The Galaxy Z Fold 8 offers several capabilities the iPhone Duo lacks, including three‑app multitasking, a desktop‑style DeX mode, a substantially lighter and slimmer build, Wireless PowerShare, a physical nano‑SIM slot, 8K video recording, optional face recognition and more color options — though not every comparison favors Samsung.
Galaxy Z Fold 8: More powerful multitasking
The iPhone Duo supports Split View to run two apps side by side on the inner display. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 can run three apps simultaneously in split‑screen mode, open apps in resizable pop‑up windows and offers a taskbar for quick launching and switching. Frequently used app combinations can be saved as App Pairs and opened with a single tap, giving power users more freedom than Apple’s simpler approach.
Desktop functionality with Samsung DeX
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 can be used with Samsung DeX to provide a desktop‑style interface on a connected monitor or TV, with resizable windows, a taskbar and keyboard and mouse support. The phone can continue to operate independently while DeX runs on an external display, and DeX can also be used wirelessly on smart TVs. The iPhone Duo supports DisplayPort output and can mirror or output content at up to 4K HDR, but it does not provide a complete desktop environment comparable to DeX.
Much lighter and slimmer design
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 weighs 201 grams versus 254 grams for the iPhone Duo, making Samsung’s device about 53 grams, or roughly 21%, lighter. The Fold 8 measures 9.7 mm when folded and 4.5 mm when unfolded; the iPhone Duo measures 11.3 mm and 5.2 mm respectively. Those differences are notable for two foldables that both have 7.6‑inch inner displays.
Wireless PowerShare and ecosystem limits
Wireless PowerShare lets the Galaxy Z Fold 8 use its battery to wirelessly charge compatible devices such as Galaxy Buds or other smartphones. Samsung has limited the feature’s usefulness by excluding support for Galaxy Watches launched in 2024 and later. The iPhone Duo does not support reverse wireless charging.
Physical SIM option
Apple made the iPhone Duo an eSIM‑only device worldwide. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 includes both a physical nano‑SIM slot and eSIM support, which remains useful when traveling or switching carriers and in countries where eSIM availability is limited.
8K video recording
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 can record video at 8K using its wide and ultrawide rear cameras; the iPhone Duo tops out at 4K. While 8K consumes substantial storage and few users have displays that benefit from the resolution, 8K recording is a capability the Fold 8 offers that the iPhone Duo does not. Apple may still deliver better overall video quality in practice.
Fingerprint and face unlock
Both phones have fingerprint sensors built into their side buttons. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 also supports face recognition using the front camera. Samsung’s face recognition is not a true equivalent to Apple’s Face ID, since it uses the front camera rather than dedicated 3D sensors and is therefore less secure, but it provides a convenient alternate unlock method. The iPhone Duo does not offer facial recognition.
More color choices and pricing differences
Samsung offers the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in Pistachio, Lavender, Graphite and Cream, with availability varying by country and retailer. Apple sells the iPhone Duo in Night Sky and Star White. In the US the Fold 8 starts at $1,899 and the iPhone Duo at $1,999. Outside the US the iPhone Duo carries a larger premium over the Fold 8: around 18% in the UK, France and the Netherlands, 25% in Canada, 30% in Australia and 67% in India.
Apple has made an impressive entrance into the foldable market, and Samsung can learn from the iPhone Duo. Still, Samsung retains advantages in multitasking, desktop functionality, lighter design and several practical hardware conveniences.
