Apple iPhone 16e vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Compare Apple iPhone 16e vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 side by side: Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine) vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy…
Apple
iPhone 16e
$599
3categories won
Samsung
Galaxy Z Fold 9
$1,999
16categories won
1 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 takes the overall win
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 proves superior overall against the Apple iPhone 16e, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the Galaxy Z Fold 9 leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the Galaxy Z Fold 9. Choose the Galaxy Z Fold 9 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 16e if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
Galaxy Z Fold 9 takes battery honors offering 5,000 mAh alongside 65W charging.
Galaxy Z Fold 9 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy and 24GB RAM.
Galaxy Z Fold 9 takes photography with 200MP optics and 5x optical telephoto capabilities.
iPhone 16e provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $599 vs $1999.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
iPhone 16e vs Galaxy Z Fold 9: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 16e | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 7.9" |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 2160 x 1856Winner |
| Pixel density | 457 ppiWinner | 360 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 HzWinner |
| Peak brightness | 2000 nits | 3200 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 16e | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Process node | 3 nm | 2 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 1,650,000 | 3,200,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 8120 | 10800Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 24 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 128GB | 2TBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 16e | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MP | 200 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 1 | 3Winner |
| Optical zoom | — | 5x |
| Ultrawide | — | 50 MP |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | 16 MPWinner |
| Max video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision HDR | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 16e | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,960 mAh | 5,000 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 65 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 25 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 16e | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 167 gWinner | 215 g |
| Thickness | 7.8 mm | 4.9 mmWinner |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, color-infused glass back | Grade 5 Titanium frame, Ceramic Glass front and back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 16e | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 18.3 | Android 17 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 7 yearsWinner |
| Security updates | 7 years | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 16e | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $599Winner | $1,999 |
Apple iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e brings Apple's apex 3nm A18 silicon and full Apple Intelligence generative AI support to a sub-$600 form factor. Featuring an upgraded 48MP 2-in-1 Fusion camera with 2x lossless telephoto cropping, Face ID, USB-C, and class-leading battery endurance, it replaces both legacy SE models and previous base offerings.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,960mAh
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
The Galaxy Z Fold 9 represents Samsung’s ultimate foldable breakthrough: under 5mm thickness when opened, 215g light weight, integrated 200MP camera sensor, and a massive 7.9-inch crease-free canvas.
- Display
- 7.9"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy
- Main camera
- 200MP
- Battery
- 5,000mAh