Apple iPhone SE 4 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Compare Apple iPhone SE 4 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 side by side: Apple A18 (3nm) vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy, 48MP vs 200MP camera…
Apple
iPhone SE 4
$499
3categories won
Samsung
Galaxy Z Fold 9
$1,999
16categories won
2 categories tied · 21 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 SE 4, 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 SE 4 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 SE 4 provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $499 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 SE 4 vs Galaxy Z Fold 9: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone SE 4 | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.06" | 7.9" |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 2160 x 1856Winner |
| Pixel density | 460 ppiWinner | 360 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 HzWinner |
| Peak brightness | 1200 nits | 3200 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone SE 4 | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Process node | 3 nm | 2 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 2,400,000 | 3,200,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 8900 | 10800Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 24 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 128GB | 2TBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone SE 4 | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MP | 200 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 1 | 3Winner |
| Optical zoom | 1x | 5xWinner |
| Ultrawide | — | 50 MP |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | 16 MPWinner |
| Max video | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone SE 4 | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,279 mAh | 5,000 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 20 W | 65 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 25 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | iPhone SE 4 | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 165 gWinner | 215 g |
| Thickness | 7.8 mm | 4.9 mmWinner |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aerospace aluminum frame, glass front and back | Grade 5 Titanium frame, Ceramic Glass front and back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone SE 4 | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 18 | Android 17 |
| OS updates | 7 years | 7 years |
| Security updates | 7 years | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone SE 4 | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $499Winner | $1,999 |
Apple iPhone SE 4
The iPhone SE 4 transforms Apple’s budget lineup: the home button and thick bezels are replaced with a 6.1-inch OLED, Face ID, USB-C, 48MP camera, and full Apple Intelligence capability for under $500.
- Display
- 6.06"
- Chipset
- Apple A18 (3nm)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,279mAh
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