OnePlus Founder Calls Apple’s iPhone Duo a “Waste of Money,” but Not Everyone Will Agree
Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, has quickly become one of the most talked-about smartphones of the year. With its slim design, large inner display, and premium price, the device has sparked plenty of debate among tech fans. One of the strongest opinions so far comes from OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, who has openly criticized the foldable iPhone and described it as a “waste of money.”
Pei’s criticism focuses mainly on what the iPhone Duo does not offer. Despite its high-end positioning, Apple’s foldable phone reportedly misses out on several features that many users expect from an expensive flagship device. These include a telephoto camera, Face ID, and Pro-level camera controls typically associated with Apple’s more advanced iPhone models.
For a device priced around $1,999, those omissions are hard to ignore. Many buyers looking at a premium foldable phone may expect the best possible camera system, advanced biometric security, and the full range of professional photography tools. From that perspective, Pei’s argument is easy to understand.
However, there may be a practical reason behind at least one of Apple’s decisions. The iPhone Duo is said to be extremely thin, and that slim profile could make it difficult to fit the sensor hardware required for Face ID. Apple’s facial recognition system relies on a dedicated sensor array, and squeezing that technology into such a thin foldable body may not have been feasible without compromising the design.
Apple also appears to be pushing even further into ultra-thin device design. Future foldable iPhones could become thinner still, especially if rumors about the next iPhone Air model matching the iPhone Duo’s thickness prove accurate. If that is the direction Apple is taking, some hardware sacrifices may be part of the trade-off.
The absence of a telephoto lens is another point that may disappoint photography-focused users. Apple’s Pro models are known for their versatile camera setups, and a foldable iPhone without a dedicated zoom lens may feel incomplete to some buyers. The same applies to Pro camera controls, which are useful for people who want more control over photos and videos.
That said, Apple may have left out some premium camera features to keep the iPhone Duo’s price from climbing even higher. At $1,999, the device is already expensive, but it sits close to competing flagship foldables. Adding more advanced camera hardware and Face ID could have pushed the price into even more difficult territory.
Where the iPhone Duo may shine is in productivity. The device reportedly features a large 7.6-inch inner display with a wider aspect ratio than many traditional foldable phones. That could make it more comfortable for reading, multitasking, browsing, editing documents, and watching videos.
For users who regularly read reports, review documents, manage emails, or consume long-form content while commuting, the iPhone Duo could reduce the need to carry a tablet or e-reader. Its large folding screen may appeal to professionals, students, and frequent travelers who want a pocketable device that opens into something much more useful.
This is where opinions on the iPhone Duo are likely to split. For users who care most about cameras, Face ID, and getting every flagship feature possible, Carl Pei’s criticism may feel fair. Paying nearly $2,000 for a phone without certain premium tools will understandably bother some buyers.
But for people who want a foldable iPhone mainly for its larger display, portability, and productivity potential, the iPhone Duo may still be an attractive device. Apple’s strength has always been its ecosystem, software polish, and ability to make new product categories feel mainstream. If the iPhone Duo delivers a smooth foldable experience, many users may be willing to overlook its missing features.
Ultimately, whether the iPhone Duo is a waste of money depends on what buyers expect from a foldable smartphone. It may not be the perfect device for camera enthusiasts or spec-focused users, but it could be exactly what Apple fans have been waiting for: a slim, premium foldable iPhone built for reading, multitasking, and mobile productivity.
