Apple’s first foldable iPhone has a confirmed battery capacity, and it’s slightly larger than those of Samsung’s and Google’s competing foldables.
The $1,999 iPhone Duo carries a 4,883mAh battery, according to Apple’s EU energy information. That puts it ahead of the standard Galaxy Z Fold8 and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, although several other premium foldables have larger batteries.
For buyers, the bigger question is how long that capacity will last. The Duo’s two displays have different power demands, and battery size alone cannot determine which phone offers better everyday endurance.
iPhone Duo battery vs top foldables and flagships
The Duo uses two rechargeable batteries, one on each side of the fold. MacRumors said capacities of 2,962mAh and 1,921mAh, which combine for a 4,883mAh total.
Google lists the Pixel 11 Pro Fold at 4,806mAh, putting it just 77mAh behind the Duo. Samsung gives the standard Galaxy Z Fold8 a 4,800mAh battery, while the higher-end Fold8 Ultra increases that figure to 5,000mAh.
Motorola goes considerably further with a 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery in the Razr Fold, giving it more than 1,100mAh of additional capacity compared with Apple’s foldable.
Duo lands in the middle of the premium foldable pack
The numbers place Apple in a competitive position rather than at the top of the foldable battery rankings. Its 4,883mAh capacity narrowly exceeds two of the most recognizable book-style alternatives from Samsung and Google, but the differences are small.
Tom’s Guide similarly found that the Duo sits between several current foldables on raw battery capacity, ahead of the standard Galaxy Z Fold8 and Pixel 11 Pro Fold but behind larger-battery models.
The comparison becomes more interesting next to conventional flagships. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery, only 117mAh more than the Duo.
The eSIM version of Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max, meanwhile, has a reported 5,567mAh battery. MacRumors also places the Duo above the 4,288mAh eSIM iPhone 18 Pro, giving Apple’s foldable substantially more capacity than the smaller Pro.
9to5Mac’s comparison similarly shows the Duo sitting below recent Pro Max models but above standard Pro iPhones and thinner models such as the iPhone Air.
The Duo’s inner screen changes the battery equation
Apple’s own estimates show why mAh figures need context.
The company rates the Duo for up to 44 hours of video playback on its 5.4-inch outer display, but only 31 hours on the 7.6-inch inner display. Apple also claims up to 24 hours of typical use when both displays are used equally.
The 13-hour difference between Apple’s two video estimates is especially important for foldable buyers. Someone who mainly checks messages, email, and apps from the outer screen may see very different endurance from a user who frequently unfolds the phone for video, gaming, reading, or multitasking.
Apple also says the Duo can reach 50% charge in around 20 minutes with a compatible 60W-or-higher wired adapter. Compatible MagSafe charging can reach the same level in around 30 minutes.
Battery capacity is therefore only one part of the equation. Display size and usage, processor efficiency, wireless connectivity, software optimization, and charging behavior can all influence how long the device lasts between charges.
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Independent Duo testing is still the missing piece
Independent testing will provide a clearer indication of how Apple’s 4,883mAh setup performs in everyday conditions.
Tom’s Guide has not yet published a battery-test result for the Duo. Its current comparison lists Duo endurance as unavailable while reporting results for existing foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold8, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Motorola Razr Fold.
Manufacturer video-playback estimates and independent web-surfing tests measure different kinds of use, so the results should not be compared directly. Until the Duo is tested under the same conditions as its rivals, the 4,883mAh figure shows its battery size, not whether it will last longer than Samsung or Google.
Battery-conscious buyers should look beyond 4,883mAh
The Duo’s battery puts it firmly among current premium foldables, but buyers comparing phones around the $2,000 mark should look beyond which model posts the largest capacity number.
- Consider how often you will unfold it. Apple’s own estimates show substantially lower video endurance when the larger inner display is used.
- Wait for comparable independent testing. A 77mAh lead over Google or an 83mAh advantage over Samsung is too small to establish which phone lasts longer in everyday use.
- Factor in charging and long-term use. Charging speed, software efficiency, battery health, and demanding tasks may matter more than a small difference in capacity.
For buyers deciding between the Duo, another premium foldable, or a conventional flagship, 4,883mAh should be treated as a starting point rather than a verdict on battery life. Daily endurance will depend on how often the Duo is unfolded, how much time is spent on video or multitasking, and how heavily the phone is used for apps, calls, navigation, and other demanding tasks.
Someone who mainly uses the outer display may see very different battery life from a user who regularly relies on the larger inner screen. Until independent tests compare the Duo with Samsung, Google, and other rivals under the same conditions, buyers should weigh battery capacity alongside charging speed, screen use, and whether it can last through a typical workday.
Also read: Want the full picture on Apple’s first foldable? See our iPhone Duo Cheat Sheet for its price, specs, features, cameras, release date, and more.