iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Z FoldKRW 1,010,008: Which Is Right for You When Comparing Weight, Stylus Support, and SIM Options?
The price difference between the iPhone Duo and Galaxy Z Fold8 in South Korea, based on the 256GB models, is KRW 1,011,900. Both have unfolded displays measuring approximately 19.3cm, but the iPhone Duo supports Apple Pencil and IP68, while the Galaxy Z Fold8 is 53g lighter and accepts a physical SIM card. Price is therefore not the only factor in choosing between them.
With Apple's first foldable iPhone now unveiled, the most practical question comes down to one thing: Is the iPhone Duo worth paying KRW 3,290,000 for, or is the already available Galaxy Z Fold8 a better choice?
KRW 1,011,900 Price Difference for 256GB Models, Remaining Around KRW 1,000,000 at Higher Storage Capacities
Apple's official price for the 256GB iPhone Duo is KRW 3,290,000. Samsung Electronics lists the 256GB Galaxy Z Fold8 at KRW 2,278,100. Comparing identical storage capacities, the iPhone Duo costs KRW 1,011,900 more.
| Storage Capacity | iPhone Duo | Galaxy Z Fold8 |
|---|---|---|
| 256GB | KRW 3,290,000 | KRW 2,278,100 |
| 512GB | KRW 3,590,000 | KRW 2,531,100 |
| 1TB | KRW 4,190,000 | KRW 3,152,600 |
| 2TB | KRW 5,090,000 | Not available in this capacity |
Based on the 256GB models, the iPhone Duo is approximately 44.4% more expensive than the Galaxy Z Fold8. The price differences are KRW 1,058,900 for 512GB and KRW 1,037,400 for 1TB. These percentages and price differences were calculated by the author using the manufacturers' official list prices.
However, Samsung.com may offer instant discounts or card promotions at different times, potentially widening the actual checkout price gap. As of 2026-09-10, Samsung.com also lists promotional discounts for the Z Fold8.
Nearly Identical Screen Sizes, but Significant Differences in Weight and Thickness
Looking only at the unfolded displays, there is little difference between the two devices. The iPhone Duo's internal display measures 19.3cm, while the Galaxy Z Fold8's main display measures 193.2mm, putting them in essentially the same size category. Their external displays measure 13.6cm and 138.4mm, respectively.
The difference users are most likely to notice is weight.
**iPhone Duo: 254g
Galaxy Z Fold8: 201g**
The Z Fold8 is 53g lighter. For someone who frequently holds a foldable phone in one hand and uses its external display, this difference may matter more than the numbers alone suggest. Samsung specifies an unfolded thickness of 4.5mm and a folded thickness of 9.7mm for the Z Fold8. The iPhone Duo measures 5.2mm when unfolded and 11.3mm when folded.
In other words, the Z Fold8 has clear advantages for users who prioritize portability and a lighter feel.
The iPhone Duo Actually Has the Advantage for Stylus Users
One unexpected difference in this comparison is stylus support. The iPhone Duo officially supports Apple Pencil (USB-C), while the Galaxy Z Fold8 does not support the S Pen.
For people who frequently annotate PDFs, take handwritten notes, or make simple sketches on a large unfolded display, Apple Pencil support expands what they can do with the iPhone Duo.
However, Apple Pencil is a separate accessory, and users should also consider how they will carry it. If the main purpose is simply viewing content on a larger screen, stylus support alone may not justify a price difference of around KRW 1,000,000.
The iPhone Duo Does Not Support Physical SIM Cards
If you plan to remove the SIM card from your existing iPhone and transfer it directly to the new device, this is an important difference to understand first.
The iPhone Duo is an eSIM-only model that is not compatible with physical SIM cards. It can activate up to 2 eSIMs simultaneously and store 8 or more eSIMs.
By contrast, the domestic specifications for the Galaxy Z Fold8 explicitly list SIM 1 + eSIM or dual eSIM configurations. This makes the Z Fold8 a more straightforward choice for people who want to continue using a physical SIM card.
Before purchasing the iPhone Duo, it is advisable to confirm whether your current mobile carrier and plan support eSIM activation and device changes.
The iPhone Duo Has a One-Step Advantage in Dust and Water Resistance
Foldable phones often raise durability questions because of their hinges and folding displays.
The iPhone Duo carries an IP68 rating. Apple specifies testing conditions under IEC 60529 involving a maximum water depth of 6m for up to 30 minutes. The Galaxy Z Fold8 has an IP48 rating, meeting protection standards for freshwater immersion at depths of up to 1.5m for 30 minutes and protection against solid objects measuring 1mm or larger.
Based on these ratings, the iPhone Duo offers stronger dust protection. However, water and dust resistance should not be assumed to last permanently on either device. The long-term durability of their foldable displays is also difficult to assess from specifications alone immediately after launch.
Because the iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable product, the long-term performance of its hinge and folding display will need to be evaluated through actual use after sales begin.
Ecosystem and Usage Patterns Matter More Than Cameras
Neither device should be viewed as simply a foldable version of a conventional flagship smartphone with its entire top-tier camera system carried over unchanged.
The iPhone Duo uses a 48MP dual Fusion camera system and supports 0.5x, 1x, and 2x shooting options. The Galaxy Z Fold8 also offers a 50MP + 50MP dual rear camera system and 2x optical-quality zoom.
The more important considerations when buying a foldable phone are therefore its operating system and compatibility with devices you already own.
If you primarily use a Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, and iCloud, the iPhone Duo offers the benefit of moving to a large-screen foldable while remaining within your existing Apple ecosystem.
Conversely, if your setup revolves around Galaxy devices and Windows PCs, and the 53g weight difference and price gap of around KRW 1,000,000 matter to you, the Z Fold8 offers stronger practical advantages.
So Which Should You Buy: iPhone Duo or Galaxy Z Fold8?
The iPhone Duo is better suited to users who need to stay with iOS and the Apple ecosystem and who place considerable value on Apple Pencil functionality or its IP68 dust and water resistance rating. This group also includes people who want to experience Apple's first foldable phone from the beginning.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 is better suited to users who want an internal display in the same 19.3cm size category while prioritizing purchase cost and portability. Its 201g weight and physical SIM support are tangible advantages in a smartphone used every day.
The iPhone Duo is not automatically superior to the Z Fold8 in every respect simply because it is an 'iPhone that folds.' The central purchasing question is whether the KRW 1,011,900 price difference for the 256GB models is worth paying for Apple Pencil support, the Apple ecosystem, IP68, and the experience of using a foldable iOS device.
In South Korea, iPhone Duo preorders begin at 9 PM on 2026-10-16, with the official release scheduled for October 23. If you are not in a hurry to buy, another option is to wait until after launch and evaluate the device's actual weight and feel, display crease, hinge operation, and long-term durability reviews before making a decision.