Introduction
The iPhone Duo is almost here, and there are lots of reasons to snatch up Apple’s first foldable phone come October 16 when pre-orders begin. It gives you a compact 5.4-inch phone and 7.6-inch mini tablet in one device, and it looks like an awesome option for those who want a more immersive viewing experience on the go along with dual-app multitasking.
Samsung has been making foldable phones for seven years, and that experience shows in the Galaxy Z Fold 8. It has a similar passport-style design to the iPhone Duo, but it offers some unique advantages over Apple’s device and could be the best foldable phone for you. If you’re on the fence, here’s where Samsung’s device could sway you.
1. It’s considerably thinner and lighter
The iPhone Duo feels heftier than the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Sure, the iPhone Duo is technically the thinnest iPhone ever at 5.2 mm unfolded, but the Galaxy Z Fold 8 measures only 4.5 mm.
When folded, the iPhone Duo measures 11.3mm thick, compared to 9.7mm for the Fold 8. So while the Duo will slip into a pocket with ease, it takes up more room.
In addition, the iPhone Duo weighs 8.96 ounces or 254 grams, while the Fold 8 is a feather light 7.09 ounces (201 grams). Samsung’s foldable is even lighter than the regular iPhone 18 Pro, which has a relatively tiny 6.3-inch display compared to the 7.6-inch panel on the Fold 8.
2. You can run more apps at once
Apple makes running two apps at once seamless on the iPhone Duo by placing them on the left or right side of the display, making it easy to create app pairs and switch between desktops.
Multitasking and Performance
However, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 lets you run three tiled apps at the same time on screen, such as Gmail, Slack, and Spotify simultaneously. Plus, Samsung lets you put up to five floating windows on top for maximum flexibility.
3. Gemini AI is more advanced
Siri AI is improved in iOS 27 for the iPhone Duo, offering better personal context understanding in Messages and Notes, on-screen awareness, and a new camera app mode.
However, Galaxy AI and Gemini on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 are more tailored to the foldable experience. For example, Now Nudge gives you suggestions in Messages for apps that you can open in split-screen mode.
Gemini itself is also more versatile, allowing you to share your live camera video in real time to get immediate advice and troubleshooting tips.
Pricing and Value
The Galaxy Fold 8 starts at $1,799, which is $100 less than the iPhone Duo. Retailers also offer promotional discounts, making Samsung's device an even better value.
While there will likely be iPhone Duo pre-order deals around Apple’s launch, the Fold 8 currently stands out as the more affordable high-end foldable.
Apple's Advantages
As good as Samsung’s foldable is, the iPhone Duo offers an IP68 rating for water and dust protection, whereas Samsung’s phone is only water resistant.
In addition, the iPhone Duo features built-in MagSafe for wireless charging, Apple Pencil support, and vapor chamber cooling to sustain performance for its A20 chip.
Apple’s software can also react based on the position of its hinge, and the launch will include a wave of Duo-optimized apps like Slack, Netflix, and Zoom.
Conclusion
The iPhone Duo generates significant buzz as Apple enters a new category, but the Galaxy Z Fold 8 remains a formidable competitor with its exceptionally light build, powerful multitasking, and advanced AI features.
So which foldable has your interest? Let us know in the comments.
