Apple has officially joined the foldable smartphone arena, introducing the iPhone Duo as a competitor to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 in the race for the title of the most compact book-style foldable device.
Samsung holds a competitive edge with its early entry into the foldable market and its extensive experience with the format. However, Apple is no stranger to entering late and still achieving significant success.
How do these two phones stack up against each other? Both are aiming for the same goal with their new horizontally folding passport-style format.
It remains to be seen which phone will come out on top until we can test the iPhone Duo ourselves. Nonetheless, there are notable advantages for each phone.
Here are four aspects where the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 excels, along with four areas where Apple may have the upper hand in this foldable phone competition.
Samsung’s foldable is much lighter
One of the highlights of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is its full-sized foldable design, which remains easy to carry.
While both phones are compact when closed, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 stands out by weighing just 201g, placing it within the realm of a ‘normal phone’.
In contrast, the iPhone Duo weighs 254g, resulting in a 26% weight difference, making the Samsung model significantly lighter.
Luke Baker
The iPhone Duo has a more premium design
The iPhone Duo’s weight is partly due to its robust construction.
Its design includes a titanium body and hinge cover, a scratch-resistant inner display, Ceramic Shields on both front and back, and an IP68 certification for water resistance.
This water resistance is relatively rare among mainstream foldables, with only the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold and its predecessor offering similar protection, while the Fold 8 has IP48 certification.
Apple’s hinge is also noted for its versatility, allowing positioning in various angles, unlike Samsung’s straightforward open or closed mechanism, which lacks the Flex Mode found in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.
Apple
But Samsung gives you more colour options
While the iPhone Duo boasts a more elegant design, Samsung offers twice as many color choices.
Samsung provides four color options compared to Apple’s two. Samsung’s line-up includes Lavender, Pistachio (an online exclusive), Graphite, and Cream.
The Night Sky Duo from Apple, however, is also appealing.
Luke Baker
The iPhone Duo is likely to take better photos
Although a review is still pending, indications suggest the iPhone Duo may excel in camera performance.
Both devices feature dual camera setups with a main and ultra-wide lens, but the iPhone Duo’s main sensor is larger at 48Mp 1/1.28″ compared to Samsung’s 50Mp 1/1.56″.
Apple
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is cheaper
A common criticism of foldables is their high price, but the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is notably more affordable, starting at £300/$200 less than the iPhone Duo.
Priced at £1,699/$1,899, it allows for some savings compared to the £2,000/$2,000 price point of its competitor.
Luke Baker
Apple’s software optimisations looks far slicker
Although direct experience is necessary, Apple’s software and user interface enhancements for the iPhone Duo appear impressive.
The device boasts a seamless opening animation, a redesigned home screen with a side dock, and app support from third parties like Netflix, potentially setting it apart in the market.
While Samsung’s foldable software is well-refined and offers a smooth experience, Apple may have raised the bar.
Apple
Samsung’s Fold 8 has a less wonky outer display
Upon viewing both phones directly, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 presents a symmetrical appearance, unlike its competitor.
The iPhone Duo has been criticized for its D-shaped external display, which features curved corners on one end and a straight edge on the other.
The offset selfie camera further contributes to this asymmetry, which may require some adjustment for users.
Apple
The iPhone Duo has Qi2 support
Samsung’s adoption of the Qi2 standard has been slower, resulting in no magnetic charging or accessory support without a special case for devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
In contrast, the iPhone Duo benefits from Apple’s pioneering of the MagSafe standard, offering convenient magnetic charging.
Eugen Wegmann
Samsung gives you a proper internal selfie cam
Apple’s under-display internal selfie camera has generated interest for providing an unobstructed display.
However, this technology has previously suffered from poor video and image quality due to limited light reaching the sensor.
Samsung, having explored similar technology, concluded it was not worthwhile for its foldable devices.
Apple
The recap
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 wins:
- Lighter
- Double the colourways
- Cheaper
- Proper internal camera
Apple iPhone Duo wins:
- Premium, durable design
- Better main cameras (likely)
- Software optimisation
- MagSafe built-in
