What you need to know
- An overseas report claims the Galaxy Z Fold 8 saw a 10% increase in sales following the iPhone Duo.
- It was alleged that consumers were interested in seeing pricing details and more before deciding on a device, among other factors.
- The Galaxy Z Fold 8 was already incredibly popular for Samsung, shattering pre-order records and exceeding the Fold 8 Ultra and Flip 8
It’s just over a week since Apple’s main event where it debuted the iPhone Duo, its first foldable phone. Trends have shifted since then, and it’s Samsung that’s seeing an uptick in Fold 8 sales.
The Chosun (Korean) reported that Apple’s event provided a noteworthy boost in Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales following the iPhone Duo’s debut (via GSMArena). This appears to be the result of consumers “waiting and seeing,” as the publication notes. According to the report, Samsung observed a 10% boost in Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales following the iPhone Duo reveal.
There might’ve been a few deciding factors that consumers were waiting out. The report highlights the price difference between the two phones as one of them. That price might be minimal in the U.S. (the iPhone Duo is $100 more), but in South Korea, there’s a one million won difference. What’s more, the report acknowledges that there is no 1TB option for the Fold 8; however, if consumers wanted the 2TB iPhone Duo, they’d have to pay five million won (by comparison, the Fold 8 starts at 2.2 million won).
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These two factors were cited as the deciding factors for Korean consumers when choosing between the Fold 8 and the iPhone Duo. The publication went on to highlight one more factor: actually receiving the phone. Consumers can more readily go out and purchase a Fold 8. But the iPhone Duo isn’t set to appear until October. In the U.S., Apple said pre-orders begin October 16, but its market debut isn’t until October 23.
The Fold 8’s pretty popular
It was nice finally seeing Apple’s long-awaited foldable debut. Shortly after the event, Android Central’s Harish Jonnalagadda was quick with his two cents about it. While an appealing phone, there were some glaring differences between it and the competition. Comparing the iPhone Duo’s weight was highlighted. Both Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold are lighter (it’s 53g heavier than the Fold 8).
Elsewhere, Samsung and, yes, Duolingo, chirped Apple on social media during the event. It’s probably safe to say Samsung wasn’t too impressed. It said, “Making us wait? Fine. We’ll be over here, folding 3 ways.” The company even said the iPhone Duo’s bedside clock mode was “giving groundhog day.” Then we have Duolingo—completely unhinged. Its post read, “They named a phone after me and made it bend over,” accompanied by its mascot’s—you get the idea.
Getting back on topic, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 was already incredibly popular following its debut. After a week of pre-orders, the Fold 8 shattered expectations with its high volume. Inventory sold out online, and the Fold 8 far outpaced the Fold 8 Ultra and Flip 8.
Android Central’s Take
I’m sure this is the case for a lot of people. The “waiting and see” approach is how to stay smart in a market that demands a lot from your wallet. But also, Samsung and Apple are major competitors. People might grab one phone one year and then the other the next. It’s a constant flow. An ever-shifting reality we live in. However, it speaks a little more volume on Samsung’s end. Clearly, people were on the fence and wanted to see. But after seeing, they still opted for Samsung. That’s good for now. I want to know if it’ll stick, though.