The newly launched iPhone Duo has come under scrutiny over its durability after a stress test by popular tech YouTuber JerryRigEverything showed the foldable smartphone’s inner screen scratching easily and suffering damage during a bending test.
A video shared on X by Sanju Choudhary (@saaaanjjjuuu) features the durability assessment conducted by JerryRigEverything, the YouTube channel run by American tech creator Zach Nelson. Known for testing smartphones under physical stress, Nelson examines devices for their resistance to scratches, bending and other forms of wear and tear.
During the test, the iPhone Duo’s outer Ceramic Shield 2 display reportedly performed similarly to the screens on recent iPhone models. However, the foldable inner display raised concerns about its ability to withstand everyday use. It reportedly developed scratches at level 2 on the hardness scale, suggesting that the flexible screen could be vulnerable to contact with certain materials.
The test also raised questions about the hinge mechanism and the device’s overall structural strength. Dust-related concerns were highlighted, while bending the phone reportedly caused green lines to appear on the inner display, eventually leaving the screen unusable. Information accompanying the video put the potential repair cost at around $1,000.
Although the hinge appeared to withstand repeated folding, the crease on the inner screen reportedly became more pronounced during testing. The findings have fuelled discussion about the durability challenges associated with foldable smartphones, whose flexible displays and moving components can be more vulnerable to damage than conventional phone designs.
Viral Video Sparks Reactions Online
As the video circulated on social media, viewers responded with a mixture of surprise, amusement and criticism. Some users said they had eagerly awaited the test, while others expressed disbelief at the device’s reported performance.
One user described initially smiling upon seeing the video, only for that reaction to turn into shock after the phone sustained damage. Another remarked that the durability test had attracted almost as much anticipation as the smartphone itself.
The device’s reported price also became a major talking point. One commenter questioned whether a smartphone reportedly costing around Rs 3 lakh could justify such durability concerns. Others, however, argued that a single stress test should not necessarily be treated as a complete assessment of a device’s performance under normal usage.
The discussion also revived the broader debate over the practicality of foldable phones. While some users questioned whether the design offered enough everyday benefits to justify its cost and potential repair expenses, others pointed out that controlled stress tests are not always representative of typical handling.
The viral test has brought renewed attention to the balance between innovation, durability and repair costs in the premium smartphone segment. However, the results of a single test do not establish how every unit will perform under everyday conditions.