Nothing CEO Carl Pei Criticizes High Cost of iPhone Duo

Ender Öztürk

October 12, 2026

Nothing founder and CEO Carl Pei has publicly criticized Apple’s latest foldable device, the iPhone Duo, arguing that the smartphone fails to justify its premium price tag. In a recent video posted to his Instagram account, Pei compared the $1,999 device directly to the iPhone 18 Pro, highlighting significant technical compromises. According to Pei, the iPhone Duo lacks several high-end features found in the standard Pro models, suggesting that despite its innovative foldable nature, the device does not provide sufficient value for the money spent by consumers in the competitive smartphone market.

Three Key Technical Deficiencies Diminish Value

Pei’s critique centers on three specific hardware omissions that he believes undermine the user experience. The most notable absence is the lack of Face ID, which Apple removed to facilitate the phone’s thin, foldable profile, opting instead for a side-mounted Touch ID sensor. Furthermore, the camera system consists of a dual 48 MP setup, lacking the specialized telephoto module present in the iPhone 18 Pro. Finally, Pei pointed out that the under-display selfie camera does not match the image quality standards established by Apple’s traditional flagship models.

Premium Pricing Ignores Manufacturing Realities

While Pei’s evaluation focuses on technical specifications, he notably overlooks the immense research and development costs associated with foldable screen technology and hinge mechanisms. Apple has prioritized mechanical precision and software integration, particularly with its widely praised screen opening animations. Although the company is not the first to enter the foldable sector, Pei acknowledges that Apple’s obsession with detail allows the brand to command a luxury price point that rivals are unable to justify with their own offerings.

Local Market Impact Shows Significant Price Gap

The pricing strategy for the iPhone Duo in Turkey highlights the disparity between standard flagships and this experimental category. The device starts at 229,999 TL for the 256 GB model, scaling up to 335,999 TL for the 2 TB version. In comparison, the iPhone 18 Pro enters the market at a significantly lower 137,999 TL. Prospective buyers in the region will be able to place pre-orders starting October 16, with the official retail launch scheduled for October 23. This massive price difference forces consumers to decide if a foldable form factor is worth the substantial financial premium over a more capable standard device.

Objective Analysis Questions Market Positioning

Critics of Pei’s assessment argue that his status as a competitor makes his remarks inherently biased. However, the technical points raised regarding the lack of a telephoto lens and biometric security are undeniable facts. The first generation of any foldable device often requires compromises to achieve the desired form factor. Ultimately, consumers must determine if the novelty of the foldable design outweighs the loss of standard flagship features in a device that costs almost double that of a traditional smartphone.

Do you believe the foldable form factor justifies the massive price jump, or would you prefer the superior camera and security features of a traditional flagship? Share your thoughts in the comments below.