Those iPhone Duo is almost here, and there are plenty of reasons to look forward to Apple’s first foldable phone on 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 a brilliant option for those who want a more immersive viewing experience on the go along with dual-app multitasking – finally!
But as many in our comments reminded me, 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 pretty unique advantages over Apple’s device and could be the best foldable phone for you. If you’re on the fence about getting an iPhone Duo or Galaxy Z Fold 8, here’s where the Samsung device could sway you.
Look up
It is significantly thinner and lighter
I only spent about an hour playing around with the iPhone Duo between various hands-on sessions, but it definitely feels beefier than the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Sure, the iPhone Duo is technically the “thinnest iPhone ever,” at just 5.2mm unfolded. That is even less than the iPhone Airis 5.64 mm. However, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is only 4.5 mm.
When folded, the iPhone Duo measures 11.3mm thick, compared to 9.7mm for the Fold 8. For context, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is 8.75mm thick. So while the duo slips into a pocket with ease, it will take up some space.
Additionally, 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 (7.44 ounces), which has a relatively small 6.3-inch display compared to the 7.6-inch panel on the Fold 8.
You can run multiple apps simultaneously
I give Apple a lot of credit for making two apps at once so seamless and intuitive on the iPhone Duo. You just select an app and then place it on the left or right side of the display. From there, you can easily create app pairs and switch back at any time. And it’s also a cinch to switch apps; You just swipe up and go back to the home screen – it’s like you have two different desktops.
However, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 can let you run three folded apps on the screen at the same time. So, for example, I could have Gmail in one window, Slack in another and Spotify in another. It’s pretty cool. Plus, Samsung lets you put up to five floating windows on top. Now, eight apps at once seems like overkill to me, but it’s pretty amazing that you have that flexibility.
Gemini AI is more advanced
Siri AI is definitely improved in iOS 27, and it lets you do some pretty cool things on the iPhone Duo. You get better personal context understanding in all kinds of apps, including messages and notes. And there’s awareness on the screen, so you can say things like “add these items to my shopping list.” And I also appreciate that there is finally a Siri mode in the camera app, so you don’t have to think about the shortcuts.
However, I think the Galaxy AI and Gemini on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 are not only more advanced, but more tailored to the foldable experience. For example, Nudge now gives you suggestions and messages for apps you can open in split-screen mode, such as Calendar.
And Gemini itself is just more versatile than Siri AI. You can share your live camera video in real time and get advice and troubleshooting tips. I did this when trying to figure out how to clean battery corrosion from an outdoor flood light.
Bonus: It’s $100 cheaper
The Galaxy Fold 8 starts at $1,799, which is $100 less than the iPhone Duo. Plus, there are already some pretty good deals out there. At the time of writing I have the Fold 8 for just $1,649 at Best Buywhich is $250 off.
I’m sure there will be many iPhone Duo pre-order deals also around the launch of Apple, so you should get it at a discount. But now the Fold 8 is a better value.
Where the iPhone Duo wins
As good as Samsung’s foldable is, there are several ways that the iPhone Duo beats the Fold 8. For example, the iPhone Duo offers an IP68 rating for durability, which means it is protected from water and dust. Samsung’s phone is only waterproof.
In addition, the iPhone Duo offers built-in MagSafe for wireless charging, Apple Pencil support and vapor chamber cooling, which will presumably help with sustained performance for Apple. faster A20 chip.
But Apple’s biggest advantage will likely come with software and apps. The iPhone Duo’s software can react based on the position of the hinge, while the Fold 8 lacks Samsung’s Flex Mode. And I expect a sizable wave of Duo-optimized apps at launch, including Slack, Netflix, and Zoom.
Bottom line
The iPhone Duo clearly has the most buzz, and it makes sense because Apple is entering a new category. But I wouldn’t overlook the Galaxy Z Fold 8. It feels so light and thin that it almost seems like Samsung cheated physics. And if you like the idea of multitasking on a big screen, the Fold 8 lets you run multiple apps simultaneously. And while Siri is smarter than ever, Samsung and Google are at the forefront with AI features.
So which foldable has your interest? Let us know in the comments.