iPhone Duo or iPad Mini

[u/OwnProfessor3287]

Thinking of canceling my iPhone Duo order and waiting to see if a new iPad mini comes out soon.

This morning I saw a post by Mac Rumors saying Apple accidentally posted on their French regulatory site the new iPad mini folio for an unreleased iPad mini model.

I unfortunately got a Dec 7 shipping window for my duo order.

Also, as I’ve been walking around and living life, I frequently find myself wondering how I’d use the Duo and how often I would unfold the phone when I’m not home.

I also loved my iPad mini 6 that I traded in ahead of the duo release.

So now I’m debating on whether to cancel my duo order and see what iPad mini comes out?

I guess the later shipping window I got also gives me a chance to see if there are any major issues with the duo like a fragile inner screen, etc

[u/HuskyLemons]

Don’t cancel. That late ship date works in your favor. The iPad mini is expected to be announced the last week of October so that will give you time to decide. You can cancel later, but if you cancel now you won’t get a Duo until next year if you change your mind

[u/AgentStockey → u/HuskyLemons]

I was just going to say this - OP's December Duo ship date works out perfectly. In the meantime, OP could actually order the new Mini, try it for two weeks, then return it if they don't like it. All before the Duo gets there. Then try the Duo for two weeks, and see if they like that better. Or alternatively, order the Mini to coincide with the ship date of the Duo and try both simultaneously. Return one after two weeks. I doubt the Mini will go on backorder unless there's some hot new Mini tech (which I doubt).

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/AgentStockey]

The iPad Mini has been out for a while and now it’s just small iteration updates and Apple can manufacture a lot of them at a time versus the Duo

But yeah I’m going to leave the Dec order in place for the Duo and wait to see if a mini comes out and go from there

[u/Glum-Philosophy3280 → u/AgentStockey]

I like how you think!

[u/Scarlizz → u/HuskyLemons]

This. I plan to do that. Was lucky enough to get launch day duo but waiting for the specs of mini 8 now

[u/Longjumping-Log-5457 → u/HuskyLemons]

There are usually in-store ones Apple keeps on launch day. If you're really desperate and don't mind the lines, you can try to stand in line on Oct 23 and ask to buy one. Me, I'd never buy the Duo without getting my hands on it...I still doubt I'd buy it. Too expensive for me, and I really want the smallest modern iPhone I can get. I miss my 13 mini...

[u/sf9to5 → u/Longjumping-Log-5457]

I miss my 13 mini too

[u/Best_Day_3041]

I never thought about getting a Mini before, but after seeing the Duo I'm thinking about getting a Mini and that being my at home phone. Once I walk in the door I put down my iPhone and switch to a Mini. The Duo doesn't appeal to me at all.

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/Best_Day_3041]

That’s what I did with my Mini 6. I would put my phone on my computer desk and mainly use the mini at home

And if I went on trips I’d use it on a tablet mount in my car and use it for navigation and music (I don’t have CarPlay)

I’m just wondering though would I use the duo larger screen if not at home? I work from home and so I have the TV on in the background and then I also have an iPad Pro M4 13” and an iMac and a MBP

[u/wtfmatey88 → u/Best_Day_3041]

This is what I do now, but the Mini is annoying to type on and it’s somewhat jarring going from 120hz all day to 60hz.

[u/Best_Day_3041 → u/wtfmatey88]

I can see that. I have big hands though, and mostly use dictation anyway, so hopefully it will be ok.

[u/Synaptic_Jack → u/Best_Day_3041]

My use case is similar to yours; my iPad mini is my go-to device for reading and media. Currently, I carry two devices everywhere: my iPhone 16 and either my cellular iPad Mini or a Kindle. I'm still planning to get the Duo in mid-November. I love the idea of a larger folding screen for reading on the Kindle and Apple Books apps, all while carrying one less device and saving on a cellular plan.

[u/FizzySam81 → u/Best_Day_3041]

I thought I would do this but I never did 🙈 once the novelty wore off my mini was in a drawer & only came out for flights to watch my films & stuff. Admittedly I do take quite a few flights a year but apart from that it was redundant

[u/Best_Day_3041 → u/FizzySam81]

It's possible I find the same to be true, but am planning to give it a shot. I have an 11 inch iPad but never really use it. I feel like the mini may be just the right size to carry around at home. We'll see.

[u/falconxp]

Not really have a use case for the Duo. When i
am outside I use my 18P. When I want to consume digital content like reddit, websites, digital newspapers I switch to the mini. I find the Duo too much of a compromise for my usage and like the current combination more. The mini is small enough to put in my backpack.

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/falconxp]

That makes sense, plus the 18p and the rumored new iPad mini each would be more superior or in terms of specs. What makes the duo so expensive is the hinge and the internal screen

But yeah when I had my mini 6 I would switch to that when I was at home and leave my 16p on my computer desk.

I also have an iPad Pro M4 14” which is far superior to any mobile device I own and so that makes me wonder should I even buy a new mini when it comes out.

[u/falconxp → u/OwnProfessor3287]

I find the mini an ideal travel device on an airplane or long distance train in Europe. Easy to pack in the luggage and absorb content like movies on the move.

[u/thestoictraveler]

I am planning on getting both, actually if my Duo ships out November 6 like it said it might, they might both come on the same day. I’ll let you know which one’s better.

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/thestoictraveler]

Allegedly the new iPad mini is going to be announced at the end of this month and so we will see what happens

[u/OwnProfessor3287]

Some things I don’t like about the Duo is no Face ID and having to scan my finger on the button is annoying, especially since I sweat a lot in the summer.

And I worry about how fragile that inner screen is. Some Samsung fold owners report that if they press too hard on the inner screen of their phone it leaves a permanent indent

[u/Michdepainblanc2 → u/OwnProfessor3287]

I have a Motorola RAZR and yes you can scratch the screen with your fingernails since the screen is not made out of glass. Imo foldables are not quite there as the "definitive phone"

Also, idk if this happens to every foldables, but the "included" screen protector (that must not be removed) on my RAZR is deteriorating by itself and there are lines at the crease. If it breaks (can happen on its own), it can puncture the display and basically kill the phone. I also can't change it myself and can't send it to Motorola since I'm in Canada.

My next phone will be a "normal" iPhone since I'm tired of the bullshit.

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/Michdepainblanc2]

That’s what I’m worried about is how easy will it be to cause a dent on the inner screen of the duo

[u/Michdepainblanc2 → u/OwnProfessor3287]

I assume that it will be the same as every other foldable, but that might not be the case

[u/Longjumping-Log-5457]

Getting the eighth gen iPad mini and keeping my iPhone 17.

[u/Smokethehun → u/Longjumping-Log-5457]

This!

Maybe the iPad mini 8 will be my last tech purchase until 2028-ish when the AI datacenters are done expanding and components are no longer $carce.

[u/Longjumping-Log-5457 → u/Smokethehun]

I might do the same as you. I did buy three of the new AppleTV 4Ks to replace the ones in our house that are 5-7 years old, and replaced my Apple Watch Series 10 with a 12. We use the AppleTVs for all TV stuff, and live TV we have YouTubeTV, so they're heavily used. I have the A17 Pro iPad mini, but if it's true the new one is getting OLED, that alone will be worth it. My Macs are fine - M3 Air and M2 Max Studio, and there's nothing wrong with either of them, even if they're out of warranty or soon will be. I'm hoping for the prices to come down a bit and supplies to replenish and I think 2028 will be the year for a new desktop Mac.

[u/Glum-Philosophy3280]

I’m in the same boat. Nov 2-9 delivery, but I’m almost thinking I buy both and see which one I pick up more. I’m not a huge fan of the tear downs or all of the hinge issues. Seems like a problem waiting to happen, and I like glossy screens over matte.

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/Glum-Philosophy3280]

I went to T-Mobile store to see a duo in person.

I like the build quality

The hinge was tight to open and close

The phone is too wide in the hand closed and I have big hands

The crease was noticeable when the inner screen was turned off and when playing movies that had dark scenes

The camera app malfunctioned a few times, I had the phone unfolded and turned on the camera app, I then switched the camera to the inner camera to test quality, the app would not close when I swiped up

I had to fold and unfold the phone a few times to then be able to swipe up to close the camera app.

I then tried out a galaxy fold which to me had a much smoother open and close

But the build quality felt cheaper on the galaxy, the crease was much more noticeable on the inner display with it turned on

But I did like the size of the galaxy fold ultra

[u/Glum-Philosophy3280 → u/OwnProfessor3287]

Sounds like you’re leaning towards a mini to me. You could always get both and see which one you end up reaching for more often. That’s what I plan on doing.

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/Glum-Philosophy3280]

Yeah I’m not sure to be honest

I feel like the iPad mini 8 will be great, seems like a beast of an iPad

I know the gripe is the price versus the 60hz display

But I think it’s a worthy upgrade

Plus that acoustic display and no speaker grille seems cool

[u/Scary_Building3964]

try the duo and if you don’t like it, return and get the mini? because the back order for duo is insane now that the earliest delivery i got is 27 jan 2027

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/Scary_Building3964]

Yeah I suppose I could do that too.

I guess this also gives me a chance to stop by a store and check out the duo in person as well.

[u/FizzySam81]

I traded my iPad mini to Apple for vouchers to go towards the Duo. I got a delivery date 9-16th Nov but now im also thinking do I even want it. I believe there’s a new mini coming out in November so half tempted to get that & wait for Air2 (currently have iPhone Air.) I think my duo will be closed apart from when at home but I’ve seen the passport style phones plenty out & about & the small screen isn’t bad to be fair

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/FizzySam81]

I have the iPhone 16 Pro and I like how good of photos it takes, so I’m wondering do I want to give that up.

I worry about how fragile the inner screen is and also I have big hands, I’d imagine if when I’m not at home I won’t be using the big screen as much and will I get annoyed using the small outer screen.

I also don’t like that the Duo doesn’t have Face ID and scanning my finger everytime I need to login to something is annoying.

But what I think I’m going to do is wait a bit, mid December is a while, and see if Apple comes out with a new iPad mini

[u/FizzySam81 → u/OwnProfessor3287]

Think they have another event next week which is where the mini 8 is meant to be announced so paws crossed. I’ve only missed my UW lens, the air takes perfectly good pics for my needs.

[u/RhubarbAndCustard06]

With a Dec 7 shipping window, hopefully there should be time for you to wait until the Mini is announced and then cancel the Duo order if you want the Mini instead. No one except Apple knows what the Mini specs/pricing is at this point.

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/RhubarbAndCustard06]

That’s true and I suppose that gives me time to go and see the Duo in person at a store and get a feel for it

[u/Grimkok]

I’ve preordered the Duo; it’ll arrive in the Nov 2-9 window.

At first I was kind of bummed to miss the first wave, but that gives me plenty of time to see the new iPad mini come out and decide from there. From what we know so far, I’d rather have the iPad mini because of superior pencil support and (probably) a better screen.

I think my version of having my cake and eating it too would be an iPhone pro short and squat like the unfolded Duo plus a iPad Mini as close to the Pro line as what can be managed in the smaller frame.

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/Grimkok]

I was bummed as well but then I realized that this will give me a chance to see all of the YouTube videos and see if there’s any major issues with the Duo.

This also maybe give a chance to see if a new iPad mini gets released.

And it also gives the chance to go to a store after the Duo officially comes out next week and see it for myself.

[u/Jiangcool9]

Well you don’t really have an option but to wait anyway. Duo ordered are backed till January, and mini will probably be announced end of october

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/Jiangcool9]

Duo probably back ordered until end of 2027. Apple stopped the window from slipping past Jan 2027 around 10 minutes into pre-orders opening.

People continued pre-ordering all day, so if the shipping window slipped 3 months every 10 minutes then most people won’t even get a duo in 2027 at all maybe not even 2028

[u/FabioSolari → u/OwnProfessor3287]

That is not how logistics work. At all.

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/FabioSolari]

Please tell me how they work, if you have info on how Apple is going to suddenly fix the manufacturing issues with the duo please provide that information

[u/Xeno_2359]

Keep duo on order while you wait for Mini then decide

[u/StairwayHiker]

I’d never get a foldable phone because the displays are too fragile, I’d never accept a crease, and I enjoy the single pro max screen so much. The Duo is a massive compromise on every from camera to quality of reading experience (the crease). As you know already you can get a no compromise iPhone and iPad mini for about the same cost as a Duo.

You already own a larger iPad you obviously don’t use much and I doubt nothing would change if you got an iPad mini. Really, your smart move would be to keep your iPhone 16 until it dies and consider something different several years from now.

You be you, but you might regret one day burning all the discretionary spending cash “today” on disposable mobile tech. Building up significant savings for a rainy day is sensible. Don’t be lured by the power of mobile tech marketing.

Mac Rumours reported a few weeks ago the pricing of replacement of the thin screen layer via AppleCare. You can google it lol.

I also learned from my own poor choice…. I had a large iPad and never used it much. I got an iPad mini 7 on sale and love it for reading books and newspapers.

Be well.

[u/PiccoloConnect2709 → u/StairwayHiker]

How much was the iPad mini ?

[u/Two-Space]

I’d wait to try both for yourself in a store. My entry into the Apple world came when I went into a store convinced I really wanted an iPad, and somehow I ended up walking out with a MacBook instead.

[u/BubblyResident7764]

Get the Duo 2 in 1 phone and tablet

[u/gordy06]

I have the iPad mini 7 and getting the Duo. I’m not that concerned about oled for that much more and I expect the duo to replace some of the use cases.

[u/mw_yyc]

You could probably resell the duo with a small profit if it’s unopened and use that towards the mini!

[u/Mystique-Ofsorts]

Since I’ve a mini 6th edition working perfectly and an iPhone 15 plus lol if I buy a duo for that shit ton of money

[u/Ill-Mastodon-8692]

can I fold ipad mini and put in in my pocket?

no

okay then, not the same product

[u/Michdepainblanc2 → u/Ill-Mastodon-8692]

Can I scratch the iPad Mini display with my fingernails? Nope 😛

[u/Ill-Mastodon-8692 → u/Michdepainblanc2]

exactly different products, I love my mini, but its not a fold.

[u/[deleted]]

[u/OwnProfessor3287 → u/[deleted]]

That’s true, that’s actually what I’m thinking of doing.

Mid December gives me time to see what Apple announces and in the mean time once the Duo is in store on display I can go take a look