Pixel Duo concept smartphone sports dual display on the front with a big e-ink panel

The Pixel Duo pairs an IPS panel with an e-ink display (Image source: Mechanical Pixel)

Almost all smartphones rely on an IPS or OLED panel these days, but niche products with e-ink displays are also available. The Pixel Duo concept smartphone now shows how the advantages of both technologies could be combined by simply putting two panels into a single phone.

Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 12/22/2025 🇩🇪

Smartphone

An IPS panel or OLED display, such as the one on the Apple iPhone 17, can display smooth animations and videos, vivid colors and a very high contrast ratio. On the other hand, e-ink panels are significantly more energy efficient and easier on the eyes, which is why they are primarily used in e-book readers.

The Pixel Duo concept smartphone shows how both displays could be combined in a single smartphone. In the upper quarter of the front sits a 3.5-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Below it is a 5.2-inch e-ink display with a resolution of 1300 x 838 pixels at a pixel density of 300 PPI. While this display can only show grayscale content, it is said to be well suited for reading e-books.

Meanwhile, the LCD allows for watching videos, using the rear camera or browsing the web more smoothly, even though it’s on a relatively small screen. This combination of two screens is also intended to be useful for running multiple applications simultaneously. For example, music controls can be displayed on the IPS panel while reading a book below.

The LCD also shows the time as well as widgets. Since most applications are shown on the larger e-ink display, the Pixel Duo should sport an exceptionally long battery life. Because this device is only a concept smartphone for now, there are no plans to actually bring it to market.

Source(s)

Mechanical Pixel (YouTube)

Loading Comments

Comment on this article

Seven faithful C64, Amiga, and ZX S...

Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19491 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

contact me via: @HannesBrecher, LinkedIn, Xing

Translator: Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 5933 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.

contact me via: LinkedIn

Please share our article, every link counts!