Full Breakdown
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Gains Momentum After Apple’s iPhone Duo Unveiling
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
Apple introduced its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, at a September launch event. The device starts at 3.29 million won (? $2,370), about 1.01 million won more than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8, which begins at 2.28 million won. The Duo’s U.S. price is $100 higher than the Fold 8, but the Korean price gap is about $730. Foldables currently represent roughly 2 percent of global shipments (Counterpoint Research).
Sales Surge in South Korea
A Korean telecom industry report indicated that Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales rose about 10 percent in the week after the iPhone Duo unveiling compared with the prior week. Analysts linked the uptick to consumers who had been “waiting and seeing” shifting toward the already-available Fold 8 rather than postponing purchase for Apple’s later launch.
Price Gap as a Deciding Factor
Multiple Korean media outlets highlighted the price differential as a primary influence on buyer choice. The Fold 8’s base model costs 2.28 million won, while the Duo’s base model is 3.29 million won. Even the Fold 8 Ultra, with a 1 TB storage option, remains cheaper than the Duo’s entry-level price. Commenters noted that the Duo’s higher price, combined with AppleCare and storage upgrades, pushes the total expense into the high-3 million-won or near-4 million-won range.
Availability and Release Timing
Samsung’s foldable line is already on the market, with devices displayed at Samsung Store Hongdae in Mapo District, western Seoul, on July 28. Apple announced U.S. pre-orders for the Duo will begin on October 16, with the market debut slated for October 23. The Korean launch follows a similar schedule, with the phone not arriving until October. This timing disparity gives consumers the option to purchase a Fold 8 immediately, while the Duo remains unavailable for several weeks.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the Apple event, Samsung posted on social media that the company would “keep folding three ways” while Apple’s rollout caused a waiting period for consumers. The brand also described Apple’s “bedside clock mode” as “giving groundhog day,” signaling a competitive tone. Apple noted that local currency pricing reflects duties, regulatory fees, and currency movements.
On-the-Ground Consumer Sentiment
Online commenters expressed mixed reactions. Some praised the Duo’s design but said the Korean price “cooled my enthusiasm fast.” Others noted the Duo is about 53 g heavier than the Fold 8 and raised concerns about hinge durability and the practicality of the Duo’s thicker form factor. A U.S.-based user observed that the price gap between the two phones is “nearly nonexistent” in the United States and indicated an intention to purchase the Duo under Apple’s 24-month, zero-interest financing plan.
Potential Market Impact
Bloomberg analysts suggest that Apple’s entry could accelerate growth in the foldable segment, potentially shifting the category toward mainstream adoption. Apple’s premium pricing may steer price-sensitive Korean consumers toward Samsung, while competition could spur both firms to refine software and hardware, benefiting buyers overall.
What’s Next
- October 16 (scheduled): Apple begins pre-orders for the iPhone Duo in the United States.
- October 23 (scheduled): Apple’s global market debut for the iPhone Duo, including South Korea.
These dates will determine whether the early sales boost for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 sustains or if Apple’s foldable gains traction once it becomes widely available.