The '3.29 million won' iPhone Duo paradox: “Awkward to use one-handed, multitasking doesn't work” [IT Item of the Day]

[Financial News] With Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, now launched in South Korea, reviews by overseas tech media have identified limitations on one-handed use and multitasking as weaknesses. Critics say apps are not sufficiently optimized for the large display and that split-screen functionality is limited. Some reviews also note a substantial gap in ease of use compared with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8.
On the 23rd, major international outlets, including the U.S. tech publication The Verge, said in hands-on reviews that the iPhone Duo was awkward to use with one hand. They said it was difficult to hold and operate the device with one hand, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 was comparatively easier to use that way.
They also pointed to problems with app optimization. Some apps do not properly use the iPhone Duo’s aspect ratio, or parts of the display appear cut off, meaning they fail to make the most of its large screen, they said. Critics also noted that controls vary from app to app, making the user experience inconsistent.
Multitasking is a weakness highlighted by Wired, a U.S. technology and culture publication. The iPhone Duo supports only a 50/50 split-screen layout with two apps open at once, and it is difficult to open another app in a pop-up over the split screen. Tom’s Guide, a U.S. tech product review publication, said the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 offers better multitasking because it can run several apps at once and lets users adjust window sizes.
Tom’s Guide senior editor Mark Spoonauer said, “The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 can display as many as three or more apps on screen at once and lets users freely adjust their sizes, completely outclassing the iPhone Duo in multitasking productivity.”
Reviews also weighed in on the display finish and durability. Android Authority, a publication specializing in Android devices, said Apple’s internal nano-texture, applied to reduce glare and screen creasing, does help reduce reflections, but colors and sharpness may look less impressive than on a conventional glossy display.
German tech product review publication Notebookcheck reported that, according to results from a 3,000-fold repeated folding test by testing organization HTX Studio, the iPhone Duo’s display crease became deeper than those on the two foldable phone models used for comparison.
Tech publication NPowerUser also cited the same test, reporting that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 showed better crease management and resilience as usage time accumulated. It said, “As usage time accumulates, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is far superior to the iPhone Duo in crease management and resilience.”
Delivery delays caused by limited initial supply have also been cited as a problem. According to an analysis by U.S. investment bank Bank of America (BofA), the iPhone Duo’s global average delivery wait was estimated at 82 days. In South Korea, the estimated delivery date was pushed back to the end of January next year shortly after pre-orders began, and purchases without a reservation at Apple Stores were also restricted on launch day.
Industry observers estimate that the initial allocation to the country’s three mobile carriers and unlocked-phone sales channels totals around 30,000 units, about 10% of the initial shipments of previous flagship smartphones. An industry official said, “With supply limited, it is difficult to judge whether the product will be a market success based on delivery delays alone.”
[email protected] Yoon Hong-jip Reporter