Apple’s iPhone Duo takes on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8

Apple ↗ 3.56% unveiled its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, at its "Surprise and Shine" event on September 9, stepping directly into territory Samsung has dominated for years with its Galaxy Z Fold line. With the iPhone Duo set for release on October 23 and preorders opening October 16, the device invites immediate comparison to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8, which launched in July.cnet+1

Both phones share a compact, passport-style form factor with 7.6-inch inner displays and 120Hz refresh rates, but the similarities end there. The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 compared to the Z Fold 8's $1,899.99, and Apple offers storage up to 2TB while Samsung caps at 1TB.mashable+1

Design and Durability

The Z Fold 8 holds a clear edge in portability. At 201 grams and 4.5mm thin when unfolded, it is considerably lighter and slimmer than the iPhone Duo's 254 grams and 5.2mm profile. Samsung's device also folds to a trimmer 9.7mm versus the Duo's 11.3mm.techradar+2

Apple counters with a titanium frame and hinge, Ceramic Shield glass, and an IP68 dust and water resistance rating — matching standard iPhones. The Z Fold 8 carries only an IP48 rating, meaning it lacks full dust protection, a shortcoming Samsung has not resolved across eight generations of foldables. As SamMobile noted, "For Apple to achieve IP68 certification with its first foldable while Samsung remains stuck at IP48 after nearly eight years is simply unacceptable."sammobile+1

Displays and Features

The iPhone Duo's inner display uses a nano-texture matte finish that reduces reflections and makes the crease less visible, while the Z Fold 8 relies on an anti-reflective coating. Apple also opted for an under-display FaceTime camera on the inner screen, preserving an uninterrupted display, whereas Samsung uses a conventional punch-hole 10MP selfie camera.techadvisor+3

Apple brings built-in MagSafe wireless charging to its foldable, a feature Samsung's Z Fold 8 lacks without a magnetic case accessory. The iPhone Duo also supports the Apple Pencil USB-C on both displays — notable given that Samsung dropped S Pen support from its standard foldable line. Samsung retains advantages in multitasking, supporting three apps in split-screen mode plus pop-up windows, compared to Apple's limit of two side-by-side apps. The Z Fold 8 also offers a physical SIM slot alongside eSIM, while the iPhone Duo is eSIM-only worldwide.techradar+2

The Verdict So Far

Neither phone can be declared the winner until the iPhone Duo ships and undergoes full testing. On paper, Apple has addressed several long-standing foldable pain points in its first attempt — dust resistance, crease visibility, magnetic charging, and stylus support — while Samsung maintains leads in weight, thickness, price, and multitasking capability. As CNET observed, the decision may ultimately come down to ecosystem preference: "Do you want to be part of Apple's ecosystem, or would you rather tap into everything Android has to offer?"cnet+1