iPhone Duo sidebar shrinks 5.4-inch display

The iPhone Duo interface limits the usable area of its 5.4-inch cover screen due to a mandatory sidebar layout. This design choice has drawn attention from early reviewers who compared the device to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Allison Johnson of The Verge noted that the iPhone Duo is harder to operate with one hand than its competitor. She attributed this difficulty to the physical dimensions of the device. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 has a taller and narrower profile, which makes its outer screen easier to reach and use with a single hand.

The primary software criticism focuses on the placement of the dock and sidebar. On the iPhone Duo, these elements sit on the right side of the display. This configuration leaves a large portion of the small screen empty. Users who post on X have pointed out the visual disparity between the two devices. The wasted space reduces the area available for apps and media.

Samsung’s implementation of Android on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 offers a different approach. The device allows users to choose between gesture controls and a traditional navigation bar. When using gestures, the interface uses minimal screen space. Even with the navigation bar enabled, the available display area remains larger than on the iPhone Duo.

Apple designed the iPhone Duo sidebar to make navigation easier. The goal was to stretch media vertically to mimic the aspect ratio of a standard smartphone. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 demonstrates that leaving the screen open for main content can be more effective for users who want full-width displays.

The iPhone Duo is available for purchase now, though stock is limited. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 continues to sell in larger numbers. Both devices represent the current state of wide foldable technology, but they offer different experiences for users who rely on the small cover screen.