How much would you pay for a phone that turns into a small tablet? Apple is betting the answer is nearly $2,000. After seven years of watching Samsung build folding phones, Apple has finally entered the race with its first-ever foldable iPhone.
The new iPhone Duo, which went on sale Oct. 23, opens like a book to reveal a 7.6-inch screen. Its biggest competitor, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, offers the same screen size and a remarkably similar design. However, Samsung’s phone is lighter and costs about $100 less.
Apple has some interesting advantages of its own, including impressive battery performance and a clever screen designed to reduce glare. But there are compromises on both sides, including a repair bill that might make you think twice about carrying either phone without protection. So, has Apple finally cracked the folding phone formula, or does Samsung still have the better idea?
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Samsung introduced the original Galaxy Fold in 2019. Those early devices came with plenty of growing pains, including concerns about screen durability. Since then, Samsung has steadily improved its folding technology.
Apple took its time. In fact, we covered one of the company’s early ideas in our article about Apple’s foldable iPhone patent in 2023. Now the iPhone Duo is finally here, and Apple has made some interesting design decisions. The phone features a polished titanium frame, Apple’s A20 Pro processor and a large inner OLED display. It also introduces a redesigned version of iOS built around the folding experience.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 takes a different approach. It uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and Samsung’s One UI 9 software, which has evolved through several generations of folding phones. That experience gives Samsung an advantage in some areas. However, Apple has already managed to outperform its rival in early battery testing.
Let’s get the painful part out of the way. The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for 256GB of storage. The 512GB model costs $2,199, while the 1TB version jumps to $2,599. If you really want to splurge, Apple’s 2TB model costs an eye-watering $3,199.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at $1,899.99 for 256GB. The 512GB version costs $2,099.99, while the 1TB model reaches $2,499.99. That puts Samsung roughly $100 below Apple at comparable storage levels. Of course, Samsung has another advantage. Its Fold 8 has been on sale since August, so retailers and carriers have had time to introduce promotions.
However, I’d look closely at those deals before celebrating the savings. Some carrier offers require a qualifying trade-in or a lengthy commitment to monthly bill credits. There’s also a larger question. When you’re already spending nearly $2,000, will saving $100 really determine which phone you choose? I suspect the answer comes down to what happens when you actually hold them.
One of the first things you’ll notice about these phones is how similar they look. Both fold horizontally like a book, with smaller screens on the outside and expansive displays when opened. But there’s a noticeable difference in weight. The iPhone Duo weighs 8.96 ounces, compared with 7.09 ounces for Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. That’s almost two ounces heavier for Apple’s phone.
If you’ve ever carried a heavy smartphone in your pocket all day, you know how noticeable that can become. The difference could be even more apparent when you’re holding the phone open for extended periods. Samsung also wins on thickness. Its Fold 8 measures about 0.38 inches thick when closed, while the Duo measures 0.44 inches. Apple counters with a rounded titanium design that may feel more comfortable in your hand. Samsung uses sharper edges and a flatter appearance.
There’s also something worth thinking about. Both phones have relatively small outer screens. Apple’s measures 5.4 inches, while Samsung’s comes in at 5.5 inches. Those screens are perfectly usable for everyday tasks. However, they’re considerably smaller than the displays on many conventional flagship phones. You could end up spending $2,000 on a device that requires an extra step whenever you want a bigger screen. That’s why I’d recommend trying both in person before buying. The phone that feels exciting for five minutes in a store needs to feel comfortable after five hours in your hand.
Both folding phones open to reveal 7.6-inch OLED screens with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. Each also offers peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits. The real difference comes down to how those displays handle reflections.
Apple developed a nano-texture finish for the Duo’s inner screen. It creates a matte appearance that helps reduce glare and makes the fold crease harder to see. Anyone who has struggled to read a glossy screen near a sunny window might appreciate this approach.
Samsung’s screen has a more traditional glossy finish, which can make colors appear richer. Some early iPhone Duo reviews suggest Apple’s matte display sacrifices a little contrast and vibrancy to achieve its reduced reflections. Neither approach will appeal to everyone. However, Apple has another interesting feature coming.
The iPhone Duo now supports the Apple Pencil (USB-C) through iOS 27.2, which Apple released on Oct. 26. That means you can sketch or annotate documents directly on the folding screen. The feature already works in the software’s release candidate.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 does not support the S Pen. Samsung removed the feature as it pursued thinner folding designs. There is one catch with Apple’s approach. The Duo works only with the USB-C Apple Pencil. Even if you already own an Apple Pencil Pro, you won’t be able to use it with this phone.
The USB-C version also lacks the pressure sensitivity available on more advanced Apple Pencil models. Still, this could be useful for someone who regularly signs documents or prefers handwritten notes.
Here’s where those seven years of Samsung experience become apparent. Let’s say you’re on a video call and someone sends you an important document. You want to review it without interrupting the conversation. Then you need to check your calendar. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 can handle several apps on its larger screen. You can run three apps in split-screen mode, and Samsung also offers pop-up windows for additional flexibility. The Fold 8 supports Samsung DeX, too, giving you a desktop-style experience when connected to compatible external displays.
Apple has introduced Split View on the Duo, allowing two apps to run side by side. That’s a first for the iPhone, and it should make the larger screen far more useful. However, Apple’s approach remains more restrictive than Samsung’s. Split View uses a fixed arrangement, and you don’t get the same floating-window flexibility. There’s another issue that early iPhone Duo owners are discovering.
Apple redesigned iOS 27 for the Duo, which ships with iOS 27.1. Its own apps have been adapted to use the folding display. However, some third-party apps haven’t caught up. Early reviewers found that certain apps display large black bars or awkward layouts when opened on the bigger screen. That could be frustrating when you’ve paid so much for additional screen space.
Fortunately, developers can update their apps to support the Duo’s design. Some popular apps have already received updates, and more are expected. For now, though, Samsung has a more established folding software experience. I would also pay attention to which apps you use most. A larger screen loses some of its appeal when your favorite apps still behave as though they’re running on a much smaller phone.
Folding phones have a difficult job. They need enough battery power to run a large display without becoming too bulky. Apple’s iPhone Duo uses two internal batteries and an A20 Pro processor designed for efficient performance. Samsung equips its Galaxy Z Fold 8 with a 4,800mAh battery and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.
Both processors offer plenty of power for demanding apps. However, early independent testing suggests Apple has a surprising advantage when it comes to battery life. In one battery test involving continuous web browsing over 5G, the iPhone Duo reportedly lasted 13 hours and 20 minutes, compared with 10 hours and 6 minutes for Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8. That’s more than three additional hours for Apple.
Another independent test produced encouraging results for the Duo. While streaming video over Wi-Fi with the larger screens at maximum brightness, Apple’s foldable reportedly lasted 18 hours and 15 minutes, compared with 16 hours and 30 minutes for Samsung. Although the tests used different methods, both suggest Apple has managed to squeeze impressive battery life out of its first folding phone.
Apple officially claims up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner display. However, that figure comes from controlled laboratory testing, so everyday results will vary depending on how you use the phone.
Charging is another consideration. Apple says the Duo can reach 50% in about 20 minutes with a compatible wired charger. Samsung supports 45W wired charging and fast wireless charging. For anyone who spends long days traveling or regularly finds their battery running low before dinner, Apple’s early results are encouraging.
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For nearly $2,000, you’d expect a phone with an incredible camera. And while both of these foldables take excellent photos, there’s a catch. Apple’s iPhone Duo has two 48MP rear cameras, while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 has two 50MP cameras. Neither has a dedicated telephoto lens, which means you’re giving up some of the zoom capabilities found on other premium phones.
Think about trying to get a close-up shot of your child playing soccer or capturing something interesting in the distance while on vacation. Apple’s Duo offers 2x optical-quality zoom by cropping into its main sensor. Samsung uses a similar approach, with digital zoom for subjects farther away. Both can handle everyday photos, but if you love getting those close-up shots, an iPhone 18 Pro Max or Galaxy S26 Ultra may be a better choice.
Here’s where Samsung throws another option into the mix. Its Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra starts at $2,099.99, just $100 more than Apple’s Duo at their regular starting prices. For that extra money, you get a 200MP main camera and a dedicated telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. That’s worth considering if you want a folding phone but aren’t willing to give up a more versatile camera. And with Samsung already offering discounts on some models, you may not even have to spend more.
Ever try taking a group photo and realize you’re the one missing from it? Apple’s Smart Take could help with that. Just prop open the iPhone Duo, get into the picture and let its AI recognize when everyone is posing. The phone automatically snaps the photo, so there’s no racing against a timer or asking someone else to take the shot.
Then there’s Duo Preview, which lets the person you’re photographing see themselves on the outside screen. That could save you from hearing, “Wait, let me see that one,” after every picture. Apple also came up with Kid Cue, which plays Peanuts animations on the outer display to get children to look toward the camera. If you’ve ever tried getting a toddler to cooperate for a family photo, you can probably appreciate that one.
Samsung has a few tricks of its own. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 can show people a preview on its outer screen, and you can prop it partially open for hands-free photos. That comes in handy when you want to be in the picture instead of always being the one taking it.
Now let’s talk about something that deserves far more attention than it usually receives. Repairs. Apple rates the iPhone Duo IP68 for dust and water resistance, while Samsung gives the Galaxy Z Fold 8 an IP48 rating. That gives Apple stronger protection against dust under standardized laboratory testing. However, neither rating guarantees that a folding screen or hinge will survive years of rough treatment. These phones also contain more moving parts than conventional smartphones. And if something goes wrong, the repair costs can be substantial.
There’s another reason to think carefully about durability. As we reported in our article, Apple confirms iPhone Duo screen problems after launch. Some owners experienced cracks along the inner screen near the hinge within hours or days of purchase, sometimes during initial setup. Apple acknowledged an issue affecting a small number of devices and directed affected customers to contact AppleCare for replacements. The company hasn’t identified the cause or disclosed how many phones are affected. An AppleCare+ subscription isn’t required to request a replacement for this acknowledged issue. Still, it’s something I’d consider before spending nearly $2,000 on a first-generation folding iPhone.
According to Apple’s published repair estimates, replacing the iPhone Duo’s damaged inner display costs $999 without AppleCare+. That’s roughly half the cost of the entry-level phone. Apple also lists an estimated $1,499 charge for certain other damage repairs. There is some relief for minor screen damage. Apple’s replaceable inner display cover layer costs $49 to replace without AppleCare+, provided the damage is limited to that layer. AppleCare+ can significantly reduce eligible repair charges. For example, an inner display repair is listed at $99 under the coverage, subject to the plan’s terms. Of course, the coverage itself adds to the cost of ownership.
Samsung’s folding phones also have specialized displays and hinges that can be expensive to repair. However, repair pricing varies by model, damage and coverage. This is one area where I’d encourage anyone considering either phone to look beyond the advertised purchase price. After all, a $2,000 phone is expensive enough without worrying about what happens if it slips out of your hand and you’re suddenly facing a repair bill approaching $1,000.
Apple has made the iPhone Duo eSIM-only worldwide. That means you won’t find a physical SIM card slot. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 supports both eSIM and a physical nano-SIM card, although configurations may vary by market.
For most people in the United States, this probably won’t be an obstacle. Major carriers support eSIM, and many international providers offer digital plans. However, if you travel frequently and prefer buying physical SIM cards at your destination, Samsung gives you more flexibility. It’s worth checking whether your preferred mobile provider supports eSIM before buying the Duo.
If you’ve been waiting years for a folding iPhone, Apple’s Duo is an appealing first attempt. It offers excellent early battery performance, an impressive display and the convenience of staying within Apple’s ecosystem. However, I wouldn’t overlook Samsung. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is significantly lighter, costs a little less and offers more flexible multitasking. Those advantages could become increasingly important once the excitement of owning a new folding phone wears off.
And here’s something else to consider. If most of your day involves texting or checking email, you may spend far more time using the smaller outer screen than you expect. The larger display becomes especially useful when you frequently review documents or watch videos while traveling.
Before buying either phone, think about how much time you would realistically spend with it unfolded. Also, if you’re considering switching between Apple and Samsung, take a look at our guide on how to transfer data to a new iPhone or Android at CyberGuy.com. It can help make the move considerably easier.
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I have to give Samsung credit. Seven years ago, folding phones seemed like an expensive experiment, and I wasn’t convinced they’d ever catch on. But Samsung stuck with the idea, and now Apple has finally joined the party. I like what Apple’s done with the iPhone Duo, especially the display and those impressive early battery results. Still, I keep coming back to the price. Nearly $2,000 for a phone that’s heavier than Samsung’s and doesn’t have a dedicated telephoto camera? That’s a tough sell. And the possibility of a $999 inner screen repair would certainly make me nervous.
I also wouldn’t count Samsung out just because Apple has entered the race. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is noticeably lighter, and Samsung has spent years figuring out how to make that larger screen useful. Being able to run more apps at once is a nice advantage, especially if you’re someone who likes getting work done on your phone. And let’s face it, a lighter phone is something you’ll appreciate long after the excitement of showing everyone how it folds has worn off.
If I were spending this kind of money, I’d want to see how Apple’s first folding iPhone holds up after a few months of everyday use. I’d also want to hold both phones before deciding. But here’s what I keep wondering. How often would I really open that larger screen? If I ended up using the smaller outside display most of the day, I’d have a hard time convincing myself that spending $2,000 was worth it.
Would you really spend $2,000 on a folding phone, or do you think Apple and Samsung are charging us more to solve a problem we never had? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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