Foldable phones: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold vs Apple iPhone Duo?

Foldable phones are one of the hottest trends in tech, but with Samsung and Apple leading the conversation, which is best? We take a closer look…

Offering the convenience of a normal mobile with the extra screen space of a small tablet, foldable phones could be the perfect solution for working on the move. You can answer emails, watch videos, work on documents and run multiple apps, all on one device.

Samsung has spent years developing its Galaxy Z Fold range, evolving the design, durability and software. Meanwhile, Apple has been working behind the scenes on its own foldable phone, launching the iPhone Duo to much fanfare on October 23, 2026.

So who will come out on top?

Industry analysts predict that Apple will take 44% of the foldable smartphone market value in 2026, with 31% of units. By 2027, Apple is predicted to become the market leader for both value and units sold.

For anyone considering an upgrade, here is a rundown of both contenders…

Samsung: The current market leader
Samsung deserves credit for helping turn foldable phones from an expensive novelty into a serious alternative to traditional mobiles. Its Galaxy Z Fold range has developed considerably since the first model appeared in 2019.

Not surprisingly, Samsung’s biggest advantage is experience. Successive generations have refined the hinge, displays, cameras and software. More importantly, Samsung has had years to discover how people actually use foldable phones.

Their approach is to make the larger screen genuinely useful, not just more space. For business users, the ability to work across several applications is particularly attractive. You might have an email open alongside a document, or refer to your calendar while arranging a meeting.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
Samsung’s ultimate model, it has an extremely slim profile and light weight (215g). The larger main display panel reaches 3000 nits peak brightness. There is also an ultra-premium main camera sensor.

Key specifications and features:

• Display: 8.0-inch main workspace display.
• Design: built with an Armour Aluminium frame, dual layers of titanium beneath the screen, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3, and IP48 water resistance.
• Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with an upgraded NPU for Galaxy AI tools and a 5,000 mAh battery with 45W super-fast charging.
• Cameras: upgraded 200MP main wide camera, 50MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto with optical zoom.

Apple enters the foldable phones market
The iPhone Duo marks Apple’s much-anticipated entry into the foldable phone market. Apple’s decision to wait seven years after Samsung’s first Galaxy Fold, reveals a deliberate strategy of perfectionism over speed.

Historically, Apple prefers to let competitors absorb the financial risk and public trial-and-error of a new product, before entering with a highly refined version. This strategy helped Apple dominate the mobile phone market once dominated by Blackberry and Nokia.

Apple CEO John Ternus has positioned the iPhone Duo as an ultra-premium option and, not surprisingly, it has experienced high initial demand, pushing shipping times into early 2027:

Apple iPhone Duo
Featuring a book-style folding design, the iPhone Duo opens up like a small tablet, featuring a 5.4-inch outer display and a large 7.6-inch inner folding Super Retina XDR display.

Immediately following its release, a small number of early buyers reported issues with the inner folding display. Dubbed “Crackgate” online, some users experienced bright lines or cracks forming along the centre hinge crease, occasionally accompanied by a crunching noise when opening the device. Apple has acknowledged the issue affecting a small number of units and is instructing customers to contact AppleCare for a direct replacement.

Key specifications and features:

• Display: 5.4in cover screen, 7.6in inner display.
• Design: Grade 5 titanium frame and hinge cover, IP68 water resistance.
• Performance: 2nm A20 Pro chip, 12 GB of RAM.
• Cameras: dual 48MP Fusion and Ultra Wide cameras on the rear. Inner screen 12MP FaceTime camera.

Which foldable phone is best?
There are clear differences between the iPhone Duo and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. While the iPhone Duo is Apple’s grand entrance into foldables, Samsung’s Z Fold8 Ultra represents years of iteration, making it thinner, lighter and more feature-packed.

While technical specifications are important, buying decisions will more likely come down to loyalty to Android or Apple systems.

If you have a question about the latest devices, contact DB Communication today.