The iPhone Fold’s (potential) superiority
Concept image of a Foldable iPhone. | Image by AppleInsider.
Let’s start with Apple because, well, it’s Apple. Soon, Cupertino might very well overtake Samsung. Driven by exceptional iPhone 17 sales numbers, Tim Cook and co. are projected to achieve a 19.4% market share, surpassing Samsung for the first time since 2011.
But let’s get back to their alleged foldable. From what I’ve seen in leaks and reports, Apple is aiming for a device that’s genuinely “crease-free”, with a hinge and panel construction that’s been obsessively engineered to avoid the folds that come with even the most expensive foldables today.
Apple has allegedly co-designed components with suppliers using liquid metal hinges and specialized lamination techniques. It might sound like overkill, but if Apple actually pulls off a foldable without a crease, that’s going to be a huge draw, even for a first-generation product.Sure, it could cost an eye-watering $2,399, but let’s be honest – foldables aren’t for the budget-conscious anyway. People who buy these things expect cutting-edge tech, and Apple could deliver a near-perfect first attempt that’s hard to ignore.
Oppo’s Find N6 game
The Oppo Find N5 for reference. | Image by PhoneArena
Now, the Oppo Find N6 is shaping up to be one of the hottest foldables on the Android side. Rumors suggest it’ll be the first foldable with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, which would make it the fastest-performing Android foldable yet.
There are even whispers that Oppo might launch two versions, with the higher-end model featuring satellite communication – probably limited to China, but still impressive. Compared to last year’s Find N5, the N6 might be thinner and even more refined, if that’s even possible.
Honestly, the Find N5’s crease never personally bothered me much. Sure, it’s noticeable in certain lights, but it’s not a dealbreaker by any stretch. If Oppo can maintain that while cranking performance and design up a notch, it’ll be a strong contender.
Galaxy Z Fold 8 goodness
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 for reference. | Image by PhoneArena
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 is also expected to arrive in 2026, carrying forward the DNA of the Fold 7 but with upgrades that should appeal to power users.
Reports hint at a slightly larger inner display with a tweaked aspect ratio, peak brightness hitting 2,600 nits, and a bigger battery around 5,000 mAh. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will also be under the hood, with up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, which means it’ll handle basically anything you throw at it without breaking a sweat.
Samsung’s cameras are rumored to get subtle improvements too, and the software side may finally bring smarter multitasking and AI features that actually make the foldable feel like a mini-tablet rather than a stretched-out phone.
This match isn’t between two opposing parties
Image by PhoneArena
So, if we look at Oppo and Samsung side by side, the battle seems clear: high performance, incremental improvements, refinements rather than radical redesigns.
But here’s the thing – Apple doesn’t need to beat them in specs. The potential iPhone Fold could stand out purely because of that crease-free experience (again: if that’s the case). For a lot of buyers, especially those willing to drop serious cash on a foldable, seeing a flawless inner screen might be more compelling than a slightly faster chip or a slightly bigger battery.
Even with its higher price, Apple could convince enthusiasts to reach deeper in their pockets.
I’m not saying the iPhone Fold will automatically dominate. First-gen devices often have quirks and early adopters will pay for the novelty and the brand. But Apple has a track record of turning first-generation tech into must-have products. If the hype is real and the device truly delivers a smooth, crease-free, premium experience, it could shake up the foldable space in a way that makes the Oppo N6 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8 showdown feel almost secondary.
At the end of the day, the foldable game in 2026 is shaping up to be fascinating. For those who are looking to get a taste of foldables in 2026, it’s going to come down to how much one cares about the crease compared to raw performance, software gimmicks, and that overall “wow” factor. You might want to start saving right now.
