Hidewell Vault vs Samsung Secure Folder
Secure Folder is a private, Knox-protected space built into Samsung Galaxy phones, with its own lock. It works only on Samsung devices, and its cloud backup has been discontinued.
Samsung Secure Folder details as of October 2026, from public pages and store listings by Samsung (sources below). Official page: Samsung Secure Folder
Side by side
Feature comparison
Hidewell Vault Winner
9 
Samsung Secure Folder - Ahead:
- Behind:
- Even:
- Not comparable:
| Hidewell Vault |  Samsung Secure Folder | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Ahead: Android now. iPhone and iPad coming soon | |
| Account required | Ahead: No. No account, no email | |
| Encryption of stored files | Ahead: AES-256-GCM in 1 MiB segments under a random 256-bit master key | Behind: Samsung says Knox "encrypts all data stored there". Algorithm and keys not published for Secure Folder [3] |
| How the unlock secret becomes a key | Ahead: Pattern plus a secret in your phone's security chip (Secure Enclave or StrongBox), then Argon2id | Behind: Not published for Secure Folder |
| Unlock methods | Even: Pattern only, run through your phone's security chip. No biometric shortcut, by design | Even: Its own PIN, password or pattern, plus fingerprint. Optional reset through your Samsung account [2] |
| Multiple or decoy vaults | Ahead: Each pattern opens its own vault, with no vault list. Duress pattern opens a decoy (Pro) | Behind: None documented. You can rename it and change its icon [2] |
| Backup | Ahead: Encrypted on your phone, stored in your own iCloud Drive or Google Drive, keyed from a 12-word recovery phrase | Behind: New backups discontinued. Restoring old backups is not available on One UI 8 or later [4] |
| Sync between devices | Not comparable: No. Encrypted sync is on the roadmap | Not comparable: Not documented |
| Tracking and analytics | Ahead: None. No analytics and no connection to our servers | Behind: Not published. No store privacy label found |
| Ads | Not comparable: None, on any plan | Not comparable: Not documented |
| In-app camera | Ahead: Yes. Photos and video encrypted as you shoot (Pro) | Behind: Capturing straight into Secure Folder is not documented by Samsung |
| Source code | Ahead: Open-source crypto core. Anyone can inspect and audit it | Behind: Not documented |
| Pricing | Behind: Free (1 vault, 150 photos, 15 videos). Pro $2.99 a month, $19.99 a year or $44.99 once | Ahead: Built into Galaxy phones [3] |
“Not documented” means we couldn't find it in the public documentation for Samsung Secure Folder, and on non-security rows we don't count it against them. Unpublished security details count as behind, because they can't be verified. Ahead and behind are our reading of the cited facts. Competitor prices are from the US App Store.
Key differences
What sets them apart.
Backups have stopped
Samsung says "Data backup is no longer available for Secure Folder", and restoring older backups isn't available on Android 16 with One UI 8 or later. Its suggested route is moving data to a new Galaxy phone with Smart Switch. Hidewell backs up to your own iCloud Drive or Google Drive, encrypted on your phone and keyed from your recovery phrase. [4]
Open-source crypto core
Samsung doesn't publish how Secure Folder encrypts your files, or its source. Hidewell's cryptography core is open source, and it's where all the security happens: the apps are a thin native layer on top. So anyone can inspect and audit exactly how your keys are made and your files are encrypted. [3]
Samsung phones only
Secure Folder works only on Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, and only on the device itself. Hidewell runs on iPhone, iPad and any Android phone, so your vault can move with you. [1][2]
No decoy
Samsung documents one Secure Folder, which you can rename or hide, but no decoy. Hidewell gives every pattern its own vault and offers a duress pattern. [2]
FAQ
Hidewell Vault vs Samsung Secure Folder: your questions answered.
Can I back up Samsung Secure Folder?
Not any more. Samsung says data backup is no longer available for Secure Folder, and restoring older backups isn't available on One UI 8 or later. Hidewell Vault backs up to your own iCloud Drive or Google Drive, encrypted on your phone.
Can I verify how Secure Folder and Hidewell Vault protect my files?
Samsung says Knox encrypts the data in Secure Folder but doesn't publish the details or the source. Hidewell Vault's cryptography core is open source: you can read exactly how your keys are made, and anyone can inspect and audit it.
Does Secure Folder work on iPhone or other Android phones?
No. Samsung says it's available only on Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets. Hidewell Vault runs on iPhone, iPad and Android.
Do I need a Samsung account?
Samsung's UK guide says you need to sign in to or create a Samsung account to set it up, and an account is used for lock reset and backup. Hidewell Vault has no account.
Sources
- https://www.samsung.com/au/support/mobile-devices/setup-secure-folder
- https://www.samsung.com/ca/support/mobile-devices/use-secure-folder-on-your-samsung-galaxy/
- https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/skp/faq/1106926
- https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshoot/TSG10001919/
Hidewell Vault details are from this site. Samsung Secure Folder is a trademark of its owner. Hidewell Vault is not affiliated with Samsung. Features and prices change, so check the sources for the latest.