iPhone Duo Repair Cost vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Which Is Cheaper?

Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, comes with a starting price of Rs 2,99,900 in India. But more than the price of the phone, its repair costs are making headlines. Replacing the inner folding display alone is estimated to cost Rs 1,49,900, while 'other damages’ (which aren’t specified by Apple) could lead to a bill of Rs 2,24,900.

Now, not very long ago, Samsung also launched its foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 8. The company also offers spare parts for the phone and even though they are expensive, they aren’t as expensive as the iPhone Duo. Let me explain.

iPhone Duo vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8: Listed repair costs

The inner folding display is one of the biggest repair expenses for any foldable phone. For the iPhone Duo, Apple lists the estimated cost of replacing the inner display at Rs 1,49,900. That is a big amount, especially when you think of the fact that it is roughly half the phone’s starting price in India.

On the other hand, Samsung’s spare part price list puts the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s main screen assembly at Rs 54,130. The company also lists a main screen component repair at Rs 35,490.

Damage to the rear panel can also add to the cost of owning a foldable phone. Apple estimates that replacing the iPhone Duo’s back glass will cost Rs 20,900. If both the outer display and rear glass need replacement, the estimated bill rises to Rs 55,900.

For the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Samsung lists the back glass or cover at Rs 2,300. This is much lower than Apple’s listed back glass replacement cost, although the exact repair bill may depend on the damage and the service required.

Battery replacement is another expense to consider when buying a phone you plan to use for several years. Apple lists battery service for the iPhone Duo at Rs 24,900 without additional coverage. Samsung’s price list puts the Galaxy Z Fold 8 battery at Rs 2,300.

These prices suggest a considerable difference between the listed component costs. However, Samsung’s figure is for the spare part, while Apple’s figure is for battery service. The two prices may therefore cover different things.

Now a damaged motherboard can be an expensive problem for any device, even more so on a premium foldable phone. Samsung lists the Galaxy Z Fold 8 motherboard at Rs 72,680 for the 256GB variant, Rs 82,810 for the 512GB variant and Rs 1,12,370 for the 1TB variant.

Apple, meanwhile, doesn’t really list a motherboard repair cost. However, it does list 'other damages’ that could cost Rs 2,24,900. Now Apple has not specified exactly which repairs fall under this category, so we can’t say for sure if motherboard replacement cost is also covered under this category or not.

iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold 8: Which Is Cheaper to Repair?

Here are the repair costs of both phones at a glance:

Based on the listed figures, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 has lower prices for several spare parts, including its main screen assembly, back cover and battery. The iPhone Duo’s estimated inner display replacement, meanwhile, costs Rs 1,49,900, making it a major potential expense for owners.

However, there is an important distinction to keep in mind. Apple’s figures include estimated service costs for specific repairs, while Samsung’s image lists spare part prices. The final amount a customer pays could vary depending on labour, the extent of the damage, warranty coverage and the repair centre.

Now that we cleared that up, let’s take a look at which of these two phones you might want to pick.

iPhone Duo vs Galaxy Z Fold 8: Which Foldable Should You Buy?

Choosing between the iPhone Duo and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 ultimately comes down to your preferences, budget and how much you are willing to spend on repairs.

If lower listed spare part costs are a priority and you want an Android device, Samsung’s foldable appears to be the right choice for you.

However, if you prefer Apple’s ecosystem and don't have any budget constraints, the higher repair estimates may not necessarily be a deal-breaker, especially if you plan to use Apple’s damage protection options. Also, the iPhone Duo went up for pre-order today. Click here to know more about it.

Which of the two phones are you going to pick? Let us know and keep watching this space for more such updates.