Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
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.
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
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
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 12, One UI 4.1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 187 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| IP rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm | 165.2 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/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | ~3279 mAh | 3700 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches (inner), 1.9 inches (cover) |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2640 x 1080 (inner), 512 x 260 (cover) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz (inner) |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz + 3x2.75 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
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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.
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