How Xiaomi, Oppo and other non-US brands are challenging the iPhone Duo
Xiaomi, Oppo, Motorola and Samsung have developed foldable phones that compete with Apple’s forthcoming iPhone Duo, which is due on 23 October. Their devices show how established the foldable market is, and offer different advantages in design, cameras, battery life and price as Apple enters the category.
The Xiaomi 18 Fold matches the Duo’s 7.6-inch inner and 5.4-inch outer screens, weighs less and has three rear cameras, but is currently sold only in China. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 has a wider design and starts at $1,900, while Oppo’s Find N6 is thinner and has a 6,000mAh battery but is not officially sold in the US. Motorola’s Razr Fold is available in US shops, with a bright 8.1-inch inner display, 6,000mAh battery and triple cameras; the article also says Apple is relying on iOS 27 software optimisations.
- Apple’s first foldable faces established rivals.
- Xiaomi is lighter and adds a third rear camera.
- Oppo and Motorola emphasise thinness, battery life and display features.
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Foldable phones are smartphones with flexible screens that fold in half, combining portability with a larger display when opened. The technology has been in development and refinement by various manufacturers for several years, moving beyond its experimental phase into mainstream production.
Companies including Xiaomi, Oppo, Samsung and Motorola have already established themselves in the foldable phone market with different design approaches and specifications. Their devices vary in dimensions, weight, battery capacity, camera systems and pricing, offering consumers a range of choices in an increasingly competitive category.
Apple's entry into foldable phones marks a significant shift from the company, which has traditionally focused on refining established design patterns. The arrival of a major technology company to the foldable market reinforces that the category has matured from a niche innovation to a significant segment of the smartphone industry.