I studied the iPhone Duo and Galaxy Z Fold 8 for a week. 5 reasons I only want Samsung’s phone

Apple and Samsung are locked in a battle over foldable smartphones. Samsung has been refining its foldable designs for eight years, while Apple made its first attempt with the iPhone Duo. While Apple officially launches its foldable on October 23, early reviews suggest there are notable differences between the two devices.

The crease is a persistent challenge in foldable phones. Apple has attempted to minimize its visibility by using a nano-texture coating on the display. However, the crease is still noticeable to the touch and affects the viewing experience. Samsung, on the other hand, has managed to make the crease less prominent, giving the Z Fold 8 a smoother transition.

When it comes to design and build, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 is lighter at 7.09 ounces compared to Apple's heavier iPhone Duo at 8.96 ounces. However, Apple's titanium frame provides better resistance against water and dust, boasting an IP68 rating, while Samsung's aluminium frame has an IP48 rating.

Performance-wise, Apple has the edge with its A20 Pro chip. Apple claims this is the fastest smartphone chip, with up to 40% faster graphics performance. Samsung's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip is also strong but has yet to be tested extensively. Battery life is another differentiator, with Apple focusing on the outer display's longevity and promising a quick charge of 50% in 20 minutes. Samsung's larger 4,800mAh battery is generally sufficient for a full day of use.

In the camera department, Samsung has a clear advantage with its three rear cameras, including a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Apple's two 48MP cameras, one main and one ultrawide, lack a telephoto lens but compensate with advanced image processing.

Software and multitasking are areas where Apple seems to have made impressive strides. The iPhone Duo features a redesigned side dock, allowing apps to utilize vertical space more effectively. The transition between the two screens is also smoother, enhancing the overall user experience.