Mobile

Non-US brands challenge the iPhone Duo with foldables

As the mobile market prepares for Apple's first foldable device, non-US and international brands are stepping up with distinct foldable offerings of their own.

Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer

Published: October 10, 2026 · Updated: October 10, 2026 · 3 min read

Non-US brands challenge the iPhone Duo with foldables — Image: Engadget

The Arrival of the iPhone Duo

While Apple is already selling the iPhone 18 Pro, the world is waiting for the iPhone Duo — the first foldable iPhone. The new device won't hit stores until October 23, with pre-orders beginning a week earlier.

Apple's entry into the foldable space has been anticipated for quite some time, as competitors have explored the format extensively. Companies like Xiaomi, Oppo, Motorola, and Samsung have all developed foldable devices that closely resemble the passport-like dimensions of Apple's upcoming hardware.

The blue iPhone Duo, half-open on a display stand. — Image related to the report from Engadget · Source: Engadget

Xiaomi's Lightweight Competitor

The Xiaomi 18 Fold arrived just days before the iPhone Duo was unveiled, offering specifications that closely mirror Apple's foldable dimensions. Both phones feature a 7.6-inch inner screen and a 5.4-inch outer screen with matching aspect ratios.

Despite similar display sizes, Xiaomi's foldable device is lighter at 219 grams compared to the iPhone Duo's 254 grams. Furthermore, Xiaomi incorporates a three-lens rear camera setup, meaning iPhone users who opt for the Duo will miss out on that extra optical zoom range.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold starts at 10,999 yuan (about $1,640), though it remains exclusive to the Chinese market for now.

Samsung's Rivalry in the US Market

In the US, the iPhone Duo's main competitor is likely to be Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8. The new base model shifts away from the near-square design of past iterations, adopting a wider passport shape with 7.6-inch and 5.5-inch screens.

Samsung opted for a straighter design with curved-free corners. A recent review gave the hardware an 8.9 out of 10, highlighting its performance for video viewing compared to the costlier Z Fold8 Ultra.

Samsung's offering starts at $1,900, positioning it just $100 below the starting price of the iPhone Duo.

The inner screen of the Galaxy Z Fold8. — Image related to the report from Engadget · Source: Engadget

Oppo and Motorola Alternatives

Oppo's Find N6 takes a different design route, maintaining a conventional foldable format similar to the Z Fold8 Ultra. It features a 6.62-inch outer display and an 8.12-inch inner screen while measuring just 8.93mm thick when closed, approaching the 8.75mm profile of an iPhone 18 Pro.

The Oppo device includes a 6,000mAh battery supporting 80W wired fast charging, IP59 certification, and a 200-megapixel main camera. While aimed at Asian markets with a global model available elsewhere, it starts at 9,999 yuan (roughly $1,490).

Additionally, the Motorola Razr Fold is available in US stores with a 6.6-inch outer screen and an 8.1-inch inner display. It reaches a peak brightness of 6,000 nits, houses a 6,000mAh battery, and supports stylus input for a starting price of $1,900.

Woman showing the Oppo Find N6 foldable phone, with its outer screen, orange back and camera setup. — Image related to the report from Engadget · Source: Engadget

Software Optimization and Conclusion

Despite the mounting hardware competition, Apple is positioned to contest the space through its ecosystem integration and software features. iOS 27 brings dedicated optimizations for foldable form factors, ensuring smooth animations and distinct usage modes when transitioning between displays.