Apple iPhone 17e vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Our Verdict: Start with the practical differences: the Apple iPhone 17e offers the lighter 169g body versus 215g, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 gives you the larger 8" screen versus 6.1", the higher-resolution 200MP rear camera against 48MP, up to 1TB storage. The Apple iPhone 17e is currently cheaper on the lowest total contract cost at about £550, roughly £400 less than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. Software preference matters as well, because this is an iOS versus Android choice as much as a hardware comparison. That makes the Apple iPhone 17e the value-led pick, unless the larger 8" screen versus 6.1" on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is worth paying extra for.

The iPhone 17e is the cheaper one to own: around £656 over a typical contract, £688 less than the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Expert Rating
3.9
11 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 A19 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
4,005 mAh 4,400 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/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
169 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
£25.99/mo (£0.00 upfront) £54.79/mo (£29.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£566.00 £959.99

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Apple iPhone 17e Apple iPhone 17e Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Expert Rating 3.9
11 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 A19 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 4,005 mAh 4,400 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/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 169 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 £25.99/mo
£0.00 upfront
£54.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
SIM-free £566.00 £959.99
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17e
Apple iPhone 17e

24 Months

256GB

White

30GB

Data

£25.99 per month, with FREE phone.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

24 Months

256GB

Jet Black

Refurbished

30GB

Data

£54.79 per month, £29 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17e is cheaper on contract at £656.16 over the life of the deal from £25.99 per month with £0.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has the bigger screen at 8" compared to the Apple iPhone 17e's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 17e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 367, and the Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Apple iPhone 17e is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £566.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Apple iPhone 17e is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 use?

The Apple iPhone 17e is powered by the Apple A19 (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 17e or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Apple iPhone 17e is the more portable of the two: it's 46g lighter at 169 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 17e or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?

The Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 run?

The Apple iPhone 17e 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.