iPhone Duo sidebar leaves 15% of 5.4-inch screen empty

The iPhone Duo’s 5.4-inch cover screen loses a large portion of its usable area to a mandatory sidebar.

Apple’s first wide foldable is arriving with software limitations that reviewers say make it harder to use than its main competitor. The device launched with limited availability, and early impressions focus on how iOS handles the small outer display. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, released earlier this year, serves as the direct comparison point. The two phones have different physical proportions, which changes how users interact with them.

Allison Johnson, a reviewer for The Verge, noted that the iPhone Duo feels more difficult to use with one hand than the Galaxy Z Fold 8. She attributed this to the Fold 8’s taller and narrower shape, which allows for easier access to the cover screen. The iPhone Duo’s design places the dock on the right side of the 5.4-inch display. This layout creates a large empty space that is not used for content.

The sidebar was intended to improve navigation by shrinking the available space. This forces media to appear taller, similar to a standard slab phone. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 leaves this space free for main content. Johnson observed that when the Fold 8 uses a navigation bar instead of gestures, the difference in screen space is less obvious. But for users who rely on navigation gestures on the Samsung device, very little screen space is wasted.

The comparison is further illustrated by a post on Twitter/X, which shows the stark difference in usable area between the two phones. The iPhone Duo’s approach aims to save space by restricting the display area. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 demonstrates that leaving the space open works well for users. Apple’s implementation represents its first attempt at this form factor. Samsung has refined its Android implementation over several years of foldable releases.

The iPhone Duo is already available in limited quantities. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 continues to be a success for Samsung. The physical difference between the two devices is a key factor in user experience. The iPhone Duo’s sidebar takes up a fixed portion of the screen. This reduces the area available for apps and media. The Galaxy Z Fold 8’s outer screen remains fully available for content. Users who prefer a larger touchable area on the cover display may find the iPhone Duo’s layout restrictive.