Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs iPhone Duo: Why Samsung claims increase in demand

Many were expecting Samsung to panic when Apple actually released its foldable. But instead Samsung claims:

"We’ve seen an increase in demand for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 since the iPhone Duo launch," a Samsung executive told Forbes. Samsung claims there has been a 16% increase in customer demand for the Fold8 family since launch and a 300% increase in active Google searches for its foldables in the last month.

This is a nice story and there is some logic behind it. Apple has a large and loyal customer base. Many of them will be seeing a folding phone for the first time with the Duo. Some will purchase it, some will wait and others will look elsewhere, this gives Samsung a chance.

However, these are all self-reported stats.

Companies will always try to spin their stats into looking good. Let’s understand what the stats are telling us.

The 300% increase in Google searches seems huge but this depends on the starting point. If very few people were searching for Samsung foldables then a big percentage increase wouldn’t necessarily mean much. Also, the search increase means people are interested rather than purchasing. Many people search for phones they do not purchase.

The 16% increase in demand since launch is a bit more indicative of sales. However, Samsung does not specify what the increase is for. Are they talking about orders, visits to stores or shipments? Without knowing this it is difficult to compare.

There was some independent info. Android Central reported that Fold 8 sales in South Korea have increased by around 10% week on week after the iPhone Duo was announced. This was due to the price and timing. The Duo was listed at 3.29 million won whereas the Fold 8 starts at just 2.28 million. However, the iPhone Duo has not been released in the market yet. This is just one country and one week so should be taken as a hint.

Samsung also told the press that it has seen a 45% increase in Fold 8 sales in Europe compared to the Fold 7 in the first nine weeks. Again, this is self-reported but it is comparing to last years model.

Probably the strongest point Samsung has. The Fold 8 starts at $1,899.99 and the iPhone Duo at $1,999 and the larger Fold 8 Ultra at $2,099. So the regular Fold 8 is slightly cheaper than the Apple phone.

There are deals to be had. At the time of writing this article, the Fold 8 was $1,699 on Amazon, which is $300 cheaper than the Duo. The Samsung site was also offering a discount on the 1TB model meaning it was only around $50 more than the base 256GB Duo. You can get four times the storage for similar prices.

However, deals come and go so you need to check the prices currently. But it shows Samsung is definitely undercutting Apple and they have had the head start.

However, if you are using the Apple ecosystem, have an iPad, Mac and Airpods then the few hundred dollars may not be as appealing.

Samsung has changed the design this year. The regular Fold 8 is wider and more square, whereas the Fold 8 Ultra has kept the same tall design as the Fold 7. According to PhoneArena, the wide Fold 8 is selling massively more than the Ultra so people are liking the new design.

Interestingly, it is similar to what Apple has done. Tech Advisor argues that Samsung have timed it right to capitalise on the foldable iPhone hype. They also make the displays for the Duo so would have known early on what Apple were planning. This is our opinion but interesting nonetheless.

Samsung did not hold back and released an advert called ‘Welcome to Foldable’ just hours before the Duo was unveiled. They emphasised how slim and light the Fold8 is. They claimed it is the lightest Fold in the world. Before the Duo was released Android Central reported that the iPhone was around 53g heavier than the Fold 8. While these weight claims should be double checked against the final specs, it shows where Samsung are trying to steer the conversation.

They are also increasing production. Earlier it was reported that Samsung are producing an extra one million Fold 8 phones to meet demand (on top of the increased initial numbers). This was before the Duo was released so indicates that the Fold 8 has been a success.

One of the biggest issues with foldables at the moment. Since the iPhone Duo was released on the 23rd October owners have reported cracking on the inner screens. In the first couple of days there were around 10 individual cases reported (9to5Mac). Apple have not commented on what is causing the issue or how many phones are affected. Some reviewers have also folded their Duos many times without any issues.

But it would be unfair to say Samsung’s phone is better. We do not have any data on the Fold 8 from the same time period and all brands have had issues with their screens. However, it is something to consider when purchasing.

Before purchasing any foldables find out what is covered in the warranty and screen protection plan. How much would an inner screen repair be? For the Duo it has been reported that it is $999 out of warranty. This is something to consider for whichever phone you purchase.

We do not have any independent sales data for either phone. Samsung’s Fold 8 could be the best selling foldable for a few weeks to a few months depending on how quickly Apple can get their supply chain issues sorted (PhoneArena). DigiTimes have also reported that Apple have increased their shipping target for the Duo by 44% due to strong preorder numbers. However, this has not been confirmed by Apple.

Both phones could be successful. Foldables are still a small part of the market and a big launch from Apple could help increase the whole category. Just because Samsung have had a boost does not mean Apple are losing out and vice versa.

We will be keeping an eye on whether Apple comment on the screen issues, how Samsung price the Fold 8 during the holiday period and whether it maintains its momentum once the stock of the Duos improves. There is also a China exclusive Galaxy W27 foldable based on the Fold 8 Ultra rumours to be released on the 29th October (leaked by 9to5Google).

If you are using an iPhone and your life is in Apple’s apps then the Duo is probably still the way to go (assuming you are okay with the initial issues). If you are using Android then the Fold 8 is the obvious choice. The price is also cheaper.

If you are unsure then try them in store. Foldables are all about how they feel in your hand. How thick and heavy they are, how the screen folds and how they sit in your hand is much more important than the spec sheet. Try opening and closing them a few times. See how the crease looks with the screen on and off. How do the apps look on the wider inner screen?

If price is a big concern then wait for a deal. See how much storage you can get.

We have not had both in our hands so this is a summary of what has been reported. Once we have we will add some notes.

9to5Google, Samsung says the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is more popular than ever thanks to iPhone Duo: https://9to5google.com/?p=733462 9to5Google, Samsung Galaxy W27 foldable leak (23 October 2026): https://9to5google.com/2026/10/23/samsung-galaxy-w27-foldable-leak/ PhoneArena, Yet another report backs Galaxy Z Fold 8 success story: https://www.phonearena.com/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-success-story-new-report-iphone-duo-threat-looms-large_id183167 PhoneArena, Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales increased after iPhone Duo announcement: https://www.phonearena.com/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-8-sales-increased-after-apple-iphone-duo-announcement_id183407 Tech Advisor, The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is a smash hit: https://www.techadvisor.com/article/3266759/galaxy-z-fold-8-is-smash-hit-samsung-should-thank-apple.html Android Central, After the iPhone Duo, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 just got even more popular: https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy/after-the-iphone-duo-the-galaxy-z-fold-8-just-got-even-more-popular Notebookcheck, Samsung criticises the iPhone Duo's weight: https://www.notebookcheck.com/1395013.html 9to5Mac, Some iPhone Duo displays are cracking (25 October 2026): https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/25/iphone-duo-displays-cracking/ DigiTimes, iPhone Duo shipment target raised: https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20261026VL200/2026-technology-demand-iphone-apple.html