iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold 8: Which Foldable Should You Buy?
Apple's first foldable against Samsung's eighth generation. Screens, cameras, weight, software and price compared, so you can pick the right foldable.
For the first time, iPhone fans don't have to switch to Android to get a book-style foldable. But Samsung has been refining foldables since 2019, and its Galaxy Z Fold 8 family arrived in July, three months before the iPhone Duo.
The short version: already use an iPhone, Mac and Apple Watch? The 
iPhone Duo fits your life better. Want the best camera on a foldable, or prefer Android? The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is more capable.
The lineups
Apple made one foldable: the iPhone Duo, from $1,999, on sale October 23.
Samsung launched two at its July 22 Unpacked event in London:
- Galaxy Z Fold 8: a lighter model at 201g, with a wider 4:3 inner screen and a 50MP dual camera.
- Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: the flagship, with an 8-inch inner screen, a 200MP main camera and a 5,000mAh battery.
Both Samsung models use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. US prices vary by retailer and promotion, roughly $1,900 to $2,100 to start, so check Samsung's store for current pricing.
Side by side
| iPhone Duo | Galaxy Z Fold 8 | Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner screen | 7.6 in | Wide 4:3 | 8 in |
| Outer screen | 5.4 in | Yes | Yes |
| Chip | A20 Pro |  Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Main camera | 48MP | 50MP | 200MP |
| Dedicated telephoto | No (2x mode) | No | Yes |
| Weight | 254g | 201g | Heavier |
| Unlock | Touch ID | Fingerprint + face | Fingerprint + face |
| Starting price (US) | $1,999 | ~$1,900 | ~$2,100 |
Where the iPhone Duo wins
- Ecosystem. iMessage, FaceTime, AirDrop, Apple Watch, AirPods and Mac continuity all just work.
- Same shape inside and out. Apple kept the same aspect ratio on both screens, so apps don't jump around when you open the phone.
- Software support. iPhones get iOS updates for many years.
- Thinness when open. 5.2mm unfolded.
Where the Galaxy Z Fold 8 wins
- Camera, on the Ultra. A 200MP main camera and real zoom beat the iPhone Duo's two-camera setup.
- Experience. It's Samsung's eighth generation of foldables. Multitasking, the S Pen ecosystem and app support on big screens are very mature.
- Choice. You can pick the lighter Fold 8 or the more powerful Ultra.
- Lighter option. The standard Fold 8, at 201g, is noticeably lighter than the Duo.
The honest advice
- If you're deep in Apple's world, get the iPhone Duo, or wait a generation. First-gen Apple products often improve quickly.
- If you want the best foldable available today, Samsung's experience is hard to beat.
- If you've never used a foldable, try one in a store first. The crease, the weight and the habit of opening it are very personal.
Not sold on foldables? Compare the regular flagships in iPhone 18 Pro vs Galaxy S26 Ultra.
