Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

Our Verdict: For Apple iPhone 17 versus Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, the recommendation depends mostly on what you want from the hardware. The Samsung is ahead for display quality, with a larger 7.6-inch screen, its LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and a larger 4,800 mAh battery; the iPhone is the better match for a sharper 458 PPI display, its LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel, and a higher-resolution 18MP front camera. 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 better fit for display quality, while the iPhone is the one to consider for portability.

Over a full contract, the iPhone 17 works out around £785 all-in, about £590 less than the Galaxy Z Fold8.

Expert Rating
4.5
12 reviews
4.4
10 reviews
Screen
6.3" 7.6"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1828 x 2584
Pixels Per Inch
458 416
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
3,692 mAh 4,800 mAh
Storage
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
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 161.4 x 123.9 x 4.9 mm
Weight
177 grams 199 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
£29.99/mo (£39.00 upfront) £44.99/mo (£269.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£617.00 £1656.99
Apple iPhone 17 Apple iPhone 17 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8
Expert Rating 4.5
12 reviews
4.4
10 reviews
Screen 6.3" 7.6"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1828 x 2584
Pixels Per Inch 458 416
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 3,692 mAh 4,800 mAh
Storage 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 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm 161.4 x 123.9 x 4.9 mm
Weight 177 grams 199 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 £29.99/mo
£39.00 upfront
£44.99/mo
£269.00 upfront
SIM-free £617.00 £1656.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17
Apple iPhone 17

24 Months

256GB

Black

Refurbished

250GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29.99 per month, £39 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

24 Months

256GB

Graphite

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£44.99 per month, £269 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10 off)

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17 is cheaper on contract at £784.76 over the life of the deal from £29.99 per month with £39.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 has the bigger screen at 7.6" compared to the Apple iPhone 17's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 17 has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 416, and the Apple iPhone 17 uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 has a LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The Apple iPhone 17 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 has a 50 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 17 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The Apple iPhone 17 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £617.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 use?

The Apple iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 22g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is slimmer at 4.9mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The Apple iPhone 17 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 is rated IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 run?

The Apple iPhone 17 runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.