Apple has officially entered the foldable smartphone market with the launch of its iPhone Duo, priced at $1,999. The device competes directly with Samsung's established Galaxy Z Fold 8, offering a 7.6-inch folding display that opens like a book.

Price and Design

The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for 256GB of storage, with higher storage options reaching up to $3,199 for a 2TB model. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 begins at $1,899.99 for 256GB, making it approximately $100 less expensive than Apple's offering at comparable storage tiers. Despite the price difference, the phones share a similar design, but the iPhone Duo is notably heavier, weighing 8.96 ounces compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8's 7.09 ounces. The Duo also measures slightly thicker when closed.

Display Technology

Both devices unfold to reveal 7.6-inch OLED screens with 120Hz adaptive refresh rates and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Apple differentiates its foldable with a nano-texture finish on the inner screen, designed to reduce glare and make the crease less visible. This matte finish contrasts with Samsung's more traditional glossy display, which may offer richer colors but is more susceptible to reflections.

Apple Pencil Support and Multitasking

A significant new feature for Apple's foldable is support for the Apple Pencil (USB-C) through iOS 27.2, enabling users to sketch and annotate directly on the large screen. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 does not offer stylus support. However, Samsung maintains an edge in multitasking capabilities. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 can handle three apps in split-screen mode with additional pop-up window flexibility and supports Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience. Apple has introduced Split View on the Duo for two apps side-by-side, a first for the iPhone, but its implementation is more restrictive than Samsung's.

Software and App Compatibility

While Apple has redesigned iOS for the Duo, some third-party apps are still being updated to support the larger folding display, leading to potential issues with layout or black bars in certain applications. Samsung benefits from years of experience with its folding devices, resulting in a more mature software ecosystem for multitasking and app compatibility on its foldables.

Battery Life and Performance

Early independent tests suggest the iPhone Duo holds a battery life advantage over the Galaxy Z Fold 8. One test indicated the Duo lasted over 13 hours in continuous web browsing, more than three hours longer than the Fold 8. Another test showed the Duo outperforming the Fold 8 in video streaming. Both phones are powered by advanced processors, with Apple utilizing its A20 Pro chip and Samsung opting for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

Camera Capabilities

Both foldables feature dual rear cameras, with the iPhone Duo having 48MP sensors and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 equipped with 50MP sensors. Neither includes a dedicated telephoto lens, limiting zoom capabilities compared to conventional flagship phones. Samsung offers the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which includes a 200MP main camera and a 3x optical zoom telephoto lens for users seeking more advanced photography options.

Durability and Repair Costs

The iPhone Duo has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, while the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has an IP48 rating. Despite this, the repair costs for foldable devices remain a concern. Apple estimates an inner display replacement for the iPhone Duo could cost $999 without AppleCare+, nearly half the phone's starting price. A new AppleCare+ plan can reduce this cost significantly. Samsung devices also face high repair costs for their specialized displays and hinges.

Connectivity

Apple's iPhone Duo is eSIM-only worldwide, lacking a physical SIM card slot. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 supports both eSIM and a physical nano-SIM card, offering more flexibility for travelers who prefer physical SIM cards.