Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Apple iPhone side by side, showcasing design differences and features, highlighting Samsung's Galaxy.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 Excels in Five Key Areas Over Apple’s iPhone Duo

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-09-24

The iPhone Duo launched with a titanium frame and a complex hinge system featuring over 100 components. Its 7.6-inch display and IP68 rating set high standards. However, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 triumphs in several practical areas, proving its years of expertise in foldable technology. Here’s how the Z Fold8 excels:

1. Samsung’s Galaxy: Retains the Physical SIM Tray for Versatility

While Apple has moved exclusively to eSIM, the Galaxy Z Fold8 retains the traditional SIM tray, a crucial feature for international travelers and users with multiple numbers. This design decision maintains user convenience, avoiding the potential hassles of eSIM setup in regions with limited support.

2. A Lighter, More Manageable Device

Weighing in at 201 grams, the Fold8 surpasses the iPhone Duo’s 254 grams, making it the lightest book-style foldable phone available. This weight difference enhances comfort, especially when the phone is pocketed for extended periods, a result of Samsung’s extensive refinement process over several generations.

Close-up of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 SIM tray detail.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 SIM Tray

3. Thinner Design for Enhanced Portability

The Fold8 closes to a slim 9.7mm compared to the Duo’s 11.3mm. Though the difference seems minor, it significantly impacts the user experience, as the slimmer design fits more easily into pockets and bags, a testament to Samsung’s ongoing commitment to dimensional refinement.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 unfolded on a wooden table.

4. Advanced Multitasking Features of Samsung’s Galaxy

The Z Fold8 excels with its multitasking capabilities. Its taskbar supports eight apps with ease, and App Pairs enable efficient multitasking. With features like three-way split-screen and AI Results View, Samsung has fine-tuned the multitasking experience, drawing on user data and feedback from previous models.

Dive deeper into Samsung’s innovation with the game-changing foldable iPhone Ultra, exploring how Apple adapts in the foldable technology race.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 rear camera module close-up.

5. Evolved Hinge Mechanism Enhances Durability

Samsung’s eighth-generation dual-rail hinge distributes stress more evenly, reducing delamination risks and achieving a record 200,000 fold cycles. Apple’s first-gen hinge, while technically impressive, lacks the extensive field testing and iterative improvements that inform Samsung’s design.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 displayed with the screen partially open.

Despite Apple’s impressive initial offering, the Galaxy Z Fold8 showcases Samsung’s refinement in foldable technology, emphasizing functionality and user-centered design. These elements prove critical for consumers seeking the most practical and reliable foldable device on the market today.

Detailed view of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 hinge mechanism.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Hinge Close-up

Source: yankodesign.com

Frequently asked questions

How does Galaxy Z Fold8’s SIM card feature differ from iPhone Duo?

The Galaxy Z Fold8 retains the traditional SIM tray, while the iPhone Duo has moved exclusively to eSIM. This feature is crucial for international travelers and users with multiple numbers, as it maintains user convenience and avoids the potential hassles of eSIM setup in regions with limited support.

What is the weight difference between Galaxy Z Fold8 and iPhone Duo?

The Fold8 weighs 201 grams, surpassing the iPhone Duo’s 254 grams, making it the lightest book-style foldable phone available. This weight difference enhances comfort, especially when the phone is pocketed for extended periods.

How does the Galaxy Z Fold8’s hinge mechanism improve durability?

Samsung’s eighth-generation dual-rail hinge distributes stress more evenly, reducing delamination risks and achieving a record 200,000 fold cycles. This hinge design benefits from extensive field testing and iterative improvements over previous models.