The Battle of Passport-Style Foldable Phones Begins
The global competition for passport-style foldable phones has officially begun as Apple and Xiaomi enter the market alongside Samsung’s reigning Galaxy Z Fold 8. These devices resemble the size and shape of a passport, offering the convenience of a compact smartphone when folded and a wide tablet-like display when unfolded. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 launched globally last month, surpassing 5 million pre-orders. Apple recently unveiled its first foldable phone, the ‘iPhone Duo,’ set to release across more than 70 countries including South Korea, the US, UK, France, China, and Japan. Meanwhile, Xiaomi revealed its first passport-style foldable phone, the ‘Xiaomi 18 Fold,’ in China with plans for a global release later this year.
Comparing Design, Durability, and Performance
When it comes to portability, Samsung’s device leads the pack. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 weighs 201g and measures 4.5mm in thickness when unfolded, making it lighter and thinner than the Xiaomi 18 Fold (219g, 5.02mm) and the iPhone Duo (254g, 5.2mm). However, Xiaomi challenges Samsung with a massive 6000mAh battery compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s 4800mAh and the iPhone Duo’s 5400mAh. For processing power, Samsung utilizes Google’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, while Apple features its A20 Pro chip and Xiaomi employs its proprietary Xring O3 processor. Dust and water resistance ratings vary, with the iPhone Duo boasting an IP68 rating, the Xiaomi 18 Fold at IP58, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 at IP48. Camera capabilities also differ, highlighted by Xiaomi’s 200MP main camera developed in partnership with Leica, compared to Samsung’s 50MP and Apple’s 48MP sensors. Pricing reflects these differences, with the iPhone Duo priced around $2,500 USD (3.29 million KRW), the Galaxy Z Fold 8 at roughly $1,730 USD (2.27 million KRW), and the Xiaomi 18 Fold as the most affordable option at approximately $1,670 USD (10,999 yuan).
Can Foldable Phones Achieve Mass Market Adoption?
According to Omdia, global foldable phone shipments are projected to reach 45 million units by 2030, though they will still account for less than 3% of total smartphone shipments. IT industry insiders note that while passport-style foldable phones are gaining popularity, high retail prices, hinge durability concerns, and expensive repair costs remain hurdles. The ultimate success of these devices will depend on whether they can deliver consumer value that outweighs these financial burdens.
