Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone 15 delivers reliable performance with its A16 Bionic chip, exceptional 2000-nit display brightness, and refined camera system featuring a 48MP main sensor with 4K Dolby Vision recording. At $799, it offers strong value with iOS 17's polish and three-year software commitment. Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 5 costs $200 more but justifies it with cutting-edge form factor innovation, a larger 6.7-inch inner display with 120Hz refresh rate, superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processing, and 8GB RAM versus the iPhone's 6GB. The Flip 5's ultrawide camera matches the iPhone's pixel count, though the iPhone edges it with optical image stabilization on the main sensor. Battery capacity favors Samsung (3700 mAh vs 3349 mAh) with modestly faster charging (25W vs 20W). However, the iPhone's Super Retina XDR display achieves higher peak brightness at 2000 nits, providing better outdoor visibility. The foldable form factor makes the Flip 5 more distinctive and compact when closed, but introduces durability questions around the hinge and cover display longevity. For everyday practicality and longevity, the iPhone 15 represents better value. For those prioritizing innovation and don't mind the premium, the Z Flip 5 delivers cutting-edge technology.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 15 if…
- →Dynamic Island brought to base model
- →48 MP main camera upgrade
- →Switched to USB-C port
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 if…
- →Much larger 3.4-inch cover screen allows full app use when folded
- →Compact pocketable flip form factor
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship chip
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 15
Pros
- Dynamic Island brought to base model
- 48 MP main camera upgrade
- Switched to USB-C port
- Strong A16 Bionic performance
- Comfortable lightweight design
Cons
- Stuck at 60Hz refresh rate
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No telephoto camera
- No always-on display
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Pros
- Much larger 3.4-inch cover screen allows full app use when folded
- Compact pocketable flip form factor
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship chip
- IPX8 water resistance
- Stylish design with many color options
Cons
- Small 3700 mAh battery drains quickly
- Only 12 MP main camera, no telephoto
- Slow 25W charging
- Inner display crease still noticeable
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 15 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 17 | Android 13, One UI 5.1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 171 g | 187 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm unfolded |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 10 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3349 mAh | 3700 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches inner, 3.4 inches cover |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 2640 x 1080 inner, 720 x 748 cover |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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