Apple’s first foldable iPhone has arrived with a $1,999 starting price, dividing Vietnamese tech reviewers over whether its new foldable experience is worth the premium over established rivals such as Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8.
In the early hours of September 10, Vietnam time, Apple officially unveiled its first foldable iPhone, called the iPhone Duo.
The iPhone Duo uses a book-style foldable design similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. When closed, it features a 5.4-inch outer display.
When unfolded, the device offers an approximately 7.6-inch Super Retina display, with the FaceTime camera positioned on the inner screen.
Apple’s newly unveiled iPhone Duo. Screenshot
With a customized nanotexture design, the iPhone Duo’s inner display appears flat when viewed head-on and is more than 40% more rigid than other designs in the industry.
Its hinge contains more than 100 components. The phone starts at $1,999, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 2TB. Pre-orders open on October 16, with sales beginning October 23.
According to Huy Nguyen, also known as HuyNL, a tech influencer from Vietnamese technology media network Schannel, the iPhone Duo’s price is high enough that he would rather buy two Galaxy Z Fold 8 phones than Apple’s new foldable.
He said Apple had priced its foldable too high, particularly when there are already numerous foldable phones offering broadly similar experiences at lower prices.
Hoang Dung, also known as Ga Tong, a tech reviewer who has recently gained prominence in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed a similar view.
Tech influencer Huy Nguyen, also known as HuyNL. Photo: Facebook
At close to $2,000 - around $2,460 based on Apple Store Vietnam pricing - he said he would not choose the iPhone Duo. Personally, he would still opt for the Z Fold 8 because of its lower price and broadly comparable overall experience.
Tuan Le of Vietnamese technology news site GenK, however, sees the price differently. He said the iPhone Duo is aimed at consumers willing to pay for a new experience within Apple’s ecosystem, which until now has been confined to conventional slab-style smartphones.
In his view, $1,999 is not excessively high for the foldable, particularly given the surge in smartphone prices this year and the fact that the first Galaxy Fold launched at $1,899. He considers the price reasonable for consumers who want to experience Apple’s new approach to the category.
Trinh Nhu Anh Ngoc, a female tech influencer in Ho Chi Minh City, also said the decision over whether to spend nearly $2,000 on an iPhone Duo ultimately depends on the individual buyer. The device is not intended for the mass market, she said, but for enthusiasts it could be well worth experiencing.
Tech reviewer Hoang Dung, also known as Ga Tong. Photo: Facebook
Although she has yet to use the device herself, Anh Ngoc said her initial impression is that Apple has taken its first foldable iPhone very seriously.
One of its biggest strengths, she said, is the attention Apple has paid to the product’s design, with meticulous detailing and a robust construction. The device also retains Apple’s distinctive approach, particularly in interface optimization and software ecosystem integration - areas she believes other foldables have yet to match.
Khuc Quoc Hung, also known as Hung Khuc, another Vietnamese tech influencer who was invited by Apple to attend the launch of the iPhone 17 series, said owning an iPhone Duo is about more than specifications or price.
According to Hung, Apple has a well-established tendency not to be first with new technologies, instead waiting until they are sufficiently mature before turning them into products that redefine the user experience.
Tuan Le of GenK with former Apple CEO Tim Cook. Le previously attended Apple’s iPhone 17 series launch event. Photo: Facebook
Ho Chi Minh City-based tech influencer Trinh Nhu Anh Ngoc, who was honored at the Tech Awards 2025. Photo: Facebook
Tech influencer Hung Khuc, who previously attended Apple’s iPhone 17 series launch event. Photo: Facebook
He sees the iPhone Duo as a clear example. From its titanium frame and nanotexture display designed to reduce reflections to a crease that is much less noticeable, Apple is addressing weaknesses that have long affected foldable smartphones.
The biggest difference, however, remains software. Because Apple controls both the hardware and operating system, it can optimize iOS for the foldable form factor and continue working with developers to improve their apps over time. Hung believes this could provide a long-term advantage.
In his view, the iPhone Duo is not for everyone. For buyers focused on getting the most value for their money, it may be a difficult purchase to justify. But for those interested in experiencing how Apple refines and potentially redefines the foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo could be well worth trying.
Vietnamnet.vn
Podcast
.svg){kind=icon}
