MKBHD abandons iPhone Duo and returns to iPhone 18 Pro after two weeks: here's why

After more than two weeks of daily use, Marques Brownlee decided to leave the iPhone Duo and return to his iPhone 18 Pro. The famous technology communicator, known as MKBHD, talked about the choice during an episode of the Waveform podcast, explaining which compromises of Apple's first foldable iPhone had the greatest impact on his experience. This is not a rejection of the device: Brownlee appreciated several aspects of the folding screen, but found that some features of the Pro model remain more important for his own use.

MKBHD iPhone Duo: because the foldable didn't completely convince him

The transition from the traditional iPhone 18 Pro to the foldable Apple has allowed Brownlee to experiment with a different way of using the smartphone. After more than two weeks, however, the balance between advantages and sacrifices led him to recover the previous device.

As reported byiSpace, the creator identified two main reasons: the Pro model's photographic system and Face ID facial recognition. Both impact operations that Brownlee considers important in his routine.

The decision is particularly interesting becausehe arrivesby a professional who works daily with images and technological content. Its needs do not necessarily represent those of all users, but they allow us to understand what compromises can emerge when switching from a traditional high-end smartphone to a foldable device.

Cameras and Face ID: the compromises compared to iPhone 18 Pro

MKBHD iPhone Duo - The first waiver concerns the photographic sector. iPhone Duo does not have a dedicated telephoto lens, a feature present in the iPhone 18 Pro photography system and particularly relevant for those who place great importance on shooting versatility.

For Brownlee, accustomed to evaluating and producing visual content, this difference had a concrete weight in the choice to return to the Pro model. The large internal display of the foldable was not enough to compensate for the lack of a more complete photographic configuration.

The second element concerns biometric authentication. iPhone Duo uses Touch ID, while iPhone 18 Pro offers Face ID. These are two different systems that can affect daily habits, especially for those who have been using face recognition unlocking for years.

MacRumors also reports that the iPhone Duo does not have an Action button, a further hardware difference compared to the Pro model. Brownlee, however, specifically pointed to cameras and Face ID as the main reasons for the return.

According to rumors reported by iSpazio, Apple is already evaluating solutions such as Face ID under the screen and the introduction of a telephoto lens for future generations of the foldable. However, these are previews, not confirmed features for a subsequent product.

The big folding screen is what Brownlee will regret

The decision to return to the iPhone 18 Pro does not erase the positive aspects of the iPhone Duo experience. Brownlee explained that he will especially miss the gesture of opening the device, the ability to use the large internal screen vertically and reading on a larger surface.

These elements represent the main advantage of the foldable format compared to a traditional smartphone. They are not simply about the size of the display, but about how the device is used during activities that benefit from more visual space.

The fact that Brownlee continues to appreciate these features despite having chosen to change phones highlights an important distinction: a product can offer an interesting experience without necessarily being the best solution for every need.

iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro: prices and differences in Italy

The choice between the two devices takes on further meaning considering the Italian prices reported by iSpazio. iPhone Duo starts at 2,369 euros, while iPhone 18 Pro has a starting price of 1,489 euros. The difference is therefore 880 euros.

With the folding model you get the large internal screen and a different use mode, but you give up some features available on the less expensive device, including the dedicated telephoto lens and Face ID.

The higher price of the iPhone Duo therefore does not correspond to a necessarily more complete package in every respect. The choice depends on how much value the user places on the folding format compared to the features of the Pro model.

The sources also describe high initial demand for Apple's first foldable, accompanied by still limited availability. The commercial interest in the device and Brownlee's individual decision are therefore two distinct aspects, which should not be confused.

MKBHD's choice illustrates the limitations of foldables

The case of Marques Brownlee shows how daily experience can impact the evaluation of a device more than its particular hardware configuration. The large screen of the iPhone Duo offers advantages recognized by the creator himself, but does not eliminate the sacrifices compared to the iPhone 18 Pro.

For those who frequently use the telephoto lens or prefer Face ID, the Pro model may be more suitable. Those who favor reading and activities that take advantage of a large display could attribute greater importance to the folding format.

MKBHD's decision does not represent a definitive judgment on the category or evidence of market preferences. It is rather a concrete example of how two high-end Apple smartphones can respond to different priorities. Brownlee chose to recover the features he was missing, despite knowing that he will have to give up one of the aspects he appreciated most: the experience offered by the large internal screen of the iPhone Duo.