Consumers Flock to Samsung Smartphones Despite New iPhone Release

Sales of Samsung’s flagship foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, were previously predicted to face heavy pressure following the arrival of the latest iPhone Duo line. However, this scenario has not materialised, at least in the domestic market of South Korea.

This news provides a breath of fresh air for Samsung. Instead of turning to Apple’s new products, some consumers in the ‘Land of the Morning Calm’ who were initially hesitant have ultimately decided to purchase the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

Korean media reported that Galaxy Z Fold 8 sales figures actually experienced a 10% increase compared to the previous week, according to Sammobile on Thursday (17/09/2026).

Several industry analysts suggest that buyers who initially adopted a ‘wait and see’ approach to observe Apple’s latest innovations have ultimately decided to commit to Samsung’s foldable device.

This decision is strongly believed to be driven by striking physical specification comparisons. After weighing the device’s weight and thickness, as well as the significantly higher price of the iPhone Duo—set at 3.29 million won (approximately Rp42 million)—consumers found the Galaxy Z Fold 8 to offer much more rational value.

Local pricing also serves as a significant advantage. In its home market, Samsung has priced the Galaxy Z Fold 8 starting from 2.28 million won (approximately Rp29 million), making it far more competitive. Furthermore, in terms of body design, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is recorded as being slimmer and lighter than the iPhone Duo.

Another advantage for local consumers is availability. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 is already available for purchase in the market without the need to queue, whereas the iPhone Duo is not scheduled to officially land on South Korean store shelves until 16 October.

Given these various comparative advantages, and the fact that the global launch of its competitor is still weeks away, it is possible that Samsung will implement aggressive promotional strategies to capture the attention of global consumers who are known for their lack of patience.