The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable phone, unveiled at the company's latest event. If you're wondering whether it's the best foldable for you, comparing it with other foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, Honor V6, and Xiaomi 18 Fold is essential. In this article, we put them head-to-head to help you decide.
Design and Dimensions
The four foldables don't share the same fold format, so we'll set that aside. In terms of dimensions, the Honor V6 is the longest and thinnest of them all, measuring just 4.1 mm when unfolded. The other three are similar in thickness and weight. The background to this story is set out in Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Price Drop: Save Over €600 on the Foldable. A related thread runs through iPhone Duo Foldable Software: Apple's Real Advantage. Earlier coverage in Apple's Foldable iPhone Duo: Why It Took So Long to Launch shows how the argument developed.
Display Comparison
The external screens of all four devices share several common points (refresh rate or panel technology), but there are differences in peak brightness (excluding Apple, which hasn't provided info). The Honor V6 and Xiaomi foldable clearly win here. The same applies to the inner screens. All four have excellent displays, both external (ideal for quick tasks) and internal. A closer look at the same subject appears in Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7: Half the Price of New Fold8 Ultra. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra Price Drop: Save €599 on the Premium Foldable. The same theme surfaces in Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review: Folding Phone Future or, which takes a different angle.

Key Takeaways
- The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable, but it faces strong competition from Samsung, Honor, and Xiaomi.
- Honor V6 is the thinnest and lightest, with a 4.1mm unfolded profile.
- Honor V6 and Xiaomi 18 Fold have the brightest displays, both inner and outer.
- All four devices offer high-quality screens and similar thickness/weight (except Honor).
- Availability: Xiaomi 18 Fold may not launch outside China, while others are widely available.
Specifications Comparison
| Device | Thickness (unfolded) | Weight | External Display Brightness | Inner Display Brightness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone Duo | Similar to Galaxy Z Fold8 | Similar to Galaxy Z Fold8 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 | Similar to iPhone Duo | Similar to iPhone Duo | Lower than Honor/Xiaomi | Lower than Honor/Xiaomi |
| Honor V6 | 4.1 mm | Lightest | Highest | Highest |
| Xiaomi 18 Fold | Similar to Galaxy Z Fold8 | Similar to Galaxy Z Fold8 | Highest (tied with Honor) | Highest (tied with Honor) |
What This Means for You
If you prioritize a thin and light device, the Honor V6 stands out. If display brightness is crucial, both Honor and Xiaomi lead. The iPhone Duo, while new, may appeal to Apple ecosystem fans. However, the Xiaomi 18 Fold's availability outside China is uncertain, which could limit your options. Context on how this played out before sits in Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra Review: Top Folding Android Phone. A companion piece, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra review: the top dog of folding Androids, approaches the same subject from another angle.

FAQ
Is the iPhone Duo the best foldable phone?
It depends on your priorities. The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable, but competitors like Honor V6 and Xiaomi 18 Fold offer thinner designs and brighter displays. Consider what matters most to you.

How does the Honor V6 compare in thickness?
The Honor V6 is the thinnest of the four, measuring just 4.1 mm when unfolded. The other three are similar in thickness.

Will the Xiaomi 18 Fold be available globally?
It's currently unknown if the Xiaomi 18 Fold will launch outside China. This could affect its availability for international buyers.
Which foldable has the brightest display?
The Honor V6 and Xiaomi 18 Fold have the brightest displays, both inner and outer. Apple hasn't disclosed brightness info for the iPhone Duo.