Apple iPhone Air vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8

Our Verdict: Apple iPhone Air and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 suit different priorities. The iPhone is stronger for portability, helped by a sharper 444 PPI display, its LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel, and a higher-resolution 18MP front camera, while the Samsung is better suited to a larger 6.9-inch screen, its Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel, and a larger 4,300 mAh battery. 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 iPhone for portability; choose the Samsung if display quality matters more.

Over a full contract, the iPhone Air works out around £813 all-in, about £92 less than the Galaxy Z Flip8.

Screen
6.5" 6.9"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1080 x 2520
Pixels Per Inch
444 397
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) Exynos 2600 (2 nm)
Battery
3,149 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Android
SIM Type
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/6e/7
Bluetooth
6.0, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm 166.7 x 75.2 x 6.9 mm
Weight
165 grams 180 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
£31.99/mo (£19.00 upfront) £29.99/mo (£159.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£599.99 £909.00
Apple iPhone Air Apple iPhone Air Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8
Screen 6.5" 6.9"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1080 x 2520
Pixels Per Inch 444 397
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) Exynos 2600 (2 nm)
Battery 3,149 mAh 4,300 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Android
SIM Type 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/6e/7
Bluetooth 6.0, A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm 166.7 x 75.2 x 6.9 mm
Weight 165 grams 180 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 £31.99/mo
£19.00 upfront
£29.99/mo
£159.00 upfront
SIM-free £599.99 £909.00
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone Air
Apple iPhone Air

24 Months

256GB

Light Gold

Refurbished

200GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£31.99 per month, £19 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10 off)

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8

24 Months

256GB

Graphite

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£29.99 per month, £159 upfront.

Use code: SUMMER10 (£10 off)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone Air or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone Air is cheaper on contract at £812.76 over the life of the deal from £31.99 per month with £19.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone Air or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone Air's 6.5", the Apple iPhone Air has the sharper display at 444 pixels per inch versus 397, and the Apple iPhone Air uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 has a Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone Air or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?

The Apple iPhone Air features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 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 Air or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?

The Apple iPhone Air is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £599.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone Air and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?

The Apple iPhone Air is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 comes in 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone Air and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 use?

The Apple iPhone Air is powered by the Apple A19 Pro (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 uses the Exynos 2600 (2 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone Air or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?

The Apple iPhone Air is the more portable of the two: it's 15g lighter at 165 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm, and is slimmer at 5.6mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone Air or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8?

The Apple iPhone Air is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 is rated IP48 dust and water resistant (dust > 1mm; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min).

What operating system do the Apple iPhone Air and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 run?

The Apple iPhone Air runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8 runs Android. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.