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Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

Updated Apr 2026phones
VS
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
$999
7.8/10

The Verdict

Apple's iPhone SE 4 delivers flagship performance at half the price of Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 4, making it the practical choice for most users. The SE 4 features the powerful A18 chip, a bright 6.1-inch OLED display with 1200 nits, and a capable 48MP main camera with 4K60 video. Its 3279mAh battery supports 20W wired and 7.5W wireless charging, IP68 water resistance, and runs iOS 18. Samsung's Z Flip 4 costs $999 and justifies its premium primarily through novelty: the innovative foldable form factor with a 6.7-inch inner display and 1.9-inch cover screen. It offers 120Hz refresh on the main screen, faster 25W wired and 15W wireless charging, optical image stabilization on its 12MP camera, and optical zoom capabilities. However, the Z Flip 4 runs older Android 12, has a heavier 187g body, and its foldable design introduces durability concerns despite IPX8 rating. The iPhone SE 4 provides superior software longevity and raw value. Choose the SE 4 unless you specifically want the foldable experience and can justify the $500 premium. The Z Flip 4 appeals to early adopters fascinated by form factor innovation rather than performance per dollar.

Value(4th generation)
CameraFlip 4
BatteryFlip 4
Display(4th generation)
Performance(4th generation)

Who Should Buy

Buy the Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) if…

  • First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
  • A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
  • Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design

Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 if…

  • Compact clamshell design fits in any pocket
  • Improved battery over Flip 3
  • Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is efficient

Category Scores

Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
Value
9.0
6.5
Camera
8.2
8.4
Battery
7.5
8.0
Display
8.5
8.2
Performance
8.8
8.6

Pros & Cons

Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)

Pros

  • First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
  • A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
  • Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
  • USB-C replaces Lightning for universal compatibility
  • Most affordable iPhone with A18 performance

Cons

  • No telephoto or ultrawide camera — single rear lens only
  • Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion
  • No Dynamic Island; uses standard notch
  • No MagSafe support, only standard Qi wireless
  • Modest battery life compared to standard iPhone 16

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

Pros

  • Compact clamshell design fits in any pocket
  • Improved battery over Flip 3
  • Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is efficient
  • IPX8 water resistance
  • Flex mode for hands-free selfies and video calls

Cons

  • Visible crease on inner display
  • Small cover screen limits functionality
  • 12 MP cameras lag behind competitors
  • No telephoto camera
  • USB 2.0 data transfer speeds

Full Specifications

SpecApple iPhone SE (4th generation)Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
SoftwareiOS 18Android 12, One UI 4.1.1
Body
Weight167 g187 g
MaterialAluminum frameArmor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+
IP ratingIP68IPX8
Dimensions138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm (unfolded)
Camera
Main camera48 MP12 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Front camera12 MP10 MP, f/2.4
Video4K@60fps4K@60fps
Ultrawide12 MP, f/2.2
Memory
RAM8 GB8 GB
Storage options128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
Battery
Capacity~3279 mAh3700 mAh
Charging20W wired25W wired
Wireless charging7.5W Qi15W wireless
Display
Size6.1 inches6.7 inches (inner), 1.9 inches (cover)
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDDynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable
Resolution2532 x 11702640 x 1080 (inner), 512 x 260 (cover)
Refresh rate60Hz120Hz (inner)
Brightness (nits)12001200
Processor
CPUHexa-coreOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz + 3x2.75 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz)
GPUApple GPU (5-core)Adreno 730
ChipsetApple A18Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Connectivity
5G
NFC
USBUSB-C 2.0USB-C 2.0
Wi-FiWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth5.35.2

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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.

Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) or the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4.