Apple’s iPhone Duo May Have Given Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 Sales an Unexpected Boost

Last week, the iPhone Duo launched as the first-ever foldable iPhone and it was expected to put pressure on the likes of Samsung, especially the Galaxy Z Fold 8. However, a new report suggests that the iPhone Duo has flipped the fortune for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, bringing in a surge of sales for the latter.

iPhone Duo Boosted Galaxy Z Fold 8 Sales in South Korea

According to South Korean outlet ET News, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales in South Korea rose by around 10% week-on-week after the debut of the iPhone Duo. Industry analysts say that a large group of buyers had been holding off specifically to see what Apple would produce before committing to a foldable.

Once they could compare the two, many chose the Galaxy Z Fold 8. As for why, the report cites three key reasons. The first is pricing. In South Korea, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at 2.28 million South Korean won (~Rs 1.5 lakhs), compared to the iPhone Duo's starting price of 3.29 million South Korean won (~Rs 2.3 lakhs). That is a massive gap for anyone choosing between the two, especially since both offer the passport-like form factor.

Secondly, weight and thickness have also played an important role in the buyer's purchase decision. For context, the iPhone Duo weighs 254 grams and is 11.3mm and 5.2mm when folded and unfolded, respectively.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, on the other hand, is lighter at 201 grams and is also thinner at 9.7mm and 4.5mm when folded and unfolded, respectively.

Lastly, the biggest of the lot is availability. While the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has been on the shelves for weeks now, the iPhone Duo doesn't enter sales in South Korea until October 16, 2026. So anyone who wanted a foldable in September 2026 had exactly one option they could actually take home.

That said, the rise in Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales is only relevant till the iPhone Duo enters open availability. Once users are able to experience both phones in real life, the outcome might change based on what they prefer then.

The same story is true for India. The iPhone Duo starts at Rs 2,99,999 compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8's starting price of Rs 1,74,999. That is a Rs 1,25,000 gap that most users will consider and it tips the scale in Samsung's favour.