The iPhone Duo folding screen smartphone has a different box design, using code X/A for the Vietnamese market and will be available to users from October 23.

Unboxing genuine iPhone Duo in Vietnam.

Launched on the same day as iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max on September 9, but iPhone Duo hit shelves a month later. Vietnam is in the first group of markets globally to sell Apple products, with pre-orders starting from October 16 and delivery starting from October 23. After 10 minutes of opening, Apple Store Online and major retail systems in Vietnam simultaneously announced "sold out". Current buyers have to wait until early next year to receive the device.

This is the first time Apple has used a box with a long horizontal design, different from the vertical form of all previous iPhone models. The top of the box has a machine-printed pattern embossed on the edge, depicting the most characteristic folding ability. Compatible case accessories with two separate, transparent, shockproof parts or a stand are sold by Apple at the same time.

Launched on the same day as iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max on September 9, but iPhone Duo hit shelves a month later. Vietnam is in the first group of markets globally to sell Apple products, with pre-orders starting from October 16 and delivery starting from October 23. After 10 minutes of opening, Apple Store Online and major retail systems in Vietnam simultaneously announced "sold out". Current buyers have to wait until early next year to receive the device.

This is the first time Apple has used a box with a long horizontal design, different from the vertical form of all previous iPhone models. The top of the box has a machine-printed pattern embossed on the edge, depicting the most characteristic folding ability. Compatible case accessories with two separate, transparent, shockproof parts or a stand are sold by Apple at the same time.

Similar to the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, the genuine Duo version in Vietnam carries the code X/A which is intended for the Australian and New Zealand markets. The machine also uses disposable paper seals and external information in Vietnamese. Included accessories are only a USB-C two-head charging cable with an umbrella cover, no instruction manual.

Like the iPhone Air, the iPhone Duo does not have a physical SIM tray, only supports eSim. The code to activate eSim can be created directly on the applications of some carriers such as Viettel and Vinaphone (a nice SIM number may need to go directly to the store to perform the service).

Similar to the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, the genuine Duo version in Vietnam carries the code X/A which is intended for the Australian and New Zealand markets. The machine also uses disposable paper seals and external information in Vietnamese. Included accessories are only a USB-C two-head charging cable with an umbrella cover, no instruction manual.

Like the iPhone Air, the iPhone Duo does not have a physical SIM tray, only supports eSim. The code to activate eSim can be created directly on the applications of some carriers such as Viettel and Vinaphone (a nice SIM number may need to go directly to the store to perform the service).

Similar to the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, the genuine Duo version in Vietnam carries the code X/A which is intended for the Australian and New Zealand markets. The machine also uses disposable paper seals and external information in Vietnamese. Included accessories are only a USB-C two-head charging cable with an umbrella cover, no instruction manual.

Like the iPhone Air, the iPhone Duo does not have a physical SIM tray, only supports eSim. The code to activate eSim can be created directly on the applications of some carriers such as Viettel and Vinaphone (a nice SIM number may need to go directly to the store to perform the service).

The biggest change in usage habits for traditional iPhone users is that Duo does not have Face ID facial recognition. The device uses fingerprint sensor security integrated on the power button similar to other folding devices running Android. When using, users touch to unlock, view the content of notifications on the screen while wanting to unlock, they will have to hold longer.

Finishing quality is a big advantage of Apple products. The titanium frame with fine machined details is sturdy and creates a premium feel when used. The dark blue version is similar to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the rough Ceramic Shield back still attracts fingerprints but is not too obvious. Particularly the edges are polished.

The device integrates volume up and down buttons on the top edge, similar to the layout of the iPad mini. The power key cum fingerprint sensor and Camera Button are placed on the right edge. This is also the only iPhone model without an Action button because the left edge is a folding hinge and cannot integrate buttons.

Finishing quality is a big advantage of Apple products. The titanium frame with fine machined details is sturdy and creates a premium feel when used. The dark blue version is similar to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the rough Ceramic Shield back still attracts fingerprints but is not too obvious. Particularly the edges are polished.

The device integrates volume up and down buttons on the top edge, similar to the layout of the iPad mini. The power key cum fingerprint sensor and Camera Button are placed on the right edge. This is also the only iPhone model without an Action button because the left edge is a folding hinge and cannot integrate buttons.

Finishing quality is a big advantage of Apple products. The titanium frame with fine machined details is sturdy and creates a premium feel when used. The dark blue version is similar to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the rough Ceramic Shield back still attracts fingerprints but is not too obvious. Particularly the edges are polished.

The device integrates volume up and down buttons on the top edge, similar to the layout of the iPad mini. The power key cum fingerprint sensor and Camera Button are placed on the right edge. This is also the only iPhone model without an Action button because the left edge is a folding hinge and cannot integrate buttons.

iPhone Duo weighs 254 grams, larger than the 225 grams of Oppo Find N6 and 201 grams of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8. For those who are familiar with Apple's Pro Max line, this number is not a problem, but for those who are familiar with compact 6.3-6.5 inch devices, the iPhone Duo feels a bit heavy when first used.

This is also Apple's thinnest iPhone model, with 5.2 mm when opened, but still thicker than other folding phones on the market such as Find N6 (4.2 mm) or Z Fold8 (4.6 mm). In fact, when held in the hand, the difference in thinness between the devices is not too large.

iPhone Duo weighs 254 grams, larger than the 225 grams of Oppo Find N6 and 201 grams of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8. For those who are familiar with Apple's Pro Max line, this number is not a problem, but for those who are familiar with compact 6.3-6.5 inch devices, the iPhone Duo feels a bit heavy when first used.

This is also Apple's thinnest iPhone model, with 5.2 mm when opened, but still thicker than other folding phones on the market such as Find N6 (4.2 mm) or Z Fold8 (4.6 mm). In fact, when held in the hand, the difference in thinness between the devices is not too large.

The outer screen is 5.4 inches in size, with a display area about 90% that of the iPhone 18 Pro. Duo also has a new iOS interface where the toolbar is placed on the right side instead of on the top or bottom like with a traditional iPhone. If using the right hand, the user can operate almost with just one hand. In fact, using it with the left hand is also easy to get used to, not as inconvenient as the technology world previously feared.

Apple may deploy an update to the iPhone Duo later this year, allowing the toolbar to be positioned from right to left depending on habits.

The outer screen is 5.4 inches in size, with a display area about 90% that of the iPhone 18 Pro. Duo also has a new iOS interface where the toolbar is placed on the right side instead of on the top or bottom like with a traditional iPhone. If using the right hand, the user can operate almost with just one hand. In fact, using it with the left hand is also easy to get used to, not as inconvenient as the technology world previously feared.

Apple may deploy an update to the iPhone Duo later this year, allowing the toolbar to be positioned from right to left depending on habits.

Ability to multitask with two applications at the same time on iPhone Duo with the divider bar in the middle. Users can swipe to the home screen or select multitasking applications independently on each side. The open software on both sides can also be easily swapped with a long press and swipe.

This is the first time developing a folding iPhone, but Apple has a lot of experience with large-screen devices like the iPad, so swiping and multitasking are very smooth. However, most of the new multitasking is for horizontal use. Many software also need time to update to be fully compatible with Duo's large screen.

Ability to multitask with two applications at the same time on iPhone Duo with the divider bar in the middle. Users can swipe to the home screen or select multitasking applications independently on each side. The open software on both sides can also be easily swapped with a long press and swipe.

This is the first time developing a folding iPhone, but Apple has a lot of experience with large-screen devices like the iPad, so swiping and multitasking are very smooth. However, most of the new multitasking is for horizontal use. Many software also need time to update to be fully compatible with Duo's large screen.

In actual use, the most comfortable holding position on the iPhone Duo when opened is vertical. Users will feel like holding an iPad mini with ultra-thin bezels. This position also helps one hand feel less tired because the weight is no longer pushed to one side.

The 7.6-inch screen inside has a display area 50% larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max and 80% larger than the 18 Pro. Apple says it has created a custom nano-texture coating that reduces glare and reflection. The touch and look experience is similar to the anti-glare screens on the current iPad and MacBook lines.

The company also describes a distinct micro-lens texture, formed by laser engraving, which records each pixel of the lens, creating a "perceptually flat matte surface," which minimizes the appearance of creases while still providing a premium feel. iPhone Duo supports Pencil on both the inner and outer screens.

In actual use, the most comfortable holding position on the iPhone Duo when opened is vertical. Users will feel like holding an iPad mini with ultra-thin bezels. This position also helps one hand feel less tired because the weight is no longer pushed to one side.

The 7.6-inch screen inside has a display area 50% larger than the iPhone 18 Pro Max and 80% larger than the 18 Pro. Apple says it has created a custom nano-texture coating that reduces glare and reflection. The touch and look experience is similar to the anti-glare screens on the current iPad and MacBook lines.

The company also describes a distinct micro-lens texture, formed by laser engraving, which records each pixel of the lens, creating a "perceptually flat matte surface," which minimizes the appearance of creases while still providing a premium feel. iPhone Duo supports Pencil on both the inner and outer screens.

All Apple software is compatible with the iPhone Duo out of the box, while third-party software has also been gradually updating over the past few days. For example, the Netflix app can automatically display the controls when the device is not fully open. This is also the only iPhone model that can automatically launch utilities in standby mode when not plugged in. Users just need to lock the device and open it halfway to turn on the standby screen with many effects such as displaying time, weather, and photos.

Apple uses cameras hidden under the internal screen for a consistent content reading experience. If you look closely, you can still see the difference in pixels in the area where the camera eye is located, but it does not affect the normal usage experience.

All Apple software is compatible with the iPhone Duo out of the box, while third-party software has also been gradually updating over the past few days. For example, the Netflix app can automatically display the controls when the device is not fully open. This is also the only iPhone model that can automatically launch utilities in standby mode when not plugged in. Users just need to lock the device and open it halfway to turn on the standby screen with many effects such as displaying time, weather, and photos.

Apple uses cameras hidden under the internal screen for a consistent content reading experience. If you look closely, you can still see the difference in pixels in the area where the camera eye is located, but it does not affect the normal usage experience.

The advantage of a folding device is that users can take selfies with the main camera with the outside screen open. The horizontal camera layout is similar to the iPhone Air but has an additional lens compared to the ultra-thin version.

The main camera has a resolution of 48 megapixels, next to a 12 megapixel telephoto lens that supports 2x zoom and 4K 120fps video recording. The device also has a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera on the outer screen and a FaceTime camera on the inner screen.

The advantage of a folding device is that users can take selfies with the main camera with the outside screen open. The horizontal camera layout is similar to the iPhone Air but has an additional lens compared to the ultra-thin version.

The main camera has a resolution of 48 megapixels, next to a 12 megapixel telephoto lens that supports 2x zoom and 4K 120fps video recording. The device also has a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera on the outer screen and a FaceTime camera on the inner screen.

iPhone Duo with two colors blue, black and white. The device is equipped with an A20 Pro chip and a processor that can control two screens simultaneously. The vapor chamber cooling system helps the device maintain 35% higher performance than the iPhone 17 Pro.

According to Apple's new announcement, the iPhone Duo's battery has a capacity of 4,883 mAh with two components on both sides with respective capacities of 2,962 and 1,921 mAh. Apple says the product can play 31 hours of video on the internal screen and 45 hours on the external screen.

iPhone Duo with two colors blue, black and white. The device is equipped with an A20 Pro chip and a processor that can control two screens simultaneously. The vapor chamber cooling system helps the device maintain 35% higher performance than the iPhone 17 Pro.

According to Apple's new announcement, the iPhone Duo's battery has a capacity of 4,883 mAh with two components on both sides with respective capacities of 2,962 and 1,921 mAh. Apple says the product can play 31 hours of video on the internal screen and 45 hours on the external screen.

iPhone Duo has a starting price of 64.99 million for the 256 GB version and a highest price of 103.99 million VND for the 2 TB version, equivalent to some high-end computer models. The device also has two other memory versions: 512 GB priced at 71.49 million VND and 1 TB priced at 84.49 million VND.

Due to scarcity, iPhone Duo delivery slots on the first day of October 23 are being sold for a difference of more than ten million dong on the "black market". In particular, the 256 GB version is 16-18 million more expensive, the 512 GB or 1 TB version can be 20 million VND different from the listed price and the silver white color is also 1-2 million VND more expensive than the dark blue version.

iPhone Duo has a starting price of 64.99 million for the 256 GB version and a highest price of 103.99 million VND for the 2 TB version, equivalent to some high-end computer models. The device also has two other memory versions: 512 GB priced at 71.49 million VND and 1 TB priced at 84.49 million VND.

Due to scarcity, iPhone Duo delivery slots on the first day of October 23 are being sold for a difference of more than ten million dong on the "black market". In particular, the 256 GB version is 16-18 million more expensive, the 512 GB or 1 TB version can be 20 million VND different from the listed price and the silver white color is also 1-2 million VND more expensive than the dark blue version.

Tuan Hung - Truong Giang