5 things Galaxy Z Fold 9 needs to steal from iPhone Duo — and 2 it shouldn't

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 9 could benefit from implementing several features found in Apple's upcoming iPhone Duo, as well as avoiding a couple of aspects from the new iPhone model. The iPhone Duo has generated much excitement since its release earlier this year, despite its steep price tag of $2,000. Other phone manufacturers, particularly Samsung, are closely monitoring its success.

Firstly, Samsung should reintroduce under-display cameras to the Galaxy Z Fold 9. The company previously featured these on all foldable devices, but removed them in the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and 7. Under-display cameras add space back to the display and can be useful for video calls, as Apple's iPhone Duo demonstrates. However, Samsung should avoid using them for selfies, as the rear cameras and hole-punch cover display are already capable of this task.

Secondly, Samsung should consider adding S Pen support to the Galaxy Z Fold 9. Many users have criticized the removal of the stylus feature in the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which required a special digitizer layer in the display. The iPhone Duo, however, offers support for the Apple Pencil via USB-C, making it a more versatile option. Samsung could follow suit by offering a stylus compatible with its foldable devices, including tablets and other phones.

Thirdly, Samsung should enhance the IP68 durability of the Galaxy Z Fold 9. Google and Apple have both added IP68 water and dust resistance to their latest foldable devices, but the Galaxy Z Fold 8 still only has an IP48 rating. This makes the phone vulnerable to dust, despite its water resistance. A higher IP rating would make the Galaxy Z Fold 9 more attractive to consumers who plan on using their devices in various environments.

Fourthly, Samsung should incorporate magnetic wireless charging into the Galaxy Z Fold 9. While the phone supports Qi2 wireless charging, it lacks the integrated magnets that allow chargers and accessories to snap into place. Apple's iPhone Duo, for instance, features MagSafe and Apple Pencil support, demonstrating that both features can coexist without compromising user experience. Adding magnetic wireless charging would differentiate the Galaxy Z Fold 9 from its competitors and appeal to users who value convenience.

Lastly, Samsung should consider adding a vapor chamber cooling system to the Galaxy Z Fold 9. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset found in the phone generates significant heat, which could lead to reduced performance and potential overheating. A vapor chamber, like the one found in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Apple's iPhone Duo, can help dissipate heat more efficiently and maintain optimal performance.

Although the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has relatively good sustained performance compared to its Snapdragon-powered counterpart, it falls behind Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max in this regard. Implementing a vapor chamber could help the Galaxy Z Fold 9 catch up to the competition.