Apple iPhone Duo and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Compete in Foldable Smartphone Market
Apple's first foldable iPhone Duo launches at $1,999, matching Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 in screen size but weighing more and costing about $100 more, while offering longer battery life and a matte inner display.
Apple entered the foldable-phone market on Oct. 23 with the iPhone Duo, a device that opens like a book to reveal a 7.6-inch OLED screen. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, released in August, offers the same screen size but is lighter (7.09 oz vs. 8.96 oz) and starts at $1,899.99, roughly $100 less than the iPhone Duo's $1,999 base price.
Both phones feature adaptive 120 Hz refresh rates and peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Apple distinguishes its inner display with a nano-texture matte finish that reduces glare, while Samsung uses a glossy surface that delivers richer colors but may reflect more light. The iPhone Duo also supports the USB-C Apple Pencil for note-taking, a capability not available on the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
In early independent testing, the iPhone Duo demonstrated longer battery endurance, lasting up to 13 hours and 20 minutes of continuous web browsing compared with the Fold 8's 10 hours and 6 minutes. Video-streaming tests showed a similar advantage for Apple. Charging speeds are comparable, with Apple quoting a 20-minute charge to 50 % using a compatible wired charger.
Multitasking remains a strength for Samsung; the Fold 8 can run three apps in split-screen mode and supports pop-up windows and Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience. Apple introduced a two-app Split View on the Duo, but it offers less flexibility than Samsung's implementation.
Camera specifications are similar, with the iPhone Duo equipped with dual 48 MP sensors and the Fold 8 with dual 50 MP sensors, neither providing a dedicated telephoto lens. Samsung's higher-end Fold 8 Ultra model adds a 200 MP main sensor and 3× optical zoom for an additional $100.
Repair costs are notable for both devices. Apple lists a $999 replacement fee for a damaged inner display without AppleCare+, while Samsung's repair pricing varies by model and coverage. Both phones also carry durability concerns related to their folding mechanisms.
The iPhone Duo is eSIM-only, whereas the Fold 8 supports both eSIM and physical nano-SIM cards, offering more flexibility for travelers who rely on physical SIMs.
Consumers are advised to consider weight, battery performance, multitasking needs, camera requirements, repair expenses, and SIM compatibility when choosing between the two premium foldables.