Apple iPhone 17e vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8

Our Verdict: Comparing Apple iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, the choice mostly comes down to display quality versus portability. The Samsung gives you a larger 7.6-inch screen, its LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and a larger 4,800 mAh battery, while the iPhone is more appealing for a sharper 457 PPI display, its Super Retina XDR OLED panel, and a lighter 169g 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. Choose the Samsung for display quality; choose the iPhone if portability matters more.

Over a full contract, the iPhone 17e works out around £660 all-in, about £715 less than the Galaxy Z Fold8.

Expert Rating
3.9
11 reviews
4.4
10 reviews
Screen
6.1" 7.6"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1828 x 2584
Pixels Per Inch
457 416
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
4,005 mAh 4,800 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/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 161.4 x 123.9 x 4.9 mm
Weight
169 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
£25.99/mo (£0.00 upfront) £44.99/mo (£269.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£539.99 £1656.99
Apple iPhone 17e Apple iPhone 17e Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8
Expert Rating 3.9
11 reviews
4.4
10 reviews
Screen 6.1" 7.6"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1828 x 2584
Pixels Per Inch 457 416
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 4,005 mAh 4,800 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/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 161.4 x 123.9 x 4.9 mm
Weight 169 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 £25.99/mo
£0.00 upfront
£44.99/mo
£269.00 upfront
SIM-free £539.99 £1656.99
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17e
Apple iPhone 17e

24 Months

256GB

Black

30GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£25.99 per month, with FREE phone.

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)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 17e is cheaper on contract at £659.76 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 Fold8?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 has the bigger screen at 7.6" compared to the Apple iPhone 17e's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 17e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 416, and the Apple iPhone 17e uses a 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 17e or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The Apple iPhone 17e is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £539.99.

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 17e is powered by the Apple A19 (3 nm), 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 17e or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8?

The Apple iPhone 17e is the more portable of the two: it's 30g 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 Fold8 is slimmer at 4.9mm thick.

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

The Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 run?

The Apple iPhone 17e 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.