10 iPhone Duo Features the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Needs

Quick summary: I love the Galaxy Z Fold 8, but after living with the iPhone Duo there are 10 things I’d happily steal for Samsung. Some could arrive as software updates to the Z Fold 8. Others would have to be hardware upgrades on the Z Fold 9.

Key takeaways

• Software wishes: swipe-to-split multitasking, more polished third-party apps, and a StandBy-style clock mode.
• Hardware wishes: pen support, IP68 dust resistance, 25W wireless charging, built-in magnets, a hinge that holds any angle, more battery and better speakers.

1. Super simple split-screen multitasking

The Z Fold 8 can multitask about four different ways, but I really like how the iPhone Duo does it. Open an app, swipe up, hold it on one side, let go, and pick your second app. Yes, the Surface Duo did something like this first, but it’s still super easy, and I’d love to see Samsung add it alongside everything else it already offers.

2. Polished third-party apps

Android has most of the same apps, but iPhone has a lot of great third-party apps from smaller developers that aren’t loaded with junk. They’re simple, fun and look really good. I wish Android had more of that feel. iPhone apps just have more polish.

3. Apple Pencil support

On the iPhone Duo you can use an Apple Pencil on the front and inside displays. Samsung used to support a pen on its folds. It won’t come to this phone, but bringing it back on a future Galaxy Z Fold would be awesome. I’m not a big pen user myself, but I know a lot of you are.

4. IP68 dust resistance

The iPhone has better dust resistance. You might still have trouble if sand gets into a hinge, but an IP68 certification gives buyers a lot more confidence. It’s time for Samsung to catch up here.

5. 25W wireless charging

Samsung upgraded the Z Fold 8 series to 20W wireless charging. The iPhone does 25W. It’s not a huge difference, but why not match it? Maybe it’s because there are no magnets in the back of the Fold.

6. Built-in magnets

Speaking of magnets: built-in magnets would let you use magnetic chargers and phone grips without a magnetic case. Reportedly, there’s a chance this happens on the Galaxy Z Fold 9 and 9 Ultra.

7. A hinge that holds almost any angle

On the Z Fold 8 you can hold a few angles, but the iPhone Duo’s hinge holds almost anywhere you push it. It’s very impressive, and very old-school Samsung. I’d love to see Samsung bring that back on the Fold 9.

8. Even better battery life

Both phones have great battery life, but the iPhone Duo goes longer for me. Samsung will probably have to put a bigger battery in the Z Fold 9 to match it.

9. Better speakers

Both have pretty good speakers, but the iPhone Duo’s are definitely better. In the past, when Samsung added dust and water resistance to the Fold series, the speakers got a little worse, so this one may be a tradeoff.

10. StandBy mode

One of my favorite iPhone Duo features: prop it on a table and you get a full clock. It’s great next to the bed while charging or on your desk while you work.

Which one do you want most?

Some of these could arrive on the Z Fold 8 through software updates, and others would need new hardware on the Z Fold 9. Tell me which one you want most in the comments on the video.

Where to buy

• Galaxy Z Fold 8 at Best Buy
• iPhone Duo at Best Buy