NEW YORK — For years, shoppers who wanted a phone that unfolds into a small tablet had one obvious choice: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold. That changed in September, when Apple entered the market with the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone.
Apple CEO John Ternus called the device “the most transformational change to iPhone since the original.”
The two phones now sit side by side at the top of the market. The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 with 256 gigabytes of storage, while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, released in July, sells for about $1,899.99 in the United States.
Both devices pair a 7.6-inch inner folding display with a smaller outer screen, but they take different approaches to durability, software and features. Here are 10 reasons some buyers may prefer the iPhone Duo.
1. Stronger water and dust protection
The clearest hardware advantage for Apple is durability against the elements. The iPhone Duo carries an IP68 rating, meaning it is dust resistant and waterproof.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is rated IP48. The “4” indicates protection only against larger solid particles, leaving the hinge more vulnerable to fine dust and sand, a long-standing weak point for foldable phones.
2. A sturdier titanium frame
Apple built the iPhone Duo around a titanium frame and a custom hinge engineered to hold the screen open at an angle. Samsung uses what it calls Advanced Armor Aluminum for the Fold 8’s frame and hinge housing.
Titanium has been a selling point on Apple’s Pro iPhones, and buyers who carry their phones without a case may value the added toughness.
3. A less visible crease
The crease running down the middle of the inner display has been one of the most common complaints about foldables. Apple says the iPhone Duo has a less visible crease and a more durable inner screen.
Independent long-term testing will determine how well that holds up, but the claim speaks directly to a frustration many foldable owners share.
4. Apple Pencil support on both screens
Apple announced support for the Apple Pencil (USB-C) on both of the Duo’s screens, making it the first iPhone designed to work with a stylus.
That could appeal to students, artists and professionals who take handwritten notes or sketch on the go, effectively turning the Duo into a pocket-size notepad.
5. Seamless fit with the Apple ecosystem
For the hundreds of millions of people who already own a Mac, iPad, Apple Watch or AirPods, the iPhone Duo slots into an ecosystem they already use. Features such as unlocking the phone with an Apple Watch work out of the box.
The Duo runs iOS 27, which adds Split View, app pairs and dual-screen features for multitasking. Apple’s own coverage acknowledged none of these ideas will feel new to longtime Android foldable users, but they arrive in a familiar iPhone interface.
6. The return of Touch ID
The iPhone Duo marks the return of Touch ID, the fingerprint sensor Apple dropped with the iPhone X nearly a decade ago.
Fingerprint unlocking can be faster and more convenient than facial recognition on a device that is constantly opened and closed, and it works regardless of which screen is in use.
7. Pro-level performance
The iPhone Duo runs on the A20 Pro, the same chip found in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, paired with a custom vapor chamber for cooling.
That means buyers are not trading performance for flexibility. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, a powerful chip in its own right, so performance-minded shoppers will be well served by either phone.
8. Battery life designed around two halves
Apple says the Duo uses one high-energy battery on each side of the device to maximize capacity while using internal space efficiently. The company claims up to 32 hours of video playback on the inner display and up to 44 hours on the outer screen.
Samsung’s Fold 8 uses a 4,800 mAh battery, a figure some reviewers noted is smaller than the battery in the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Real-world battery tests will provide a clearer comparison.
9. Smarter camera tricks
The iPhone Duo has two 48-megapixel rear cameras, led by a 48MP Fusion main camera that offers an optical-quality 2x zoom. Apple also added an under-display FaceTime camera on the inner screen, so nothing interrupts the view while watching videos or reading.
New features include Duo Preview, which lets people being photographed see themselves on the outer screen, and Smart Take, which uses AI to capture shots automatically.
10. Apple’s new modem and connectivity
The iPhone Duo uses Apple’s C2 modem, which the company describes as its most advanced cellular modem. Apple’s in-house modems are designed to improve connectivity and power efficiency.
The case for Samsung
The iPhone Duo is not the right choice for everyone. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is about $100 cheaper at its starting price and supports 45-watt wired charging. At 201 grams, Samsung has promoted it as the world’s lightest foldable.
Android users invested in Google’s services, as well as people who rely on Samsung’s Galaxy AI features, may prefer to stay with Samsung. Samsung also has years of experience refining foldable hardware, while the Duo is Apple’s first attempt.
The iPhone Duo also has notable limits. It lacks a dedicated telephoto camera, and it is eSIM-only worldwide, with no physical SIM tray, which could be an inconvenience for international travelers who rely on local SIM cards. The Duo comes in just two colors, Starlight and Night Sky.
Buyers seeking more screen space can also consider the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which offers a 5,000 mAh battery and a slimmer design.
Bottom line
For shoppers already in Apple’s ecosystem, or those who prioritize water and dust resistance, stylus support and a refined crease, the iPhone Duo makes a strong case despite its higher price. For buyers who want to save money, charge faster or stay on Android, Samsung’s more mature foldable lineup remains a compelling alternative.
Either way, Apple’s arrival is likely to push the foldable market forward, giving consumers more choice at the top end of the smartphone market.
