The Galaxy Z Fold 8 beat the foldable iPhone to the market by a couple of months, but this appears to be only its first win. While some fine details in the software of the iPhone Duo certainly made an impression, a recent survey reveals that it may be lagging behind in terms of design.
You don’t like the iPhone Duo design
When we reported the potential thinner design of the Galaxy Z Fold 9, we asked you which foldable design you like more. The options included the thinner and boxier Galaxy Z Fold 8, the more rounded and asymmetrical iPhone Duo, and the overall design of book-style foldables.
Though Apple made a splash with the software design of the iPhone Duo, the champion in hardware design seems to be Samsung. Over 72% of you said that you like the sharp edges and corners of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 more.
Which design do you like more?
658 Votes
Rather shocking, the iPhone Duo couldn’t land even as the second most-liked option. This spot was taken by book-style foldables, with close to 19% of you saying that you don’t like neither of the two passport-style phones. That left Apple’s first foldable smartphone with only 9% of your votes, which is outright embarrassing.
What’s happening with Apple’s design?
The iPhone Duo doesn't have an exactly inspiring design. | Image by Apple
Apple fans will argue that design is all about user experience and the overall feel of the device, not just the hardware. Even if there’s some truth to this statement, it’s hard not to see the iPhone Duo as an iteration of the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and earlier Google foldables. While not an outright ugly phone, it looks like something we’ve seen before.
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On the other hand, Samsung’s first passport foldable looks excitingly fresh, not only because of its wider shape. The sharp angles look clean, the thin bezels give it a premium touch, and the whole vibe is of a modern device that looks beautiful.
Of course, we’ll need to get our hands on the iPhone Duo and get a real-life taste of its design and the feeling it leaves. But on paper, Samsung is running laps around Apple, which is as shocking as it is exciting.
Unlikely to change anytime soon
I like the design of the iPhone 18 Pro, and considering how many brands blatantly copy it, I'm obviously not the only fan. I am surprised that Apple didn't use this as the base for its first foldable, and I can't imagine the iPhone Duo 2 bringing any fresh ideas.
Modern smartphone design is very iterative, so the Galaxy Z Fold 9 can only help Samsung extend the lead it has. As disappointing as this may be for Apple fans, I think it got beaten in its own game, and I can only hope this gets fixed quickly.
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Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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