Paul Jones
Apple is unlikely to easily outdo the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Despite Apple’s strong reputation and widespread popularity, assumptions about the anticipated iPhone Ultra may be overstated. My time with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has been incredibly enjoyable, and I look forward to receiving a review unit. Its unique design has captivated me, much like the original Pixel Fold continues to do, suggesting that its appeal won’t diminish as some predict.
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 has piqued my interest in the forthcoming iPhone Ultra, but Apple faces greater challenges than many assume. Although Apple remains a powerful contender, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 offers significant competition.
What feature matters most in a book-style foldable?
56 votes
Apple has yet to enhance multitasking on iOS
Aamir Siddiqui
Book-style foldables should excel as productivity tools. While having a larger phone for media consumption is a plus, it’s insufficient justification for the high price tag.
Unfortunately, we lack a complete understanding of how multitasking on iOS could function. iPadOS provides insights with its windowed mode and split view features, but these functionalities are not yet available on iPhones. Migrating this experience to iPhones isn’t guaranteed, and it seems Apple may be hesitant to relinquish control of the user experience.
Samsung, despite its flaws, delivers a solid multitasking experience on its Galaxy phones. The 90:10 multitasking feature is fantastic, allowing for flexibility in window arrangement. The app pairs functionality enables quick access to frequently used apps. iPadOS lacks these capabilities, and given Apple’s inclination to maintain a certain control over user experience, these features may not appear on the iPhone Ultra right away.
Samsung’s early advantages in key areas
Zac Kew-Denniss
Creating reliable hinges is challenging, requiring them to function flawlessly over numerous folds without allowing dust and debris in. Foldable technology has significantly improved durability in recent years, and Samsung has learned many lessons along the way. While Apple has strong design capabilities, developing a dependable system might yield initial challenges.
Moreover, Samsung has resolved several significant issues. Transitions between the cover screen and the internal display are seamless, and there’s a taskbar that optimizes the use of the expansive unfolded screen.
Apple will need to take risks to succeed in the foldable market.
Developers on Android play a crucial role in refining user experiences, scaling applications to suit larger formats. Apple lacks a similar history. It would be surprising if Apple developed a method to force scaling for unsupported apps as Samsung and Google have done. The company’s commitment to preserving the user experience on iPhones may hinder any drive for innovation in that area.
Price is another factor. The Galaxy Z Fold 8, with its steep $1,900 price tag, is still relatively more accessible than the anticipated iPhone Ultra, which could exceed $2,200. This price difference could be critical for those not tied to Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple holds several advantages
Dhruv Bhutani
It is understandable why some believe the iPhone Ultra may surpass the Galaxy Z Fold 8; Apple has various resources at its disposal. The ecosystem remains a strong attraction, albeit sometimes limiting. Consumers who wouldn’t switch to Android now have a foldable option, highlighting its strong market potential.
Apple’s exceptional industrial design allows for the creation of visually stunning products. The company may heavily leverage its lifestyle branding, a strategy that has worked well in the past. Samsung has laid the groundwork in this area, and Motorola successfully transitioned the Razr into a stylish product, but Apple’s longstanding expertise in marketing could give it an edge.
Apple Intelligence, often viewed humorously, could potentially be a significant factor in choosing an iPhone Ultra or future iOS devices. Users have nearly two decades of data stored on their devices and iCloud. If Apple Intelligence can better organize and recall this information meaningfully, it may revitalize the desirability of iOS.
The race between these two devices will be tight
Paul Jones
While the iPhone Ultra will definitely find its audience, it’s unrealistic to think it could simply overshadow the Galaxy Z Fold 8. Samsung retains numerous advantages, and considering how difficult transitioning away from iOS can be, foldables illustrate the strengths of Android.
These devices are adaptable and geared towards productivity, emphasizing the flexible nature of the Android platform. It’s a considerable challenge for any single company to decide what the ideal user environment should be for every individual, but Apple’s approach reflects that ambition.
The iPhone Ultra is poised to be a remarkable device, but completely underestimating the Galaxy Z Fold 8 would be a mistake, and Samsung is set to demonstrate that.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8
New form factor • More Affordable • Fast Charging • Flagship specs
A fresh perspective on Samsung’s book-style foldable, combining a wider design with portability. Featuring a lightweight body, 45W charging, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 performance, AI capabilities, and dual 50MP cameras, it provides an easier entry into the foldable market.
