Samsung already launched the Galaxy Z Fold 8 as the first widely available passport-style foldable, getting ahead of Apple’s first foldable iPhone. While there are at least a few weeks before the iPhone Ultra finally arrives, it appears that the folks in Cupertino have already lost the battle.
The iPhone Ultra may come with a serious design issue
Great product design is an essential part of what makes Apple special, loved, and one of the most successful companies in the history of humanity. However, the company has its own share of misses, such as the bottom-charging Magic Mouse 2 and the trash can Mac Pro.
Some of the most recent rumors about the foldable iPhone Ultra suggested that it could end up with a similar reputation. Selfie cameras on the sides and asymmetrical design are the major quirks that could put people off.
When we covered those reports, we thought it would be a great moment to ask our readers how they feel about this season’s passport-style foldables. The results turned out surprisingly extreme.
The Galaxy Z Fold is already running laps around the iPhone Ultra
Using the Galaxy Z Fold 8 feels great. | Image by PhoneArena
Over 600 of our readers shared their opinions about which is the better passport-style foldable among Apple's and Samsung’s offerings. The overwhelming majority, or just under 68%, have chosen the Galaxy Z Fold 8, while the iPhone Ultra didn’t even reach 15% of the votes.
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Which passport-style foldable do you think is better?
The new form factor has its retractors as well. About 9% of our readers said they don’t like either of the two models. However, for almost 8% of them, both options sound great.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is already very successful
The iPhone Ultra may come with some jarring design choices. | Image by TechDroid
The initial response to the Galaxy Z Fold 8has been great already. The company already confirmed that the preorders in South Korea were better not only than its previous foldables, but also than the Galaxy S26 series, and the record-holding Galaxy Note 10 duo.
This is hardly a surprise, especially considering the warm response the device received from reviewers. In his in-depth review, my colleague Victor said the phone felt right, using it was a delightful experience, and after a week with the Z Fold 8 it would be really hard returning to a regular phone.
You did great, Samsung
All in all, Samsung has a winner, and Apple will have a really hard time beating it. Of course, there’s the Apple magic, the ecosystem, the iOS 27 updates, and everything else that will help any iPhone sell relatively well. Still, there’s a growing chance the iPhone Ultra follows the iPhone Air, the iPhone 16 Plus, and the iPhone 13 mini to the list of duds in Apple’s history.
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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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