Apple iPhone 16e vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Our Verdict: For Apple iPhone 16e versus Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the recommendation depends mostly on what you want from the hardware. The Samsung is ahead for display quality, with a larger 8-inch screen, its Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and a higher-resolution 200MP rear camera; the iPhone is the better match for a sharper 457 PPI display, its Super Retina XDR OLED panel, and a lighter 167g body. 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 better fit for display quality, while the iPhone is the one to consider for portability.

The iPhone 16e is the cheaper one to own: around £595 over a typical contract, £749 less than the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Expert Rating
3.7
12 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen
6.1" 8"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1968 x 2184
Pixels Per Inch
457 367
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
4,005 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/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm
Weight
167 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
£22.99/mo (£9.00 upfront) £54.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£389.99 £889.99
Apple iPhone 16e Apple iPhone 16e Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Expert Rating 3.7
12 reviews
4.4
12 reviews
Screen 6.1" 8"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1968 x 2184
Pixels Per Inch 457 367
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 4,005 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/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2 mm
Weight 167 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 £22.99/mo
£9.00 upfront
£54.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £389.99 £889.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16e
Apple iPhone 16e

24 Months

128GB

White

200GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£22.99 per month, £9 upfront.

Use code: CASH2 (£2 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 16e or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper on contract at £594.76 over the life of the deal from £22.99 per month with £9.00 upfront.

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

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has the bigger screen at 8" compared to the Apple iPhone 16e's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 367, and the Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £389.99.

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Apple iPhone 16e is the more portable of the two: it's 48g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is slimmer at 4.2mm thick.

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

The Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 run?

The Apple iPhone 16e 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.