Galaxy Z Fold 8 Dominates iPhone Duo: How Apple is Fighting Back

Apple has officially joined the foldable phone competition with its iPhone Duo challenging the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 for the title of the ‘most compact book-style foldable’.

While Samsung has the advantage of being the first to market and years of experience with foldable phones, Apple is known for entering late and still succeeding.

Both phones are aiming for the same target audience with their horizontally folding design.

It’s hard to determine which phone is better without testing the iPhone Duo, but there are key points in favor of both devices.

Here are four ways in which the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 excels, and an equal number of ways in which Apple seems to have an edge in this foldable phone showdown.

Samsung’s foldable is much lighter

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 stands out for being a full-sized foldable that is lightweight and easy to carry around.

Weighing only 201g, the Fold 8 is comparable to a regular smartphone in terms of weight.

In contrast, the iPhone Duo weighs a hefty 254g, making it 26% heavier than the Fold 8.

Luke Baker

The iPhone Duo has a more premium design

The iPhone Duo boasts a premium design with a titanium body, scratch-resistant coating on the inner display, Ceramic Shields on the front and back, and IP68 certification.

The device’s hinge is also more sophisticated, allowing for multiple positions, unlike Samsung’s more limited options.

Apple

But Samsung gives you more color options

While the iPhone Duo may have a more premium design, Samsung offers twice as many color choices.

With four colors available compared to Apple’s two, Samsung provides a wider selection including unique hues like Lavender and Pistachio.

However, the Night Sky Duo color option from Apple is quite appealing.

Luke Baker

The iPhone Duo is likely to take better photos

Although a hands-on review is needed for confirmation, indications suggest that the iPhone Duo may have superior camera capabilities.

Both phones feature dual camera setups, but the iPhone Duo offers a larger 48Mp main sensor compared to Samsung’s 50Mp equivalent.

Apple

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is cheaper

One common criticism of both phones, and foldables in general, is their high price. However, the Fold 8 has a clear advantage with a starting price £300/$200 lower than the iPhone Duo.

While still expensive at £1,699/$1,899, choosing the Fold 8 leaves you with some extra cash for accessories or insurance.

Luke Baker

Apple’s software optimizations look more polished

Apple’s software and user interface enhancements for the iPhone Duo appear impressive and seamless.

From the smooth opening animation to the redesigned home screen and apps layout, Apple seems to have put a lot of thought into the user experience.

While Samsung’s foldable software is well-established, Apple’s innovations may have raised the bar.

Apple

Samsung’s Fold 8 has a more symmetrical outer display

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 features a more symmetrical outer display compared to the iPhone Duo’s unconventional design.

While some may find the Duo’s display and camera placement unique, others may need time to adjust to its asymmetry.

Apple

The iPhone Duo offers Qi2 support

Unlike Samsung, Apple has embraced the Qi2 standard with MagSafe, providing convenient magnetic charging and accessory support without the need for special cases.

Eugen Wegmann

Samsung offers a proper internal selfie camera

While Apple’s under-display internal selfie camera may seem innovative, Samsung’s decision to include a traditional internal camera ensures better image quality.

Samsung previously experimented with under-display cameras but found them lacking in performance compared to traditional setups.