iPhone Duo vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8
The iPhone Duo lasts longer, is rated IP68 and has the faster chip, but it’s heavier and starts $100 higher. The Galaxy Z Fold8 is lighter, often on sale for $1,699.99, and runs Android.
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Quick answer
Get the iPhone Duo if you use an iPhone, want the longest battery life and IP68 water and dust resistance, or want Apple Pencil support. Get the Galaxy Z Fold8 if you use Android, want a lighter phone, or want to pay less on sale.
Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026
Check Apple iPhone Duo price (opens in a new tab)Check Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 price (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| Apple iPhone Duo | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $1,999 (256GB) | $1,899.99 ($1,699.99 sale at Samsung) |
| Inner screen | 7.6-inch, 2670×1878 | 7.6-inch |
| Cover screen | 5.4-inch | 5.5-inch |
| Chip | A20 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Rear cameras | Two 48MP (no telephoto) | Two 50MP (wide, ultrawide; no telephoto) |
Apple hasn’t released a base iPhone 18, so this is the current flagship matchup between the two companies’ foldables. See also best folding phones.
Apple iPhone Duo vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8: side-by-side
| iPhone Duo | Galaxy Z Fold8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $1,999 (256GB) | $1,899.99 ($1,699.99 sale at Samsung) |
| Inner screen | 7.6-inch, 2670×1878 | 7.6-inch |
| Cover screen | 5.4-inch | 5.5-inch |
| Chip | A20 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Rear cameras | Two 48MP (no telephoto) | Two 50MP (wide, ultrawide; no telephoto) |
| Battery test (PCMag) | 18h 15m | 16h 30m |
| Charging | USB-C (50% in about 20 min with a 60W adapter) and MagSafe | 45W wired, 20W wireless |
| Weight | 254g | 201g |
| Water/dust rating | IP68 | IP48 |
| Unlock | Touch ID in the side button | Fingerprint reader in the power button; optional face unlock |
| PCMag award | Editors’ Choice | Editors’ Choice |
How much do they cost?
Apple iPhone Duo plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 256GB | $1,999 | |
| 512GB | $2,199 | |
| 1TB | $2,599 | |
| 2TB | $3,199 |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 plans
| Option | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Base | $1,899.99 | $1,699.99 on sale at Samsung |
| Fold8 Ultra | $2,099.99 | $1,899.99 on sale; 8-inch screen, 200MP camera |
What are the pros and cons?
Apple iPhone Duo: pros
- Longest battery life in PCMag’s test
- IP68
- Anti-reflective inner screen hides the crease
- Apple Pencil support
Apple iPhone Duo: cons
- Heavier
- Touch ID instead of Face ID
- No telephoto
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8: pros
- Much lighter
- Often on sale
- Smaller crease than before
- Long software support
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8: cons
- IP48, vulnerable to grit
- No telephoto
- Average cameras (PCMag)
Which should you choose: Apple iPhone Duo or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?
Your current phone mostly decides this. PCMag[4][5] rates the iPhone Duo higher for its battery life, performance and durability, but the Fold8 is about 50 grams lighter and usually cheaper. If you want Samsung’s biggest screen, look at the Fold8 Ultra.
Choose Apple iPhone Duo if…
- You use an iPhone and Mac
- You want the longest battery life
- You want IP68 protection
Choose Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 if…
- You use Android
- You want a lighter phone
- You want to pay less
Battery life
Alternatives
If you don’t need a foldable, see iPhone 18 Pro vs Galaxy S26 Ultra, best iPhone and best Samsung Galaxy phones.
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone Duo better than the Galaxy Z Fold8?
Is there an iPhone 18?
Which is more durable?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- Apple: iPhone Duo (apple.com)
- Apple: iPhone Duo technical specifications (apple.com)
- Samsung: Galaxy Z Fold8 (samsung.com)
- PCMag: Apple iPhone Duo review (pcmag.com)
- PCMag: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review (pcmag.com)
- CNET: Galaxy Z Fold 8 review (cnet.com)
Related
Best Folding Phones of 2026
Apple’s first foldable, the iPhone Duo, is PCMag’s top pick at $1,999. On Android, the Galaxy Z Fold8 is the best book-style foldable, and the $799.99 Motorola Razr is the most affordable.
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comparisonSamsung Galaxy Z Fold8 vs Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold
Both cost about $1,900. The Fold8 is much lighter, faster and better for productivity, but it dropped the telephoto. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold has IP68 dust resistance, Qi2 magnets and a 5x telephoto, but it’s heavier.