Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 increased its sales in South Korea after Apple introduced its first wide-screen foldable phone, the iPhone Duo. According to information shared by The Chosun, Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales increased by approximately 10 percent on a weekly basis in the period following Apple’s announcement. The news states that some users who had previously considered purchasing a new foldable phone postponed their decisions to see what kind of device Apple would offer. With the introduction of the iPhone Duo, it seems that some of these users prefer the Samsung model. The fact that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is already on sale seems to be one of the factors working in Samsung’s favor for users deciding between the two devices.
The fact that iPhone Duo will be available in South Korea towards the end of October is shown as one of the reasons why users are turning to Galaxy Z Fold 8 instead of waiting. Despite this, it is not possible to explain the change in sales only with the difference between release dates. There is a much larger difference between the prices of the two models, especially in South Korea, than seen in the US and European markets. Samsung’s pricing in its home country makes the Galaxy Z Fold 8 significantly more accessible than Apple’s foldable phone. This makes a significant difference for users who consider the total cost in their purchasing decision, as well as hardware features.
There is a big price difference between Galaxy Z Fold 8 and iPhone Duo
In the USA, the price for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 with 256 GB storage is $ 1,900, and the price for the iPhone Duo with the same capacity is $ 2,000. Thus, the Apple model is approximately 5 percent more expensive than Samsung’s phone. In Europe, the price difference widens slightly; While the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is sold at 2,000 euros, the price of the iPhone Duo rises to 2,300 euros. This means a difference of approximately 15 percent between the two devices. When it comes to South Korea, pricing reveals a much different picture.
While the starting price of Galaxy Z Fold 8 is 2.28 million won in South Korea, you have to pay 3.29 million won for iPhone Duo. Thus, Apple’s phone becomes approximately 44 percent more expensive than the Samsung model. The difference of approximately 1 million won can be a strong factor in the decision of consumers, especially when comparing the two phones directly. The price goes even higher for higher storage options of the iPhone Duo. The 2 TB capacity version of the phone attracts attention as the first smartphone to exceed the 5 million won limit in South Korea with its price of 5.09 million won.
In addition to the price difference, there are also clear differences between the physical structures of the two phones. Apple iPhone Duo has a thickness of 11.3 mm and a weight of 254 grams when folded. Galaxy Z Fold 8, on the other hand, offers a thinner and lighter body with a thickness of 9.7 mm and a weight of 201 grams. The weight difference of 53 grams is at a level that can be felt especially in daily use of large screen foldable phones. The 1.6 mm difference in thickness can be considered as one of the advantages of the Samsung model in terms of carrying the phones in pockets and using them in the hand for a long time.
Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market with the iPhone Duo offers users a new alternative to the Fold series that Samsung has been developing for a long time. However, the first model does not eliminate all of the long-discussed fundamental problems of the foldable phone category. While the high price is one of these, weight and body thickness are also among the points that should be taken into consideration in terms of daily use. Galaxy Z Fold 8, on the other hand, is in a more advantageous position in this market with its lower South Korean price, lighter structure and ability to be purchased without waiting. Preliminary sales data also show that Apple’s introduction increased interest in Samsung’s foldable phone in the short term, at least in South Korea, rather than decreasing it.