GoKawiilTest finds under-display selfie cameras still trail regular sensors, ahead of iPhone Duo launch
Android Authority compared selfie shots from three phones with under-display cameras—the REDMAGIC 11 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Redmi Note 17 Pro Max—against the backdrop of Apple's iPhone Duo foldable, which uses an under-display selfie camera for the first time. The tester found the REDMAGIC's photos oversharpened and smeared detail, while the Z Fold 8 produced more natural results despite a lower megapixel count, and the Redmi phone showed splotchy textures despite its 32MP sensor.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The comparison suggests that megapixel count alone doesn't determine under-display camera quality, and that current implementations of this technology still lag behind conventional front cameras in fine detail. This raises questions about whether Apple's decision to adopt an under-display camera on the iPhone Duo, after Samsung stepped away from the feature on its latest Fold models, could result in selfie quality trade-offs despite Apple's stated aim of prioritizing video-call performance.
- Under-display selfie cameras reduce light reaching the sensor, limiting detail even in daylight.
- Higher megapixel counts didn't guarantee better image quality among the three phones tested.
- Samsung dropped under-display cameras from its newest Fold models while Apple adopted the feature for its first foldable, the iPhone Duo.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 — If you want a foldable with a proven, non-under-display selfie camera setup that still delivers sharp video calls, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a solid pick discussed right in this comparison. It shows how Samsung's approach avoids the image quality compromises that under-display cameras like the iPhone Duo's still struggle with.
See Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-09-23
Published there as: “The iPhone Duo’s under-display camera is a bad idea — these 5 photos prove why”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.