Apple’s folding iPhone just landed in India, and the price tag has left more than a few jaws on the floor. At Rs 4.5 lakh for the top-end iPhone 18 Duo, you’re paying more for a phone than what several brand-new cars cost, ex-showroom. So we did the math: which actual cars can you drive off the lot for less than Apple’s shiniest new toy?

Why Is The iPhone 18 Duo So Expensive?

The iPhone 18 Duo is Apple’s first true foldable phone — think a giant inner display, a slimmer profile than most rivals, and storage that goes up to 2TB. It’s a genuine engineering leap, arguably Apple’s most notable folding smartphone entry yet in a category that Samsung and Huawei have been refining for years.

But innovation comes at a cost, and in India that cost starts near Rs 3 lakh and tops out at Rs 4.5 lakh for the fully loaded variant. Add the charging adapter (Rs 4,500) and AppleCare (Rs 52,000), and you’re looking at a bill that rivals a small SUV. For a closer look at what the Duo actually offers for that price, TechnoSports has a detailed breakdown of the iPhone Duo’s design and specs.

5 New Cars Cheaper Than The iPhone 18 Duo

Car	Base Variant	Price (Ex-Showroom)
Maruti S-Presso	STD (O) Petrol MT	Rs 3.50 lakh
Maruti Alto K10	STD (O)	Rs 3.70 lakh
Renault Kwid	Evolution MT	Rs 4.53 lakh
Tata Tiago	Smart Petrol MT	Rs 4.77 lakh
Maruti Wagon R	LXI Petrol MT	Rs 4.99 lakh

Maruti S-Presso leads the pack as India’s most affordable car, and even its higher VXI (O) trim slips in under the iPhone’s price. It’s a tall-boy hatchback built for city commutes, with decent ground clearance and a fuel-sipping engine.

Maruti Alto K10 remains the go-to first car for millions of Indians. Peppy, easy to maintain, and cheap to run — you could even buy its commercial cousin, the Tour H1, and use it to earn back the cost of a few iPhones.

Renault Kwid brings SUV-inspired styling to the budget segment. Both its manual and AMT variants cost less than the Duo, making it a stylish alternative for buyers who want a bit more road presence.

Tata Tiago recently got a facelift, and its base Smart Petrol trim still undercuts the iPhone while offering more space, features, and a punchier drive than the hatches above it.

Maruti Wagon R rounds off the list. It’s been one of India’s best-selling cars for years thanks to its boxy practicality, roomy cabin, and smooth engine — proof that everyday usefulness still beats flashy tech, rupee for rupee.

Phone Vs Car: What’s The Smarter Buy?

It really depends on what you value. A folding phone is a lifestyle statement and a productivity tool in your pocket. A car is mobility, independence, and — arguably — far better long-term value. If you’re chasing maximum value per rupee, it’s also worth browsing the used car market, where certified pre-owned hatchbacks and sedans can offer even more features and space for similar money. And if gadgets are more your speed, TechnoSports also has the full India pricing for the entire new iPhone 18 lineup to help you compare before you decide.

At the end of the day, one folds a screen; the other folds distance into minutes. Choose what fits your life, not just your wallet.