[Edaily Reporter Shin Yeong-bin ] Ahead of the launch of Apple’s first foldable phone, the “iPhone Duo,” SamsungElectronics(005930)is offering the Galaxy Z Fold 8 at its lowest price since its release on Amazon in the U.S. The price difference between the iPhone Duo and the actual purchase price of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has widened to approximately 600,000 won.

According to the information technology (IT) industry on the 7th, Amazon U.S. is selling the Galaxy Z Fold 8 256GB for $1,549.99 (approximately 2,077,000 won) as part of its “Prime Big Deal Day” event. This is a $350 (approximately 469,000 won) discount from the regular price of $1,899.99 (approximately 2,546,000 won).

The international IT media outlet 9to5Google reported that this price is the lowest seen on Amazon since the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s launch. It is $50 (67,000 won) lower than the discounted price of $1,599 (approximately 2,143,000 won) previously offered by Samsung.com.

The higher-end model, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, is also on sale for $1,699.99 (approximately 2,278,000 won), a $400 (approximately 536,000 won) discount from its original price of $2,099.99 (approximately 2,814,000 won). Customers can receive an additional discount on both products by participating in a trade-in program. This discount is part of a limited-time promotion on Amazon; the official list price has not been reduced.

The timing is also noteworthy. Apple will begin taking pre-orders for the iPhone Duo on the 16th in over 70 countries, including the U.S. The official launch is on the 23rd. In the U.S., prices start at $1,999 (approximately 2,679,000 won) for the 256GB model.

Based solely on the list price, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is about $100 (approximately 134,000 won) cheaper than the iPhone duo. When this Amazon discount is applied, the price difference widens to about $449 (approximately 669,000 won). The Z Fold 8 Ultra actually becomes about $299 (approximately 400,000 won) cheaper during the discount period.

International media outlets also took note of the price changes that occurred just before the launch of the iPhone duo. The Verge noted, “Ahead of the iPhone duo’s launch, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has been discounted by hundreds of dollars,” and directly compared the two devices as potential foldable phone options.

As Apple makes its debut in the foldable phone market, the competitive landscape with SamsungElectronics is becoming even more pronounced. The iPhone Duo features a 5.4-inch screen when folded and a 7.6-inch screen when unfolded, with prices in South Korea starting at 3.29 million won. Pre-orders in South Korea will begin at 9:00 p.m. on the 16th, and the official launch is set for the 23rd.

This U.S. discount is a temporary price adjustment tied to Amazon’s major shopping event. However, in the ultra-high-end foldable market—where prices hover around $2,000 (approximately 2.68 million won)—the price difference is expected to have a significant impact on actual purchasing decisions.

Liz Lee, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, said, “Apple’s entry will significantly change the competitive landscape of the foldable market,” adding, “While Samsung may face the most noticeable pressure on its market share, it possesses strengths such as scale, years of accumulated experience, and a robust global distribution network.”