Samsung Electronics has recorded a more than 20% increase in Galaxy Z Fold8 sales in South Korea following the launch of Apple’s first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, as display complaints surrounding Apple’s new device draw attention to the competition in the premium foldable market.
According to South Korean telecommunications industry figures reported on November 3, Galaxy Z Fold8 sales increased by more than 20% during October 23-29 compared with the preceding week.
The increase coincided with the iPhone Duo’s commercial launch on October 23 and reports of problems affecting the device’s inner folding display.
However, there is no confirmed evidence that customers who experienced or feared display problems switched directly from Apple’s smartphone to Samsung’s foldable device.
The figures suggest growing consumer interest in Samsung’s flagship foldable phone as competition intensifies between the two technology companies.
iPhone Duo Display Complaints Put Apple’s First Foldable Under Scrutiny
Apple’s first foldable smartphone began shipping on October 23, marking the company’s entry into a market where Samsung has established a significant presence.
However, some early buyers reported cracks and abnormal display lines appearing around the inner screen and folding area.
Apple acknowledged the complaints on October 26, confirming that a small number of iPhone Duo devices had experienced inner-display problems. The company offered affected customers replacement support.
The exact cause of the reported defects has not been established publicly.
Apple CEO John Ternus also told Reuters that only a very small percentage of iPhone Duo units had been returned because of display problems. He acknowledged that the company was still working to meet customer demand, without providing a timeline for when production would catch up.
The early complaints have raised questions about the durability of Apple’s first foldable smartphone, particularly among consumers considering a premium-priced device.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Sales Rise More Than 20% in South Korea
The latest increase follows another sales boost recorded in September, when Galaxy Z Fold8 sales rose approximately 10% week over week after Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo.
The figures indicate that Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone market has generated additional consumer interest in competing devices.
Samsung’s pricing may also be influencing purchasing decisions.
In South Korea, the 256GB iPhone Duo starts at approximately 3.29 million won, while the equivalent Galaxy Z Fold8 costs around 2.28 million won.
This creates a price difference of more than 1 million won, giving Samsung a considerable advantage in the Korean market.
Carrier subsidies have further strengthened the Fold8’s position. South Korean telecommunications operators increased their purchase subsidies in October, with eligible customers receiving additional financial incentives.
The combination of pricing, established foldable technology and promotional offers may have contributed to the latest sales increase.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z8 series had already recorded 1.44 million preorders in South Korea ahead of its July launch, setting a new record for a Galaxy smartphone lineup, according to Samsung.
Samsung Extends Galaxy AI Subscription Club Until November 30
Samsung is also extending its New Galaxy AI Subscription Club programme to attract customers interested in purchasing its latest foldable smartphones.
The company has extended the registration deadline from the end of October to November 30.
The programme covers eligible unlocked models, including the Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra and Galaxy Z Flip8.
Customers who return eligible devices under the programme can receive a guaranteed residual value based on Samsung’s reference price.
The benefits vary according to the subscription period:
- One-year plan: Up to 50% of the reference price.
- Two-year plan: Up to 40% for the Fold8 models, while the Flip8 can qualify for 50%.
- Three-year plan: Up to 25%.
The programme also includes Samsung Care+ and accessory-related benefits under applicable conditions.
Samsung is offering additional trade-in incentives through Mintit automated smartphone collection kiosks. Eligible customers returning old smartphones during November can receive up to 100,000 South Korean won in additional trade-in value.
The company is also running its Galaxy End of the Year Fiesta promotional campaign through December 31, offering additional benefits to eligible customers.
Samsung Foldable Phones Record Growth in Europe
Samsung’s foldable smartphone business has also reported stronger sales in European markets.
An earlier industry report indicated that combined sales of the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra were 45% higher than those of the previous-generation Galaxy Z Fold7.
The latest South Korean figures provide another indication of the competition developing between Samsung and Apple following Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone category.
Nevertheless, the reported 20% increase applies specifically to Galaxy Z Fold8 sales in South Korea during one week. It should not be interpreted as a 20% increase in Samsung’s global foldable smartphone sales.
Whether the latest growth represents a lasting shift in consumer preference or a temporary response to Apple’s launch remains to be seen.
