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The new Apple iPhone Duo is $1,000 off with this wild preorder deal — how to claim now
TL;DR: The new Apple iPhone Duo is $1,000 off with T-Mobile. To qualify for this preorder deal, you need to switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on an Experience Beyond plan.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Apple iPhone Duo for $1,000 off Shop NowThe launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max had a big impact, but the iPhone Duo's drop has resulted in absolute chaos. It's Apple's first-ever foldable phone — what did you expect?
Stan Schroeder reviewed the iPhone Duo for Mashable, writing that it's the "first choice for Apple customers looking for a cool new phone."
Preorders for the Apple iPhone Duo are officially live, and T-Mobile is coming out of the gate with one of its biggest carrier promotions of the year.
Right now, T-Mobile is offering up to $1,000 off the Apple iPhone Duo via 36 monthly bill credits when you switch and bring your number on an Experience Beyond plan. You are still required to cover local sales tax on the phone's full pre-credit retail value upfront at checkout, plus T-Mobile's standard $35 device connection fee.
The $1,000 discount is distributed as 36 monthly bill credits. If you decide to cancel your service, downgrade your plan, or switch carriers before three years have passed, the remaining hardware balance becomes due immediately. But if you are already planning to stick with T-Mobile's top-tier unlimited plan for the long haul, taking $1,000 off Apple's iPhone Duo is a massive win for your tech budget ahead of Black Friday.
Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableCarrier deals like this might be your best chance to score the iPhone Duo. Preorders for the iPhone Duo opened last week, and the phone sold out moments later. Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Werth tried to get his hands on the new phone, but missed the "blink-and-you'll-miss-it window."
Blink's new security cameras have extreme range to cover your sprawling home
Amazon just made it easier to secure the farthest reaches of your home — even if you have a giant yard. Blink has introduced five new security cameras, including two with extra-long range.
DJIs early Black Friday deals are live — save on 15+ top-rated drones and creator gear
Black Friday is still weeks away, but early discounts on creator gear are already dropping — and DJI is leading the pack. Whether you're upgrading your travel video kit or building out an off-grid content station, early holiday deals let you save up to $550 across the brand's top-tier lineup.
Right now, you can lock in substantial price cuts on heavy hitters like the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo, the ultra-compact DJI Mic 3, and more. We searched through all the early holiday sales to pull out the very best deals on DJI gear. Below are the best early DJI Black Friday deals available to shop right now.
SEE ALSO: Shop the best early Black Friday cordless tool deals: Score a free battery with select discounts Best DJI drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo With DJI RC $620 at Amazon$719 Save $99 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Weighing under 249 grams, the DJI Mini 3 skips FAA registration for casual flyers while still packing a crisp 4K camera that rotates vertically for instant TikTok and Instagram Reels shots. It handles windy conditions effortlessly, uses automated flight modes to capture cinematic aerial video at the push of a button, and sends footage straight to your phone over WiFi.
Stepping up to the Fly More Combo gets you three total batteries for almost two hours of total fly time, a shoulder bag, and the upgraded DJI RC controller — which features its own built-in screen so you don't have to tie up or drain your phone while flying.
More DJI drone dealsDJI Neo — $169 $199 (save $30)
DJI Mini 3 — $385 $419 (save $30)
DJI Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo — $2,670 $2,899 (save $229)
$629 Save $134 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the ultimate pocket-sized vlogging camera, packing a large 1-inch sensor that captures crisp 4K/120fps video and impressive low-light shots. Its built-in motorized stabilizer keeps your footage buttery smooth while walking around, and the quick 2-inch screen twists sideways to instantly switch between standard landscape video and vertical clips for TikTok.
It automatically tracks your face to keep you in focus while moving, so you never have to worry about stepping out of frame. Grabbing the Creator Combo adds an extra battery handle for longer shoots, a wireless clip-on microphone for crisp voice audio, a mini tripod, and a carrying bag — giving you a complete studio that travels with you.
More DJI camera dealsDJI Osmo Pocket 3 — $395 $499 (save $104)
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlog Bundle (with DJI Mic Mini) — $419 $532.00 (save $113)
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Filter Bundle — $425.99 $505.99 (save $80)
DJI Osmo 360 Camera Adventure Combo — $629.99 $664.99 (save $35)
$329 Save $70 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
The DJI Mic 3 makes capturing studio-quality voice audio stupidly simple, whether you're hosting a two-person podcast or filming street interviews in a noisy crowd. Small enough to clip onto a shirt and toss in your pocket, it features built-in noise cancellation and automatic volume leveling so your sound stays clear without clipping — whether you're whispering or screaming.
It pairs instantly with phones and cameras, or directly with DJI gear like the Osmo Pocket and Action series, without extra dongles getting in the way. Plus, it records a backup file directly inside the clip-on mics, so you'll never lose a good take.
More DJI mic dealsDJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) — $79 $99 (save $20)
DJI Mic 2 (1 TX + 1 RX) — $129 $179 (save $50)
DJI Mic 2 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) — $199 $269 (save $70)
$1,299 Save $549.01 Get Deal at Amazon
The DJI Power 2000 earned a high 4.3 rating in our hands-on testing as a massive, ultra-quiet battery hub for camping, content creation, or emergency home backup. Its huge capacity easily runs everything from heavy-duty kitchen appliances to laptops, while proprietary fast-charging ports rapidly juice up DJI drone batteries right in the field.
It operates at a whisper-quiet noise level, recharges to 80% in under an hour, and lasts for more than a decade of daily use thanks to its ultra-durable battery tech. You can easily monitor power levels on your phone through the DJI app, use it as an instant backup during power outages, and even hook up add-on batteries down the road if you need continuous, multi-day power.
More DJI power station dealsDJI Power 140W GaN Charger — $52.49 $69.99 (save $17.50)
DJI Power 140W GaN Charging Combo — $63.99 $79.99 (save $16)
DJI Power 1000 V2 Portable Power Station — $399.98 $699.00 (save $299.02)
5 powerful smart home automations you can build without buying any new devices
Setting up a smart home can be an expensive business. Not only do you need a device to run your smart home, but you also need all the devices for it to control. If you already have smart home devices set up, however, then there are plenty of incredibly useful automations that you can set up without needing to buy anything new.
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is (almost) free this week — how to claim this live deal
TL;DR: The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is $1,000 off with T-Mobile. To claim this offer, switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Shop NowThe iPhone Duo is now available to preorder, but actually getting your hands on Apple's first foldable is almost impossible. So what are iPhone fans supposed to do now? Consider the best deals on the Apple iPhone 18 Pro, of course.
For a limited time, the Apple iPhone 18 Pro is available for under $200 when you switch and bring your number or trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. That's a ridiculously low rate to pay for a phone that was released just weeks ago.
The full savings are distributed as monthly credits over a 36-month payment plan. If you leave T-Mobile before the end of the three-year commitment, you will be charged the remaining balance. You're paying an incredibly low upfront cost, but you are committing to stick it out with T-Mobile. That's how they get you.
You do also need to pay local sales tax on the phone's full retail value upfront, plus a standard $35 device connection fee per line at checkout. That's something you simply can't escape with this type of mobile carrier deal.
Get the Apple iPhone 18 Pro for under $200 this week with T-Mobile.
This free Docker management tool replaced 5 of my most essentail containers
In most homelabs, Docker management involves more than running the applications you actually want to use. One container manages your other containers, another checks for image updates, and a separate service handles logs. Before long, you have several containers dedicated to managing the rest of your containers.
How to watch Como vs. Manchester United online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Como vs. Manchester United in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Champions League is a tough competition. Manchester United started their campaign with a comfortable victory over Sabah but suffered a disappointing defeat to Atlético Madrid in the second round. There's now some serious pressure on Michael Carrick's team as they head to Como.
Como are also sat on six points after two games, ahead of Manchester United by virtue of goal difference. We're expecting a close contest.
If you want to watch Como vs. Manchester United in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Como vs. Manchester United?Como vs. Manchester United in the Champions League kicks off at 12:45 p.m. ET on Oct. 21. This fixture takes place at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium.
How to watch Como vs. Manchester United for freeComo vs. Manchester United is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.
Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access it for free with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Como vs. Manchester United for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland
Visit Virgin Media Player
Watch Como vs. Manchester United for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Como vs. Manchester United (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries, including Ireland
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.
Live stream Como vs. Manchester United in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.
The best early TV deals to shop if you cant wait until Black Friday
TV prices tend to follow a seasonal cycle, where each major sale outshines the previous one. In other words, while October Prime Day brought us plenty of excellent TV deals, we expect Black Friday to deliver even better ones.
That being said, we're a bit far out from the official Black Friday sales event. The best of the best discounts are yet to come. Still, if your TV has taken its last breath and you can't wait until the day after Thanksgiving to grab a new one, there are a decent number of TVs already on sale at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Our favorite OLED TV of 2026 is down to a record-low, while we're seeing small budget picks as low as $68 (yes, really).
Our tech experts will be diligently watching TV prices in the lead up to, during, and post-Black Friday to find all the best deals available from top brands like TCL, Samsung, Hisense, Amazon Fire TV, LG, and beyond. Stay tuned as the shopping season heats up.
Need some guidance? Check out Mashable's guide to TV specs for a quick refresh on the difference between QLED, OLED, Mini LED, and RGB displays.
Best early Black Friday TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch C6 OLED 4K TV $1,399.99 at Amazon$2,699.99 Save $1,300.00 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Our favorite OLED TV for most people just keeps getting cheaper. We saw the 65-inch LG C6 OLED TV drop to just $1,499.99 from $2,699.99 during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event, but now it's $100 less as we inch closer to Black Friday. Both Amazon and Best Buy have the same deal, so if one sells out, be sure to check the other.
OLED TVs are expensive, but the C6 is relatively affordable compared to competitors' prices. Thanks to this $1,300 price drop, it's an even more outstanding value. Mashable TV expert Leah Stodart raved about its inky black levels, stark contrast, and "generally impeccable image quality" in our roundup of the best TVs of 2026. It's also worth noting that it has even higher peak brightness, more vibrant colors, better audio, and a higher refresh rate than its predecessor.
Best early Black Friday budget TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 70-inch F50 4K TV $299.99 at Best Buy$499.99 Save $200 Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it
It may not be the fanciest TV on the list, but it's certainly one of the most budget-friendly. If you want a big screen and don't care too much about the specs, the Insignia F50 4K TV will do just fine. Ahead of Black Friday, the 70-inch model is $200 off, knocking the cost down to just $299.99. That's the same price as the 65-inch version of the same TV. So you'll get an extra five inches for free. It has standard LED lighting, HDR 10 for contrast and detail, versatile connectivity (including three HDMI ports), and the immersive DTS Virtual-X sound experience.
More early Black Friday TV dealsUnder 50-inch TV dealsonn. 32-inch HD TV — $68 $88 (save $20)
TCL 40-inch Q3CR QLED TV — $149.99 $299.99 (save $150)
Samsung 43-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $247.99 $349.99 (save $102)
LG 43-inch 75B Mini-LED 4K TV — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)
LG 48-inch B6 OLED 4K TV — $699.99 $1,199.99 (save $500)
Samsung 48-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $749.99 $1,199.99 (save $450)
Insignia 50-inch F50 4K TV — $179.99 $299.99 (save $120)
Hisense 55-inch E6 Hi-QLED 4K TV — $296.99 $429.99 (save $133)
Samsung 55-inch M70H Mini-LED 4k TV — $299.99 $449.99 (save $150)
Hisense 50-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $449.99 $699.99 (save $250)
LG 55-inch B6E OLED 4K TV — $799.99 $1,399.99 (save $600)
LG 55-inch C6 OLED 4K TV — $999.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,000)
Samsung 55-inch R85H RGB 4K TV — $1,029.99 $1,599.99 (save $570)
Toshiba 65-inch G700 ArtVision QLED 4K TV — $997.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,002)
Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $1,297.99 $1,999.99 (save $702)
LG C6 Series OLED 4K TV — $1,399.99 $2,699.99 (save $1,300)
Samsung 65-inch The Frame Pro LS03HW QLED 4K TV — $1,597.99 $1,999.99 (save $402)
Samsung 65-inch R95H RGB 4K TV — $2,799.99 $3,199.99 (save $400)
Insignia 70-inch F50 4K TV — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)
Samsung 75-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $539.25 $729.99 (save $190.74)
TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $1,497.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,502)
LG 85-inch NU700B 4K TV — $699.99 $849.99 (save $150)
TCL 85-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)
Hisense 100-inch U7 Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,999.99 $4,499.99 (save $1,500)
5 new multi-tools to buy in 2026, including a Leatherman that glows in the dark
Multi-tools are an essential gadget that I think everyone should own. With the right model, you'll have an invaluable tool perfect for everyday tasks around the house, on the job, or for your next outdoor adventure. And while many enthusiasts probably have a Leatherman they've owned for years, several exciting new multi-tools arrived in 2026 and are worth buying.
How to use the DROP function in Microsoft Excel
One of the most underused lookup and reference functions in Microsoft Excel is the DROP function. This powerful yet simple function lets you remove a specified number of rows or columns from the start or end of an array without altering the original dataset.
Disneys most iconic villains are taking over McDonalds Boo Buckets: How to buy
Set a reminder for your next drive-thru visit: McDonald’s 2026 Boo Buckets are officially hitting restaurants nationwide from Oct. 20.
This year, McDonald's has delivered a pop-culture glow-up, partnering with Disney to drop five collectible Disney Villain pails just in time for trick-or-treating.
View this post on InstagramSince debuting in 1986, Boo Buckets have been a Halloween staple, but this year's lineup packs serious collector appeal for Disney fans. Each bucket replaces the standard Happy Meal box and features custom character graphics, a decorative lid topper, and a sheet of character-specific stickers.
The five Disney Villains featured in the 2026 release include:
Ursula (The Little Mermaid)
Scar (The Lion King)
Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)
Jafar (Aladdin)
Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians)
Want to get your hands on these new collectibles? Of course you do.
Your best strategy is ordering via the McDonald’s app on launch morning to guarantee your bucket before drive-thru lines wrap around the block. If you already plan to grab a six-piece McNugget meal or a hamburger for lunch, it’s a straightforward Halloween upgrade that doubles as a trick-or-treating essential for later this month.
I made a pocket EDC toolbox that fits 6 tools (and attaches to my phone) [Update: Smaller version]
Those of us who are DIY-minded reach for a few common tools every day. Screwdriver, utility knife, tape measure, pencil, tweezers, and more. I wanted to find a way to keep these tools nearby, so I designed a pocket toolbox with magnets.
Music and podcasts sound better when you change these 4 Samsung Galaxy settings
The way you play your music, listen to your favorite podcasts, and immerse yourself in your comfort movie can be a deeply personal experience. This also calls for the best sound quality your device can deliver, but not all devices are set up by default to give you what you may be looking for.
4 historic power tools that might be hiding in your dad's garage
Most garages fill up with tools the same way attics fill up with boxes. You hang onto stuff because it seemed worth keeping at the time. If your dad was the type to buy quality once and hold onto it, there's a real chance some of what's sitting on his shelves is actually a piece of history. These aren't just fun finds for collectors. Each one changed how power tools were built, wired, or sold to contractors and homeowners. A few of them still work today, as long as you know what to check before you plug them in.
Apple iPhone Duo review: This changes everything
Apple's iPhone Duo is an important phone. The iPhone has been around for two decades, and this is the first time Apple has tried something completely different with its best-selling product. Other companies have had foldable phones for years, but none of those carry the weight of a foldable iPhone. Apple’s ecosystem of iPhone-related products, services, apps, and accessories is vast, and this is a massive new entry in that book.
After a week with the iPhone Duo, I’m happy to report that Apple has done an amazing job. The iPhone Duo is the most exciting iPhone since the first one. It’s not just an iPhone that turns into a small iPad when you unfold it. The form factor and the clever things Apple has done to the user interface open up new possibilities, and after a few days, I found myself doing stuff on the iPhone Duo that I don’t typically do on a regular iPhone: I’ve played games for hours at a time, I’ve tied apps together in a side-by-side view that enhanced my productivity; I’ve used the Duo as a secondary display, next to the MacBook on my desk.
It’s not all perfect. There are drawbacks, compromises, and there are bugs to iron out. But a week in, and I already feel like I couldn’t go back to the regular, non-foldable iPhone.
iPhone Duo review: By the numbers The inner matte display is gorgeous. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableHere are the key specs for the iPhone Duo:
Displays: 5.4-inch Super Retina OLED outer display with a 1,398 x 2,034 pixel resolution; 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 1,878 x 2,670 pixel resolution, nano-texture finish. Both displays support variable refresh rates up to 120Hz.
Design: Titanium foldable design with Ceramic Shield 2 in the front and Ceramic Shield in the back
Size and weight: 4.64 x 6.48 x 0.21 inches when open, 4.64 x 3.31 x 0.44 inches when closed; weight: 8.96 ounces (254 grams)
Rear cameras: 48-megapixel Dual Fusion rear camera system; a 26mm, f/1.6 Fusion Main camera; and a 13mm, f/2.2 Fusion Ultra Wide camera — can also take 12-megapixel 2x digital zoom photos
Front cameras: 12-megapixel, f/2.2 outer display selfie camera with Center Stage; under-display f/1.8 FaceTime camera
Processor: A20 Pro chip (6-core CPU, 7-core GPU, and dual 16-core Neural Engine)
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB
Battery life: Up to 24 hours of typical use, up to 44 hours of video playback on the outer display, and up to 31 hours on the inner display
Fast charging: Up to 50 percent of charge in 20 minutes with a 60W adapter; MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W
Software: iOS 27.1
Water and dust resistance: IP68 rating
Special features: Touch ID fingerprint sensor built into the side button, eSIM-only with Dual eSIM support
If you care about having the fanciest phone, this is the one. It’s a neat little book-like iPhone when folded. But that inner display, once you open it, is the nicest phone display I’ve ever seen. It’s matte and has a 120Hz refresh rate, so when you lay the unfolded Duo on a table, a still image on the display appears solid, like a painting. With this phone, that cool wallpaper you have will finally get recognition. Browsing through photos on this big, beautiful screen is a joy. The transition effect Apple’s designers have conjured for opening and closing the phone does look a little bit like magic.
My iPhone Duo unit was in Night Sky; it’s an understated dark blue. The other available color, Star White, is flashier, but the Duo is flashy enough as it is. The edges of the phone and the outer display are a glossy black; it goes well with the rest of the phone, but I wouldn’t mind if it were all matte, either.
The Duo’s titanium shell is smooth to the touch from all sides and angles. The dual rear camera island rises from the back of the phone far more gently than on the iPhone 18 Pro. Details like that give the Duo a refined look, establishing it as a more luxurious, relaxed phone than the Pro models. Those are for work; the Duo is for enjoying a good book or browsing through your favorite business magazine.
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Optimized for the inner display When positioned like this, the iPhone Duo displays video controls on the bottom half, while the Netflix video plays in the top half. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableOnce I started using the Duo, I realized that some of my habits will change. The iPhone Duo is a regular, thicker, slightly wider, and shorter iPhone when closed. It’s not as nice as a regular iPhone, but the display is still pretty great, and it’s perfectly alright for phone things: Make a call, answer a call, check a message, glance at a notification or an app.
Unfold the Duo, and you get a beautiful, matte, high-resolution canvas for your apps. Anything lasting longer than a minute, and I wanted to do it on this display. It’s better than any iPad, because the iPhone Duo is thinner and lighter than any iPad, making it easier to hold and spend time with. It’s a two-handed display, but it’s still small enough that I could comfortably hold it with one hand when needed.
The Duo’s got round corners and edges, making it very comfortable in my hands. It weighs 21 grams more than my iPhone 17 Pro Max, but the extra weight wasn’t an issue for me. Unfolding it requires two hands, but that's easy to get used to. The hinge does the job smoothly, and there’s a satisfying snap when you fold or unfold the phone fully. The crease down the middle of the larger display is there, but it’s invisible unless you specifically look for it. Same goes for the under-display FaceTime camera, located somewhat awkwardly on top of the inner display, roughly one-third of its length from the right. It has a different texture than the matte display surrounding it, and it is visible under certain light, but most of the time I forgot it was there.
Put it on your desk like this and it can be a secondary display while you work. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableThere’s a learning curve. The outer display required me to use my thumb for basic iPhone apps, positioned vertically, which took some getting used to. The inner display accommodated whichever way I flipped and turned the phone, but this often made me forget where the buttons on the sides are, exactly. Perhaps the biggest issue for me was the lack of Face ID, which was replaced by Touch ID on the side button. The Touch ID works well, but you do need to navigate your finger to it often, and having the phone simply recognize your face as it does on other iPhones would be easier.
Still, Apple got all of this mostly right. Some of these issues were very hard to avoid. Some will likely get ironed out in later variants. But as a first effort, this is by far the best foldable phone I ever used.
The user interface Widgets are typically in my way, but on the iPhone Duo I like having them, as I have so much extra space for folders and apps. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableApple is the best in the world when it comes to user interfaces on phones, computers, and tablets, and even Apple sometimes gets it wrong. For example, the company’s been trying to improve multitasking on the iPad for years, but I still use my iPad one app at a time.
On the Duo, Apple struck the right balance. The iPhone Duo is mostly a regular iPhone when closed, the biggest differences being the vertically laid out controls and Dynamic Island. But since the outer display is wider than your typical iPhone, it was the right move, as everything was easy to reach with my thumb.
The inner display offers a larger canvas for what is still very much an iPhone interface. Your apps, folders, and widgets are all there, only now you can see more of them at the same time. This, for example, makes widgets a lot more usable to me.
Apps like Apple Music take on a new life on the iPhone Duo. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableApple redesigned its apps to look great on the iPhone Duo. Even pedestrian apps like the Weather are suddenly cool to look at; the forecast spreads sharp and detailed over the Duo’s 7.6-inch inner display. Some third-party apps have been redesigned for the Duo; Netflix looks particularly great, with a vast selection of content spreading across the display, and cool features like a control board that pops up on the bottom half of the display when you fold the phone halfway and set it down on a table.
Left: On the Duo, you can have two apps opened in a side-by-side view. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable Right: If you want, you can tie the two apps together so they remain connected; if you move to another app and then go back, the two apps will still appear together. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableConsuming any type of content is so much nicer on the Duo. I can easily imagine myself watching a full-length movie, reading a book, a comic book, or playing a game on this thing. It’s crisp, sharp, beautiful to look at; it’s downright addictive.
This has an unintended downside that will, fortunately, get fixed over time: The apps that weren’t yet optimized for the Duo look like crap. Instead of that super-sharp, wide interface, on most apps I got a blurry little window that I could choose to upscale to fit better inside the big display. This helped a little, but still, using common apps like Gmail, Revolut, or X was almost painful on the Duo. Hopefully, Apple’s reach is big enough to make most developers update this as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’ve finally got a reason to use Apple Maps over Google Maps, as the former looks absolutely gorgeous on the Duo.
Finally, I can navigate on Apple Maps and watch a Mike Tyson documentary at the same time. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableIt’s the little details that make the iPhone Duo experience great. Start folding the phone, and the content on the inner display will pull apart ever so slightly as it moves itself from the fold. Leave the phone slightly folded on a desk, and a new, richer StandBy will pop up, with photos, clock, and calendar. Slide up from an open app and place it into one side of the screen; then tap another app on the left side to get a side-by-side view. Tap the center “link” between the two apps, and they’re now connected and will stay that way until you unlink them (that, by the way, is the perfect amount of multitasking I need on this device). And it all feels fluid and natural, as if Apple’s been doing foldables for years.
Not everything is perfect. The camera interface left me confused, as the viewfinder window never goes into landscape mode, no matter how you turn the phone. Sometimes an app will get buggy and parts of its interface will be obscured or unreachable. QR code scanning in some apps wouldn’t work. There’s nothing here, though, that can’t be fixed with an update.
Performance and battery life The iPhone Duo has speakers on both sides, which is why it has decent stereo separation and Spatial Audio support. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableThe iPhone Duo has Apple’s new A20 Pro chip inside, and it performs great. Everything was snappy, even when I had two apps working in a side-by-side view.
Despite the steep price, you might want to consider how much storage you need on this one, though. Typically, 512GB is plenty for me. But the Duo beckons you to do more gaming and consume more content, and you might find you need more storage than you did on your previous phone.
Battery life was great, with one caveat. In normal use, I’d typically get a day and a half of battery life. But this phone does beckon you to do stuff on its large, inner display, and if you fire up a game like Diablo Immortal, as I did, and spend a few hours with it, you’ll drain that battery a lot faster than you would on a regular iPhone.
iPhone Duo camera review: The camera is alright, but not Pro-grade Lossless zoom only goes to 2x on this one. But the result can still be stunningly good. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableThe Duo has a camera that’s roughly on par with the one on the iPhone 17. It’s a dual camera setup that will produce beautiful photos in the daylight and decent nighttime photos, but without a dedicated telephoto camera, forget about zooming in past 2x.
The main camera on the iPhone Duo takes 24-megapixel photos by default, but you can turn it up to 48 megapixels to get more details when there's plenty of light. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableI tested the iPhone Duo’s camera against iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 18 Pro. As lighting conditions deteriorate, the iPhone Duo’s camera consistently has to work a little harder to produce a good photo, indicating that the main sensor simply gets less light to work with.
In this dark evening scene, the iPhone Duo's camera struggled to find focus; once it did, the photo turned out good, though the belfries in the distance are pretty badly burned. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableThat doesn’t mean you can’t get a great night-time photo, but that Night Mode will have to kick in a little often, and your hand will have to be a little steadier.
Left: The iPhone Duo handles the complex lighting in this photo well, but zoom in and the details are blurry. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable Right: The iPhone 17 Pro Max took a brighter photo, with sharper details and a wider dynamic range. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableThe selfie camera on the outer display is alright, but nothing to write home about. It has a 12-megapixel sensor, compared to the 18-megapixel sensors you get on all iPhones since the iPhone 17. You’ll get decent selfies out of it in good light, but the level of detail will decline sharply in anything other than perfect conditions.
The 12-megapixel outer selfie camera is a step backwards compared to other recent iPhones. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableThe FaceTime camera that’s hidden in the inner display is bad. Any attempt of taking a half-decent selfie will result in a very processed, smudgy, AI-looking photo. There’s a reason it’s called the FaceTime camera; its primary purpose is video calls, not selfies. The problem with that is that you need to be conscious about it. Often times, you’ll have the Duo unfolded and you’ll want to take a selfie, only to remember that you’ll get a far better photo if you fold the Duo and use the outer display’s selfie camera. It’s a compromise I can live with, but I do hope Apple figures out how to improve the inner camera’s quality in the next Duo.
The FaceTime camera hidden inside the inner display is best left for FaceTime. As you can see in this detail from a selfie, the heavy post-processing can result in a slightly cartoonish look. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableHowever, there's good news for selfie addicts. Because the Duo has two displays, you can take selfies with the main camera. The process is a bit involved, as the phone needs to be unfolded; then you have to turn it around and slide it to open the camera view on the smaller display to see a preview of your selfie. This also won't work if you have a case with a flap that goes over the main camera, like the Duo Folio case I tested. But the result is that you can ultimately get better selfies than you can on any other iPhone. Not only will they be in 24- or even 48-megapixel resolution, but you can also use the wide camera or zoom in digitally if needed.
The iPhone Duo took this photo all on its own. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableFinally, the Duo's camera can do a few unique tricks, like Smart Take, which can automatically snap a photo when you're ready for it (thanks to the power of AI); just fold the phone halfway and leave it on a flat surface, then move in front of it and wait a few seconds until the phone does its thing. You can also display a preview of the photo you're taking on the outer display, or show your kids a funny animated cue to grab their attention for a photo.
These novelty features are fun, and the high-res selfies are pretty great, but pure camera performance and the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens will likely be the biggest hurdle for prospective Duo buyers. If you’re getting the priciest, flashiest new iPhone, why aren’t you getting the best camera? I don’t think it’s a case of Apple deliberately making the cameras on the Pro better than the ones on the Duo. More likely, the company just couldn’t squeeze all of the Pro camera features into a foldable device without making it awkwardly heavy. It’s a decision buyers will have to make: If you want the best iPhone camera you can get, go for the latest Pro. If you want the coolest new iPhone that’s best for gaming and enjoying videos, books, and music, get the Duo.
Accessories, cases, and other details You'd think a phone like this doesn't play well with a case, but the Duo Folio is a surprisingly good option. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableIt’d be nice if I could just take all my old iPhone accessories and use them with the Duo. One look at it, and it’s obvious that this isn’t possible. Apple Wallet doesn’t fit, and neither do any of my MagSafe battery packs. Third-party options that fix this already exist, and the list will probably get longer once the Duo launches.
Apple offers two cases, both MagSafe compatible; the company sent me both to try out. The regular iPhone Duo Case, a two-part case that snaps on the phone and protects it from harm, costs $79 and is a decent, albeit not a very versatile option. The iPhone Duo Folio with Kickstand is pricier at $129, but it fully protects the outer display and has a thin, surprisingly usable kickstand on the back as well. No case at all is an option given the inner display is protected, but I suspect the cameras on the rear, and the outer display will get some scratches over time. My choice is the Kickstand case, though in the future I might go for something that also incorporates a wallet.
There are a few other details to consider. The iPhone Duo has stereo speakers on both sides, meaning you get a stereo sound no matter how you turn it. The sound is pretty great, better than on any other iPhone, with a very nice stereo separation.
The phone's design has some minor drawbacks when it comes to calls, though. When the Duo is unfolded, you can only use it in speaker mode; if you want to press it against your ear and talk as if you would into a regular phone, you'll have to fold it first. You'd look ridiculous having an unfolded Duo against your face, anyway, but it is something to consider.
Should you buy or wait? Just go for it (if you can afford it). Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableUnfortunately, it’s not a choice at this point: You have to wait. Apple iPhone Duo has been sold out almost immediately, with waiting lists extending into next year if you order it now. It's not an entirely bad thing. Instead of an impulse buy, go check the Duo out in person at an Apple store, and then decide whether it's worth your money.
The iPhone Duo isn’t easily comparable with other iPhones. It has more to offer, and it’s new, cool, and versatile in ways that other iPhones can’t be. But it’s also incredibly pricey, starting at $1,999 and going up to $3,199 with maximum storage.
The question isn't so much whether the Duo is the better phone than the Pro; it's whether the Duo is a quality-made product with enough novelty to justify the high asking price. That it definitely is. If you can muster it, it’s worth it.
iPhone Duo Save $1,000 at T-MobilePreorder at T-Mobile Preorder at Apple.com Preorder at Verizon
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Apple iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro: First-hand impressions, how to decide
Planning to upgrade your iPhone this year? If you want the most feature-packed device, the choice is usually easy: You'd buy the latest iPhone Pro Max, and this time around, that's the very impressive iPhone 18 Pro Max.
However, Apple decided to throw a curveball at iOS users this year with the release of its first-ever Apple foldable, the iPhone Duo.
Now, iPhone users have to make a difficult choice. I know because I'm one of them. Before the September iPhone event, I assumed I'd go with the new Pro Max, but the unveiling of the Duo had me second-guessing my decision.
So, should you go with the iPhone 18 Pro Max or the iPhone Duo? Each is powerful in its own right, as they both have Apple's new Apple Silicon chip A20 Pro. But both are missing important features that the other has.
Our first-hand experience: iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableMashable has now had plenty of hands-on time with both devices.
Here's what we can say based on our real-world testing:
If you want the most powerful iPhone on the market, get the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
If you want a whole new iPhone experience, get the iPhone Duo.
As Mashable's Stan Schroeder wrote in his iPhone Duo review, the new foldable is "the most interesting iPhone since the first one." Apple has successfully pulled off its first foldable device, despite a few minor quirks. The user experience is excellent, and Apple really thought through all the ways a larger, foldable screen can benefit iOS. Schroeder scored the iPhone Duo more highly than the iPhone 18; ultimately, the cool factor was decisive.
With that said, the iPhone Duo does have a learning curve that will take some getting used to. The iPhone 18 Pro Max offers no such learning curve. In fact, it uses the same exact form factor as its predecessor, the iPhone 17 Pro Max. On top of that, the iPhone 18 Pro Max has all the bells and whistles, whereas Apple leaves some things out of the iPhone Duo in order to make it work. This is especially noticeable when it comes to the cameras, one of the main areas where the iPhone Duo is lacking.
And, of course, while neither phone is cheap, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is significantly less expensive than the Duo.
Still not sure which Apple phone you should get: the iPhone 18 Pro Max or the iPhone Duo? Instead of just comparing specs and throwing numbers at you, let's look at the use cases for each device.
If you want the biggest screen... Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableAt 6.9 inches, the iPhone 18 Pro Max has the largest traditional smartphone display. When the iPhone Duo is closed and in its smartphone "form," it's smaller. The Duo's outer display is only 5.4 inches.
However, when the Duo is opened up, the inner display has 50 percent more screen space than the iPhone 18 Pro Max, measuring 7.6 inches. Ultimately, the Duo has more screen for you to work with.
The winner: The iPhone Duo
If you want the lightest phone... Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableHonestly, if your priority is getting a lightweight smartphone, neither the iPhone 18 Pro Max nor the iPhone Duo is for you.
Both the iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo are rather heavy, weighing in at 8.78 ounces (249 grams) and 254 grams (8.96 ounces), respectively. That's right. If you've seen reviews of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, you'll see that one of the quibbles about the device is that its a heavyweight. And the iPhone Duo is even heavier.
I will say this. I upgraded from the iPhone 15 Pro Max to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the new iPhone is significantly heavier. But I can attest to the fact that you just get used to it. It no longer feels like a heavy phone. It's just the regular weight of my iPhone now. I'm sure the experience will be the same for the iPhone Duo. In the end, you'll just get used to it.
But if you must get one of the two phones and you must acquire the lightest option, you'll want the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max
If cameras are of the utmost importance Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableThe iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 48MP Pro Fusion camera system, a 48MP Fusion Main lens, a 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide lens, and a 48MP Fusion Telephoto lens. It also introduces a physical variable aperture feature for the first time. The Duo has the same main lens but without the variable aperture, and the same ultra-wide lens. The iPhone Duo does not have a telephoto lens, but it does have a 12MP Center Stage selfie camera and an under-display FaceTime camera.
Apple introduced an 8x zoom with the telephoto lens with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max and has carried that feature over with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Obviously, without a telephoto camera lens, the iPhone Duo does not have this feature. So, keep in mind if you're coming from an older iPhone that you're not only losing a 4x zoom telephoto lens with the iPhone Duo, but a new 8x zoom one too.
Hardware-wise, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is the superior smartphone camera when compared with the Duo. It has more rear camera lenses, and that variable physical aperture will provide users with plenty of control of lighting and depth of field.
For serious photographers or filmmakers looking for a smartphone to match your workflow, the iPhone 18 Pro Max's new software capabilities with Pro Controls are going to be a big plus too. With Pro Controls, users can adjust shutter speed, lens aperture, white balance, and more.
If you care about photography or videography above all, then the choice is clearly the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max
If you're a content creator Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableI just made the case that when it comes to smartphone cameras, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is superior to the iPhone Duo. And that's true…for the most part.
While filmmakers will want to go with the iPhone 18 Pro Max, online content creators may actually want to consider the iPhone Duo.
Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro Max has the extra lens and Pro Control features. Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro Max even has a better front-facing camera with its 18MP selfie camera compared to the iPhone Duo's 12MP selfie camera.
However, the foldable aspect of iPhone Duo opens up a whole world of creative use cases, especially for those who typically make social media-friendly content.
The iPhone Duo can be folded in multiple ways to serve as its own stand or tripod, enabling full-body photos and videos when working solo. The iPhone Duo even has unique features like Smart Take, which leverages those capabilities to automatically snap photos of users without a countdown.
When opened, the iPhone Duo's outer display can be used as a monitor so users can take selfies with the better 48MP without just guessing if they're even in the frame.
If you're a content creator who never manually changes the settings on your camera and barely, if ever, utilizes the telephoto lens, the iPhone Duo may actually be better for you.
The winner: The iPhone Duo
Price mattersFinally, an easy one.
If you're looking for the most powerful but also simultaneously the most affordable device, don't even look at the iPhone Duo. It's the most expensive iPhone ever.
The Duo starts at $2,000. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is $700 cheaper at $1,299. Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The winner: The iPhone 18 Pro Max, duh
You're a mobile gamerIf mobile gaming is your thing, it seems like Apple may have finally created the perfect iPhone for you.
People who've already had a hands-on with the iPhone Duo are saying that the foldable is seemingly made for gamers. The full-sized inner screen provides a perfect balance of display real estate with mobility. In addition, when turned to its side, one screen can be used as a traditional landscape-mode display, while the other can be used as a full-sized game controller.
Now, there is one addendum to add here. It may be a while for most game developers to update their games to use these features or even create games specifically tailored to the iPhone Duo. But, when all is said and done, the iPhone Duo will clearly have the upper hand over the iPhone 18 Pro Max when it comes to gaming.
The winner: iPhone Duo
You're a multitaskerThis is a no-brainer choice if you're a multitasker. Go with the iPhone Duo.
The Duo appears to work much like an iPad, with the ability to run multiple apps side by side. The inner screen will also provide an optimal experience when using features like picture-in-picture video.
The winner: iPhone Duo
You want an iPhone right nowHere's another easy one. iPhone Duo pre-orders sold out quickly and the device is currently backordered. Some customers say that Apple has provided them with an estimated December delivery date, although Apple appears to be in the midst of fulfilling those orders sooner.
However, if you want a new iPhone this very minute, you're going to have to wait at least some amount of time for the iPhone Duo to be restocked. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is available right now.
The winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max
You have too many iPhone accessories already Credit: Stan Schroeder / MashableUnless you're upgrading your iPhone 17 Pro Max to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, which is the same size as its predecessor, you're going to have to buy a new iPhone case if you're upgrading from an older iPhone.
However, most other accessories should still work! Rigs to utilize your iPhone as a professional camera, swappable camera lenses, attachable battery packs, selfie sticks, tripod mounts – all of those should be compatible with your iPhone 18 Pro Max. After all, the traditional iPhone design has been this way for some time.
That may not be so with a completely different-looking iPhone product like the iPhone Duo. While some accessories may still work with your Duo, they certainly weren't designed to fit or align perfectly with its design. Many accessories may just not be compatible at all.
So, if you rely on many essential third-party iPhone accessories, you may want to stick with the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The winner: iPhone 18 Pro Max
You just really want a foldable deviceYeah, just buy the iPhone Duo.
You think foldables are dumbWhy are you even here? Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Soundcores Anker Space 2 headphones have hit a new low price at Amazon — save over $20
SAVE OVER $20: As of Oct. 21, Soundcore Anker Space 2 headphones have dropped to a new low price of $106.49 at Amazon. That's $23.50 off their full price of $129.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Anker Space 2 $106.49 at Amazon$129.99 Save $23.50 Get Deal at Amazon
Early Black Friday deals on headphones are already popping up at Amazon, and we've spotted our favorite budget noise-canceling headphones, the Soundcore Anker Space 2, among the discounts.
As of Oct. 21, these headphones have hit a brand-new low price at the retailer, making now the perfect time to pick them up before seasonal sales even begin.
Every color of the Soundcore Anker Space 2 has been marked down to $106.49. That's $23.50 off their usual list price, but keep in mind they're all marked as limited-time deals.
SEE ALSO: The 65+ absolute best stocking stuffers for 2026Noise-canceling headphones don't always have to come with a premium price tag. That's what makes the Soundcore Anker Space 2 stand out. As mentioned before, they're our top budget pick in our roundup of the best noise-canceling headphones, with Mashable's Bethany Allard writing that they do "a solid job of blocking out people chatting around you, other music or audio playing, regular sounds of the neighborhood — in most situations, they'll have you covered."
Allard also wrote the review for these headphones and found the audio quality to be "balanced, clear, and generally pretty damn great." Plus, their battery life can last up to 50 hours with ANC on, or up to 70 hours with ANC off.
Act fast to save on the Soundcore Anker Space 2 at Amazon.
Last chance power station deal: Save $60 on the EF EcoFlow River 2 Pro at Amazon
SAVE OVER $60: As of Oct. 21, the EF EcoFlow River 2 Pro portable power station is on sale for $368.99 at Amazon. That's $60.01 off its full price of $429.
Opens in a new window Credit: EF EcoFlow EF EcoFlow River 2 Pro $368.99 at Amazon$429 Save $60.01 Get Deal at Amazon
Deals on portable power stations have been popping up quite frequently ahead of Black Friday, but some offers are only live for a limited time. The EF EcoFlow River 2 Pro is currently in that position, with less than 24 hours left to take advantage of its discounted price of $368.99 at Amazon.
With this deal, you'll save just over $60 on this power station. If its lightweight build of 17.2 pounds and 1,600W output has caught your eye, whether to have as home backup in case of a power outage or to use on your next camping trip, now is the time to pick it up.
SEE ALSO: The EcoFlow Titan 5000 home backup system just launched and preorders get a discountWith that 1,600W output, the EF EcoFlow River 2 Pro can power up a variety of different appliances without overloading. It also features 11 outlets — ranging from 800W AC outlets to USB-C ports — for giving various devices a boost. It charges via an AC outlet, and devices can reach a full charge in 70 minutes thanks to EcoFlow’s X-Stream fast-charging technology.
On top of that, its battery can last up to 10 years even with regular use. To assist with that, it includes advanced BMS protection which monitors voltage, current, and temperature to keep it running safely.
If the EF EcoFlow River 2 Pro sounds like a perfect fit for you, don't miss out on this chance to save at Amazon.
Martin Short roasts Conan OBrien for 5 brutal minutes
You exactly what to expect when Martin Short and Conan O'Brien get together, and that's a lot of roasting.
The Only Murders in the Building star appeared on the Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend podcast recently, and he didn't waste any time blasting O'Brien with zinger after zinger, starting with his recollection of a dinner the two shared recently in London.
"It's almost like I was seeing you in a new light, because that night I thought, 'He looks like the love-child between Lurch and Kathy Griffin', and I don't often feel that about people. Because you're very, you know, you're pale. You're very pale. You look like a cue tip with ketchup on it," says Short, while O'Brien cracks up laughing. "I mean, you're white. You look like a human surrender."
"Which I kind of am," O'Brien responds.
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Animol review: Ashley Walters tense and tender feature debut shines light on young offenders
The last place a 15-year-old wants to find himself is in a young offenders institution, where Animol shines its light.
In his feature directorial debut, acclaimed Top Boy star, recording artist, director, writer, and producer Ashley Walters explores the constant tension, threat, and camaraderie of boys whose lives have taken a serious turn. Co-written by Walters and Nick Love (Marching Powder) based on their experiences with such institutions, Animol boasts a talented young cast buoyed by an outstanding Tut Nyuot (The Long Walk), and supported by a characteristically brilliant Stephen Graham (Adolescence).
SEE ALSO: 'La Bola Negra' review: A magnificent gay epic that transcends timeWith superb cinematography and production design, commendably interior performances from an impeccable young cast, and unflinching authenticity in its detail, Animol presents an experience of young offenders, where being real feels impossible and redemption's just a glimmer.
Animol takes you inside a young offenders institution with grit and humanity Stephen Graham as Claypole in "Animol." Credit: SLNDAAwaiting incarceration in a young offenders institution, British teenager Troy prepares himself for the worst. Cast into a seriously adult situation, the 15-year-old instantly bonds with Polish boy Krystiyan (Ukrainian actor Vladyslav Baliuk). In the same breath, he's extorted into smuggling a burner phone by power player Dion (Boarders star Sekou Diaby). "You're stepping into my world now," Dion declares, and Troy soon finds out he's dead right. As soon as he moves in with mercurial cellmate Mason (The Jetty's Ryan Dean), Troy finds himself in a dangerous position between Dion and Mason, two very different ticking time bombs.
Trying to find his place while watching his back, Troy walks a knife's edge between security and exposure, with open assaults in the mess hall a regular occurrence and the idea of being his authentic self a laughable idea. However, in the midst of this constant suspicion, violence, and insomnia, Troy's tender bond with Krystiyan becomes a place of solace, of peace, of a yearning he's suppressed in himself.
Overseen by well-meaning welfare officer Claypole (Graham), Troy takes it day-by-day inside. Animol presents Troy's experience as one of constant self-doubt, isolation, hopelessness, and survival. His lifeline beyond the walls is his mother Joy (an impeccable Sharon Duncan Brewster), with their relationship strained under her struggle with addiction and sobriety. Over the course of the film, Troy and his fellow inmates grapple with a sense of identity behind bars, struggling to discern between friendship and manipulation, toxic masculine bravado and vulnerability, and the inability to communicate.
Animol uses unflinching cinematography to showcase a talented young cast Vladyslav Baliuk as Krystiyan and Tut Nyuot as Troy in "Animol." Credit: SLNDAWith Walters an actor's director, his connection with the cast is clear, allowing each to flourish in long close-up takes. Each scene of Animol, particularly Nyuot's intensely interior performance, is intimately shot by director of photography Tasha Back (In Camera) and edited by Danielle Palmer (Steve). The film allows silences to sit, unspoken words between characters to be amplified — a scene in which Diaby's Dion silently scrutinises Troy is an unsettling example. Nyuot finds balance between moments of adult survival and adolescent vulnerability, making tender scenes with Krystiyan a precious rarity, and scenes in which he's forced into brutality an anguish to watch. Troy holds so much, with no outlet safe.
As the two kings of the yard in Animol, Diaby and Dean bring contrasting approaches to Dion and Mason, hardened boys leaning into adult criminality and extreme violence to survive and dominate. Diaby's chilling veneer of composure and Dean's serpentine calculation make for formidable opposing forces, each a unique tinderbox for Troy.
Though seldom onscreen, it's a delight to see Graham reconnected with Walters, having worked together on A Thousand Blows and Adolescence. Drawing from his mother's experience as a social worker, Graham presents Claypole as a man not beaten by the system but finding humanity within it. An Animol highlight sees the empathetic welfare officer encouraging the boys to ditch their inhibitions and be themselves through unconventional action, a radically vulnerable scene in an institution where masks are key.
Notably, Animol doesn't sensationalise Troy's experience in the young offenders institute, with Swindle's sparing, impactful score and production designer Gini Godwin (Queenie, Champion) creating a world of state-run despair within dilapidated walls. Marks of previously incarcerated boys adorn the walls, reading "You are not animol," and giving the film its title. Sound designer Roland Heap builds a haunting, unsettling world around Troy, as Back's cinematography holds fast on his face night after night in his cell, enduring the taunts and rattles of the institution in his spartan bunk.
Ultimately, Walters crafts a compelling, harrowing, complex picture of life for young offenders, thrust into extreme survival mode in a place where toxic masculinity and homophobia run rife alongside loyalty and rare glimmers of friendship. What goes unsaid in Animol is its true power, with Walters allowing his talented cast to thrive in interior emotion and subtle action.
Animol was reviewed out of BFI London Film Festival and will be released in UK cinemas Oct. 30
