right here"

Case Kickstand and Flashlight Issues [10:07]

• The case includes a kickstand, but the author finds it less useful than expected and is considering using the device without a case.
• Accessing the flashlight requires a specific grip when the device is unfolded, which is inconvenient.

  "the problem on functional use when you're using it like this and you're like oh yeah let me go turn on the flashlight really quick ah right i have to now hold it like this"