Apple iPhone Duo vs. Motorola Razr Ultra: How do these foldables compare?
The deepest division is form factors. While both devices offer internal and external displays, with adaptable interfaces depending on how they’re folded, the Ultra adopts a standard candy bar layout when opened, measuring 7 inches diagonally. The objective is to offer a device that is as compact as possible, easier to slip into your pocket or your handbag, even if it means sacrificing certain functions of its external screen. The Duo, for its part, is shaped like a passport. It works like a regular iPhone when closed and opens to provide a 7.6-inch matte display similar to an iPad. It can’t literally run iPad apps, but it still extends the functionality of compatible iPhone software, in some cases allowing split-screen multitasking. If you expect to get more work done with a foldable, the Duo wins by default.
Performance
In terms of performance, the devices are closer than you think. We haven’t compared the Duo yet, as it doesn’t ship until October 23, but the Ultra has a fast Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 16GB of RAM. The Duo will likely rank faster thanks to Apple’s new A20 Pro chip and the usual iOS optimizations. However, for the vast majority of applications there should not be much difference.
Cameras
The devices are superficially comparable in terms of cameras, with each having two rear cameras – one wide, one ultra-wide – with Apple’s rated at 48 megapixels and Motorola’s at 50. The devil is in the engineering, though. iPhone cameras are generally among the highest-rated in the industry, so we wouldn’t be surprised if the Duo continues that trend and beats the Ultra, which has struggled compared to competitors like Google’s Pixel series.
On the other hand, the Ultra’s front camera also packs 50 megapixels, while the Duo’s is limited to 12. The Duo has an additional internal camera under the display, but it could actually be worse. Apple doesn’t even share its megapixel count and primarily sells it as a tool for FaceTime video calls. Selfie addicts will want to unfold and flip the Duo to use those rear sensors.
Battery and durability
The Ultra’s battery lasted 31 hours in our video tests, and Apple claims a comparable amount for the Duo when using the internal display. In other words, both phones should last a full day of mixed use. As for ruggedness, both use tempered ceramic glass to protect the exposed front screen; However, the Duo has a higher IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, compared to the Ultra’s IP48. To translate, they can both be submerged in fresh water for a short time – it’s just that the Ultra is potentially vulnerable to dust particles smaller than a millimeter. You’ll probably be fine if you don’t take your phone to the Sahara.
