Apple iPhone Duo challenges Samsung’s Z Fold 8: How do they stand against each other?

Apple's surprise display at its Surprise and Shine event was the launch of their first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, deviating from their usual pattern of introducing a base iPhone 18 variant. This competition against foldable makers like Samsung and Huawei, as well as Google, signals Apple's entry into the highly competitive foldable market.

Despite Samsung's lead with the eighth iteration of their foldable, the iPhone Duo's introduction may pique interest in iOS-operated foldable phones. The iPhone Duo, crafted from titanium, mirrors the passport-style design of its predecessor but includes stylus support, a feature Samsung has since discontinued. Operating on iOS 27 and powered by a newly developed A20 Pro chip, the iPhone Duo promises a seamless transition to suit folding layouts.

It is priced at ₹2,99,900 in India, significantly higher than the Galaxy Z Fold 8's ₹1,79,999. The phone boasts a 5.4-inch cover and a 7.6-inch display, while the Z Fold 8 features a 5.5-inch cover and a 7.6-inch main screen. Both models support eSIM functionality. The iPhone Duo's dual cameras consist of 48 MP for rear shots and 12 MP for selfies, whereas Samsung's Z Fold 8 offers a dual 50 MP rear camera and a 10 MP front shooter.

Additionally, the Z Fold 8 sports a larger 4,800 mAh battery, promising 31 hours of usage on the main screen and 44 hours on the cover screen, compared to the iPhone Duo's unspecified battery life.