Carl Pei Criticizes Apple iPhone Duo Over Missing Face ID and Camera Features
Apple's first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has attracted attention because of its premium design, powerful hardware, and large folding display. However, not everyone is impressed with the features Apple reportedly chose to include in the device.
Nothing CEO Carl Pei has criticized the iPhone Duo, arguing that a smartphone priced at around $1,999 should offer more advanced features. In particular, he has raised concerns about the reported absence of Face ID, the lack of a dedicated telephoto camera, and limitations in its camera software.
These concerns could become important for customers considering Apple's first foldable phone. While the iPhone Duo reportedly offers a thin design, an advanced display, and a powerful A20 Pro chip, its compromises may be difficult to ignore at such a high price.
The discussion also raises a larger question: should customers pay more for a foldable smartphone if it does not include every feature available on a traditional flagship phone?
Here is a closer look at Carl Pei's criticism, the reported missing features, the iPhone Duo's strengths, and what these details could mean for future Apple foldables.
Carl Pei Says the iPhone Duo Is Too Expensive
Carl Pei, the CEO of Nothing, has reportedly described Apple's iPhone Duo as a waste of money. His criticism focuses on the features that may be missing from a device expected to cost around $1,999.
At this price, customers naturally expect premium hardware, reliable performance, and a complete flagship experience. Features such as secure biometric authentication, advanced photography tools, and optical zoom can play a major role in a purchasing decision.
The iPhone Duo reportedly offers several attractive upgrades, but it may not match every feature found in Apple's traditional Pro models.
For example, the reported lack of Face ID could change how users unlock their phones and authenticate purchases. The absence of a dedicated telephoto camera could also limit photography options, especially when taking pictures of distant subjects.
However, it is important to consider the design challenges of foldable phones. Their hinges, two displays, thin bodies, and internal components require careful engineering. Some compromises may be necessary to create a device that folds while remaining portable.
Whether those compromises are acceptable depends on what customers value most in a premium smartphone.
Why the iPhone Duo Reportedly Does Not Have Face ID
Face ID has been an important feature of Apple's iPhone lineup since the iPhone X introduced the technology in 2017. It uses facial recognition hardware to unlock compatible devices and support secure authentication.
According to the supplied report, the iPhone Duo does not include Face ID. This is one of Carl Pei's main concerns about the device's value.
A foldable smartphone presents a different design challenge from a traditional phone. It has an outer display for use while closed and a larger inner display for use when unfolded. Both screens can serve different purposes, but integrating authentication hardware into such a thin design can be difficult.
The iPhone Duo is reportedly around 5.2 millimeters thick when unfolded. If accurate, this slim profile could leave limited space for the hardware required by Apple's TrueDepth facial recognition system.
Another challenge involves the two displays. Apple would need to decide how users should authenticate themselves when interacting with the phone in either folded or unfolded mode.
Installing separate facial recognition systems for both displays could add complexity, occupy internal space, and affect the overall design.
These are possible explanations rather than officially confirmed reasons from Apple. The company would need to clarify its design decisions before users could know exactly why Face ID was omitted.
Could Touch ID Be a Better Solution?
One alternative is to include Touch ID, Apple's fingerprint authentication technology.
A fingerprint sensor could potentially provide convenient authentication without requiring the same facial recognition hardware. Depending on the design, it might be integrated into a power button or another suitable location.
This approach could also make sense for a foldable phone because users could authenticate themselves whether the device is open or closed.
Some users prefer fingerprint authentication because it can be convenient when wearing sunglasses, face coverings, or other accessories that interfere with facial recognition.
However, fingerprint authentication and Face ID offer different experiences. The best choice depends on sensor placement, speed, reliability, security, and personal preference.
If Apple chooses Touch ID for the iPhone Duo, it will need to make sure the experience feels natural on a premium device.
Camera Limitations Could Be Another Problem
The reported camera setup is another reason Carl Pei questions the iPhone Duo's price.
According to the supplied information, the foldable includes a 12MP front-facing camera, while the iPhone 18 Pro reportedly offers an 18MP selfie camera. If these specifications are accurate, the difference could attract attention from users who regularly take selfies or make video calls.
However, megapixel counts do not tell the whole story. Image quality also depends on sensor size, lens design, image processing, lighting, and software optimization.
A 12MP camera can still produce good photographs when the hardware and processing are well designed. Independent testing would be needed to determine how the iPhone Duo's front camera performs in real-world situations.
The reported absence of a LiDAR scanner is another difference. LiDAR can help compatible devices measure depth and understand their surroundings. It can support certain augmented reality features and assist some photography workflows.
Still, LiDAR is not essential for every user. Many people may care more about overall image quality, portrait effects, video performance, and ease of use.
The bigger concern may be the absence of a dedicated telephoto camera.
Why a Telephoto Camera Matters
A telephoto camera allows users to photograph distant subjects with optical magnification. It can be especially useful for portraits, travel photography, concerts, wildlife, and other situations where moving closer to the subject is not practical.
Without a dedicated telephoto lens, the iPhone Duo may need to rely more heavily on its main camera and digital zoom for distant subjects.
Digital zoom enlarges an image by cropping or processing the available picture data. Although modern software can improve the result, it generally cannot fully replace the detail and flexibility of a suitable optical telephoto system.
This limitation could matter to people who regularly photograph distant objects or want more creative control over composition.
The reported lack of a telephoto camera also makes comparisons with competing foldable phones important. Some premium foldables offer dedicated zoom cameras, giving users more flexibility across different photography situations.
Nevertheless, camera performance should not be judged by the number of lenses alone. Sensor quality, stabilization, autofocus, processing, and video capabilities also matter.
For buyers who prioritize photography, independent camera comparisons will be especially important before choosing the iPhone Duo.
Missing Pro Camera Controls Could Disappoint Enthusiasts
The reported camera compromises may extend beyond hardware.
According to the supplied article, the iPhone Duo does not offer some of the new Pro camera controls reportedly available on the iPhone 18 Pro models. These controls may include adjustments for settings such as shutter speed and aperture, depending on the feature and software implementation.
Advanced controls can help experienced photographers manage motion, exposure, and creative effects. They can also provide more flexibility when shooting in difficult lighting conditions.
However, manual camera controls are not essential for everyone. Many smartphone users prefer automatic modes that produce attractive images without requiring technical knowledge.
For these customers, dependable autofocus, good image processing, and consistent results may be more valuable than extensive manual settings.
The key question is whether Apple has balanced the iPhone Duo's software experience with its premium price. A foldable phone can offer a different style of productivity and entertainment, but customers may still expect advanced camera tools from an expensive flagship.
Apple May Add Face ID and Telephoto Cameras to Future Foldables
The reported omissions do not necessarily mean that future iPhone Duo models will have the same limitations.
The supplied report cites Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman as saying that Apple considers Face ID and a dedicated telephoto camera important priorities for future foldable devices.
If this reporting is accurate, Apple may be exploring ways to add these features to later generations.
A future design could benefit from improvements in miniaturized components, internal layouts, camera modules, and biometric hardware. Apple could also refine the hinge and display structure to create more room for additional components.
However, hardware plans can change during product development. Until Apple makes an official announcement, the specifications of future foldable iPhones should be treated as unconfirmed.
The report also suggests that these additions may not arrive with the second-generation model and could instead appear in a later generation.
Customers who consider Face ID and optical zoom essential may therefore want to compare the current model with competing devices before deciding whether to buy.
Waiting for a future generation could be sensible for some users, but it is not a guarantee that every missing feature will be added.
Online Discussions Show Concerns About Face ID
The absence of Face ID has reportedly attracted discussion among potential buyers in online communities.
For users who have relied on Face ID for years, switching to a different authentication method may require an adjustment. Facial recognition can make unlocking a phone, approving purchases, and accessing supported applications feel simple and fast.
Other users prefer fingerprint scanners, which can offer a different type of convenience. Their preference often depends on personal habits, the device's design, and how reliably the authentication system works.
These different opinions show why a missing feature can affect buyers differently.
For someone who rarely uses Face ID, its absence may not be a major problem. For another customer who uses facial authentication throughout the day, it could be a deciding factor.
A possible combination of Touch ID for the outer screen and Face ID for the inner display has also been discussed by users. This is an idea rather than a confirmed Apple plan, and it would introduce its own design and engineering challenges.
Ultimately, Apple will need to consider how users interact with both screens when developing future foldable devices.
The iPhone Duo Still Has Several Advantages
Despite the reported limitations, the iPhone Duo may offer several compelling features.
Thin and Premium Design
The device is reportedly designed to be extremely thin when unfolded. A slim body can make a large-screen foldable more comfortable to carry and use.
However, thinness must be balanced against battery capacity, durability, thermal performance, and camera hardware. Real-world testing will show how well Apple manages these competing requirements.
Nearly Invisible Display Crease
The supplied report describes the inner display crease as almost invisible. This could improve the viewing experience when reading, browsing, playing games, or watching videos.
A less noticeable crease may also make the device feel more like a continuous tablet display when opened.
The actual viewing experience will depend on lighting, viewing angles, display materials, and how the hinge performs over time.
120Hz ProMotion Display
The reported 120Hz ProMotion display could provide smoother scrolling, animations, and supported games compared with a traditional 60Hz panel.
An always-on display may also help users check important information without fully waking the screen, depending on how Apple implements the feature.
A20 Pro Chipset
The iPhone Duo is reported to use Apple's A20 Pro chip. A powerful processor could support demanding apps, multitasking, gaming, and features designed for a large folding display.
Performance should still be evaluated through independent testing, including sustained workloads, heat management, and battery efficiency.
USB-C Apple Pencil Support
The reported support for a USB-C Apple Pencil could make the foldable more useful for note-taking, drawing, document annotation, and other creative tasks.
This feature could appeal to students, professionals, and users who want a phone that can also function as a compact productivity device.
The exact compatibility and supported features should be checked against Apple's official documentation.
iPhone Duo Price and Availability
According to the supplied report, the iPhone Duo is expected to cost around $1,999. At that price, it would sit firmly in the premium smartphone category.
The report says preorders begin on October 16, with general availability starting on October 23. These dates should be verified through Apple's official announcements before publication or purchase.
The high price means customers should carefully compare the device with other flagship smartphones and foldable models.
Buyers should consider more than the screen size and processor. Camera quality, battery life, durability, software support, repair costs, and warranty coverage can all affect the long-term value of a phone.
For international customers, local availability and regional pricing may also differ. Taxes, import fees, and network compatibility can affect the total cost of purchasing a device from another market.
Readers can check Apple's official website for confirmed product information and regional availability.
Is the iPhone Duo Worth Buying?
Whether the iPhone Duo is worth its reported $1,999 price depends on individual priorities.
It could be attractive to users who want a premium foldable with a large internal display, a slim design, a high refresh rate, and powerful hardware. The reported Apple Pencil support may also make it useful for productivity and creative work.
However, customers who prioritize Face ID, optical zoom, and advanced camera controls may find the reported omissions disappointing.
Before making a decision, buyers should ask themselves a few questions:
* Do they need a foldable display for work, reading, or entertainment?
* Is Face ID essential to their daily routine?
* Do they regularly use a telephoto camera?
* Would a traditional Pro iPhone offer better value for their needs?
* Are they comfortable paying a premium for a first-generation foldable?
A first-generation product can be exciting, but it may also involve trade-offs that later generations improve. Comparing real-world reviews and confirmed specifications is the best way to understand whether the device fits a particular budget and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Carl Pei's reported criticism of the iPhone Duo highlights an important issue in the premium smartphone market: a high price creates high expectations.
The reported lack of Face ID, a dedicated telephoto camera, and certain Pro camera controls could disappoint users who expect a foldable iPhone to match every feature of Apple's traditional flagship models.
At the same time, the device reportedly offers a thin design, a nearly invisible crease, a 120Hz ProMotion display, an A20 Pro chipset, and Apple Pencil compatibility.
These strengths may make it appealing to users who value a foldable design more than a complete set of camera and authentication features.
The final verdict will depend on real-world performance, official specifications, software quality, durability, and price. Until those details are independently verified, buyers should treat reported features and future product plans with caution.
Keep following The Manik Tech for the latest Apple news, foldable smartphone updates, technology reviews, and buying guides.
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Tags: iPhone Duo, Carl Pei, Apple foldable iPhone, iPhone Duo Face ID, iPhone Duo camera, Apple news, Nothing CEO, iPhone Duo price, foldable smartphone, Apple iPhone, smartphone comparison, The Manik Tech
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