Nothing founder Carl Pei argues Apple's foldable phone lacks essential hardware for its high price tag, citing missing cameras and biometrics.
Key points
- Carl Pei states the iPhone Duo is a waste of money.
- The device lacks a telephoto camera and Face ID.
- The internal selfie camera is downgraded in this model.
Nothing CEO Carl Pei has publicly criticized Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone, labeling the $2,000 price tag as unjustified. He argues that the device omits key hardware features that consumers expect at this premium cost point.
What happened
According to reports from Neowin and Android Authority, Carl Pei, the CEO of Nothing, expressed skepticism about the value proposition of Apple's foldable smartphone. Pei described the $2,000 iPhone Duo as a "waste of money," suggesting that the high cost does not align with the device's specifications. This commentary has sparked debate regarding the pricing strategy for Apple's new hardware category.
Android Authority notes that Pei's criticism focuses on specific hardware omissions in the foldable design. The device reportedly lacks a dedicated telephoto camera lens, which is a standard feature in many high-end smartphones. Additionally, the phone does not include Face ID technology, a primary biometric authentication method for current iPhones.
Pei also highlighted issues with the front-facing camera setup. According to the reports, the internal selfie camera has been downgraded compared to other models in the lineup. These hardware reductions, combined with the steep price, form the basis of Pei's argument that consumers are not receiving adequate value for their investment.
Why it matters
The comments from a prominent tech CEO highlight growing scrutiny over premium pricing in the smartphone market. When flagship devices omit standard features like telephoto lenses or advanced biometrics, it challenges consumer expectations for value. This debate influences how IT teams and individual users evaluate the total cost of ownership for new hardware acquisitions.
For security and IT professionals, the absence of Face ID in a high-cost device is notable. Biometric authentication is a critical layer of device security, and its removal may require alternative access control strategies. Organizations must assess whether the hardware limitations of new devices align with their security policies and user requirements before deploying them.
The fix
- Review hardware specifications against security requirements.
- Verify biometric authentication capabilities before purchase.
- Assess camera features for operational needs.
- Compare pricing against feature sets from competitors.
What to do and how to stay safe: Apple
- Audit current device procurement policies to ensure hardware meets security standards.
- Evaluate alternative devices that offer required biometrics and camera features.
- Monitor vendor announcements for final specifications before committing budgets.
- Consult with end-users to confirm feature requirements for productivity.
Step-by-step guide: What is password policies and how they protect systems
General security guidance from the Crypt Weekly newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Carl Pei think the iPhone Duo is a waste of money?
Pei argues the $2,000 price is unjustified because the device lacks a telephoto camera, Face ID, and has a downgraded selfie camera.
What specific features are missing from the iPhone Duo?
According to reports, the device misses a telephoto camera, Face ID, and includes a downgraded internal selfie camera.
Who is Carl Pei?
Carl Pei is the CEO of Nothing, a smartphone manufacturer known for its transparent design aesthetics.
