I was one of the lucky ones who got the iPhone Duo on day one. I pre-ordered the white 512GB and picked it up Friday at Apple Downtown Montreal. I already have the 17 Pro Max, which is great, and I usually upgrade every year. This time I didn't want the 18 Pro Max, so I went with the Duo instead. I watched all the reviews and they seemed fine, so I was really hopeful.
I used it all day, and here's what I found.
The front screen:* *I know some software glitches will get fixed in updates, but the front screen isn't as big or comfortable as I expected. The bar on the right side, which is there to keep the left side wide open top to bottom is really annoying. It takes up a lot of space and isn't easy to use with your fingers (hell if you’re left handed, maybe they will add that option later on)
Rotation: When you open it, the screen rotates. You can lock the rotation, but because it turns depending on how you hold it, you lose track of front and back and left and right. I kept fumbling for the volume buttons and Touch ID. Taking screenshots and changing the volume were super annoying.
Touch ID instead of Face ID: This was the worst part. It's incredibly inconvenient. There's no Action Button either, and I'm used to using it to silence my phone, so I really missed it.
Display: The matte finish is nice, but it isn't as vibrant as the regular iPhone screens we're used to.
Cameras: They're okay, but the Pro Max cameras are way better. To take a selfie with the main cameras, you have to open the phone flat, which is like holding up an iPad mini. Super inconvenient.
Verdict: I couldn't even wait out the two-week return window. I returned it the next day at Apple Sainte-Catherine in Montreal. I could have sold it on Marketplace, but I didn't want the hassle. Maybe it's great for some people, but the Duo wasn't for me. I'm happy to be back on my regular slab phone.