Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market was expected to put some pressure on Samsung, but the early signs suggest the opposite may be happening. According to the latest sales data from South Korea, Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales increased by 10% week over week in the period following Apple’s unveiling of the iPhone Duo.

The increase is particularly interesting because the iPhone Duo is Samsung’s most direct new competitor in the foldable segment. Instead of immediately slowing Galaxy Z Fold 8 demand, Apple’s announcement may have encouraged some undecided buyers to take another look at Samsung’s offering.

Price Gives Samsung a Clear Advantage

One major reason could be the significant difference in pricing. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 starts at around 2.28 million won ($1,550) in South Korea, while the iPhone Duo starts at 3.29 million won ($2,390). That makes Apple’s device roughly 1.01 million won, or about $840, more expensive.

For buyers comparing two premium foldables, that is a substantial gap. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 also has an advantage in South Korea because it is already available, while the iPhone Duo is scheduled to launch there on October 16.

The Fold 8 is also reported to be thinner and lighter than the iPhone Duo, giving Samsung another talking point for consumers who care about portability.

Apple May Have Helped Samsung

The 10% increase does not prove that former iPhone Duo buyers switched to Samsung. However, the timing is certainly notable. Apple’s announcement gave consumers a detailed look at its foldable-style phone, including its price and launch schedule, and some buyers may have decided that Samsung offered a more practical deal.

Apple entering a category does not automatically mean Samsung loses customers. It can actually make the entire category more visible while pushing consumers to compare products more closely.

Two Foldables Can Succeed

The South Korean figures are only one market, so they should not be treated as evidence of a global trend yet. Still, they suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has enough momentum to withstand Apple’s arrival, particularly while Samsung continues offering discounts.

If both devices perform strongly worldwide, Apple’s entry could ultimately expand the foldable market rather than simply taking sales away from Samsung

Read More:

• iPhone 18 Pro Max vs Pixel 11 Pro XL: $1300 Flagship Showdown
• iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold 8: Apple Finally Takes on Samsung
• iPhone Duo vs iPhone 18 Pro Max: $2,000 Foldable or Smarter Buy?

(via)

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