Why did Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales rise after Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo in Korea?

Industry sources said some consumers had been waiting for Apple’s foldable phone before buying, then chose the Galaxy Z Fold 8 instead. The higher price of the iPhone Duo in Korea also appears to have influenced purchasing decisions.

How much do the iPhone Duo and Galaxy Z Fold 8 cost in Korea?

The 256GB iPhone Duo costs 3.29 million won in Korea, while the 256GB Galaxy Z Fold 8 costs 2.28 million won. The 2TB iPhone Duo is priced at 5.09 million won.

How big is the price gap between Apple’s foldable phone and Samsung’s foldable phone in Korea?

The 256GB iPhone Duo is priced at more than 1 million won above the 256GB Galaxy Z Fold 8 in Korea. The article says the gap is relatively wide compared with the United States, where the two 256GB models differ by about $100.

Sales of Galaxy Z Fold 8 increase following unveiling of Apple's 1st foldable smartphone

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Summary

Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Z Fold 8 has seen domestic sales rise after Apple unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, in Korea on Thursday. Sales increased about 10 percent in the week after the unveiling, according to industry sources. Analysts said some consumers who had delayed purchases chose the Galaxy Z Fold 8 instead. The iPhone Duo costs more than 1 million won more than the 256GB Galaxy Z Fold 8 in Korea.

Key Facts

The 256-gigabyte iPhone Duo is priced at 3.29 million won in Korea.
The 256GB Galaxy Z Fold 8 is priced at 2.28 million won.
The 2-terabyte iPhone Duo model is priced at 5.09 million won.
The price gap in Korea is described as relatively wide compared with the United States, where the 256GB models differ by about $100.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 17, 2026 10:49 am KST

This promotional image shows Samsung's Galaxy Z foldable smartphones, Aug. 10. Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

Domestic sales of Samsung Electronics' new Galaxy Z foldable smartphone have increased following the unveiling of Apple's first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, industry sources said Thursday.

Sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 in Korea rose about 10 percent in the week following the unveiling of the iPhone Duo from the previous week, according to the telecommunications industry.

The increase is believed to have been driven in part by consumers who had delayed their purchases while waiting for Apple's new product and subsequently opted for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 instead.

The iPhone Duo's price and hardware specifications are also considered factors in Korean consumers' purchasing decisions, they said.

The iPhone Duo is priced at 3.29 million won ($2,380) for the 256-gigabyte model in Korea, more than 1 million won above the 2.28 million won price of the 256GB Galaxy Z Fold 8. The 2-terabyte iPhone Duo model is priced at 5.09 million won.

The price gap in Korea is relatively wide compared with the United States, where the 256GB models of the two smartphones differ by about $100 in price.

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