From an ordinary consumer’s perspective, this article provides a straightforward account of the hands-on experience of using the foldable iPhone Duo and whether its ¥364,800 price is justified. It introduces key usability features including map display, video viewing and split view.
The author has used an iPhone for many years and tried the foldable smartphone “Duo.” When folded, it measures 117.8mm × 84.1mm and is 11.3mm thick, making it easy to fit in a pocket, although its 254g weight is somewhat heavy. Even when folded, the screen feels large, and the portrait-oriented dock makes one-handed operation with the thumb easier. It opens smoothly, and its hinge consists of more than 100 components. A distinctive feature is the design, in which the internal layers shift slightly and follow the movement.
The screen is equivalent to 7.6 inches when unfolded, with a 4:3 aspect ratio in both folded and unfolded configurations. It is generally intended to be used folded, but applications including map display, video viewing and split view are envisaged. Suggested uses include viewing a wide area on a large map, watching video on a large screen, and opening email and documents at the same time. The article also touches on features designed to enhance immersion, including trailers displayed through Netflix integration, uninterrupted video playback and controls displayed at the bottom of the screen.
In terms of market trends, an IDC forecast points to growth in the overall foldable smartphone market, and the article presents the view that sales can be secured by creating a high-end market. The market could expand as the Duo enters it, and another analysis suggests that it could contribute to the establishment of a premium segment over the long term. The article concludes that whether the average consumer will consider it worth paying ¥360,000 depends on how widely the Duo-specific experience spreads and on the availability of new features from app developers.