CNET has a series of pieces comparing the iPhone Duo to three current Android foldables. While it’s a little frustrating to tackle the comparisons separately, it seems clear that the site views Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 as the device the Duo needs to beat.
That’s in large part because the two devices share similar passport-style aspect ratios rather than the tall and thin design of other foldables, and are priced only $100 apart …
Dimensions
Samsung’s device is a little thinner both when folded and unfolded.
Dust-proofing
One major problem with early versions of Samsung’s foldables is their vulnerability to damage through trapped dust and dirt, and the Fold 8 still has this weakness. Its IP48 rating means that it’s fully waterproof, but only rated against protection from particles larger than a grain of sand. The iPhone Duo, in contrast, is rated as fully waterproof and dustproof.
Cameras
There’s really nothing in it when it comes to the main cameras. The Duo has 48MP main and ultrawide cameras, while those of the Fold 8 are 50MP. Neither device has a telephoto lens.
The Fold 8 has a 10MP selfie camera embedded on the outer display, while the Duo has a 12MP one. Samsung has put another 10 MP selfie camera on the inner display, and while Apple hasn’t revealed the specs on this, it seems to be a significantly lower resolution one based on video shooting supporting 1080p but not 4K.
Battery
As is usual, Apple doesn’t specify the battery capacity, so we’ll need to wait for teardowns to determine this. However, the company says that it will last for up to 24 hours in typical use.
The Fold 8 offers faster wired charging, specifying 0% to 73% in 30 minutes, while Apple says the Duo gets to a 50% charge in the same time. However, Apple wins on wireless charging with full MagSafe support, while the Fold 8 lacks the magnets needed for Qi2 wireless charging.
9to5Mac’s Take
In practice, of course, most people want to remain within their existing ecosystem, be it Apple or Android. Comparisons across operating systems are only relevant when one or other device proves sufficiently appealing to entice people to switch.
My personal suspicion is that the iPhone Duo is better placed than most iPhones when it comes to tempting Android users attracted to the foldable form factor. Samsung’s poor track record with durability could prove critical when choosing such an expensive device – $1900 for the Fold 8 against $1999 for the Duo. Additionally, even Android fans seem to be widely admiring the beauty of Apple’s user interface.
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