Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Our Verdict: With Apple iPhone 16 versus Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the stronger argument is display quality. The Samsung has the useful edge there with a larger 8-inch screen, its Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and a higher-resolution 200MP rear camera. The iPhone still has a role if you prefer a sharper 461 PPI display, its Super Retina XDR OLED panel, and a lighter 170g body. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Software may decide it too: the iPhone keeps you in Apple's iOS ecosystem, while the Samsung is the Android choice. The Samsung is the stronger choice for display quality, with the iPhone better suited to portability.

Over a full contract, the iPhone 16 works out around £693 all-in, about £651 less than the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Expert Rating
4.2
12 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.1" 8"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
2556 x 1179 1968 x 2184
Pixels Per Inch
461 367
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
3,561 mAh 4,400 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS
Apple iOS Android
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm
Weight
170 grams 215 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts
£26.99/mo (£19.00 upfront) £54.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£489.99 £889.99
Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Expert Rating 4.2
12 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.1" 8"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 2556 x 1179 1968 x 2184
Pixels Per Inch 461 367
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 200 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 3,561 mAh 4,400 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
OS Apple iOS Android
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm
Weight 170 grams 215 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Contracts £26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront
£54.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £489.99 £889.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone 16

24 Months

128GB

Pink

Refurbished

Unlimited

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£26.99 per month, £19 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

24 Months

256GB

Jet Black

Refurbished

30GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£54.79 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper on contract at £692.76 over the life of the deal from £26.99 per month with £19.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has the bigger screen at 8" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 367, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Apple iPhone 16 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a 200 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £489.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 use?

The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 45g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is slimmer at 4.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Apple iPhone 16 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rated IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 run?

The Apple iPhone 16 runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.