The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 has been on the market for a few months and has already become one of the most talked-about foldable phones of the year. Its compact form factor, with an external screen almost the size of a regular smartphone and a 7,6-inch internal screen, has marked a turning point in the category. Now, with the arrival of the iPhone Duo and the Xiaomi Mi 18 Fold, the competition has intensified, but Samsung's device still has arguments to defend its position.
We've been able to test it for several weeks, and it's truly surprising how light and comfortable it is . Weighing just 201 grams and only 4,5 millimeters thick when folded, you almost forget you're carrying a phone in your pocket. It's no wonder it's become the benchmark for the so-called passport format, which features a wider external screen and a more panoramic internal display, ideal for watching videos, reading, and working.
A design that makes a difference
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 boasts a matte aluminum construction and a finish that feels wonderful to the touch. Its 5,5-inch external screen is perfectly usable with one hand, while unfolding it reveals a 7,6-inch internal panel with a 4:3 aspect ratio, almost like a tablet. This configuration, which we've already seen in other brands like Huawei, has been refined by Samsung to offer a seamless experience without any noticeable creases.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy delivers high-end performance, with options for 12 or 16 GB of RAM and up to 1 TB of storage. The 4.800 mAh battery easily lasts through the day with heavy use and recharges at 45W via cable or 20W wirelessly. As for the cameras, it features a dual 50-megapixel rear camera system (main and ultra-wide) that performs admirably, although a telephoto lens would have been welcome.
The battle against the iPhone Duo
Apple has just entered the foldable phone market with the iPhone Duo , and comparisons have already begun. The Cupertino device starts at €2.339, a significantly higher price than the Galaxy Z Fold 8's €1.999. Furthermore, the iPhone Duo weighs 53 grams more (254 grams) and is thicker, although it offers an IP68 rating compared to Samsung's IP48, a difference in dust protection.
In terms of displays, both phones have the same screen size (7,6 inches internally), but Samsung manages to create a lighter and thinner device. The iPhone Duo adds Apple Pencil compatibility, something the Galaxy doesn't offer as it doesn't support the S Pen. However, Samsung's software, with One UI 9 based on Android 17 , is very well-suited to the foldable format, while iOS 27 still needs to prove its compatibility with this type of device.
Compared to the Xiaomi 18 Fold
Another alternative that has arrived on the market is the Xiaomi 18 Fold , recently unveiled and boasting some very impressive specifications on paper. It features a 6.000 mAh battery, a 200 MP Leica main camera, and the XRING O3 processor, but it's only available in China. For now, there's no confirmation of its arrival in Spain, which gives a clear advantage to the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is officially sold in our country.
In terms of features, the Xiaomi 18 Fold wins in battery life and charging (67W wired) and in photographic versatility thanks to its periscope telephoto lens. But the Samsung responds with a lighter design, more mature software, and a seven-year warranty on updates. If the Xiaomi were to arrive in Europe, the decision would be very close, although for now the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the most sensible option for those who want a no-fuss foldable phone.
Availability and price
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is available in Spain starting at €1.999 for the 256GB version, and comes in Lavender, Graphite, Cream, and Pistachio colors. Samsung also offers its Galaxy AI ecosystem, with features like Now Brief and Now Nudge, which enhance the user experience. If you're looking for a foldable phone that can handle everything from reading to working, and that won't weigh you down, this is undoubtedly one of the best options currently available.
In short, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is here to stay and has proven that the foldable format can be practical. With a more affordable price than its rivals, reduced weight, and outstanding performance, it positions itself as the most well-rounded option on the market. The arrival of the iPhone Duo and the Xiaomi Mi 18 Fold only confirms that Samsung has set the standard in this category, and sales figures in Europe bear this out.