Apple iPhone XS Max vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone XS Max delivers a refined flagship experience with its exceptional Super Retina OLED display (725 nits, 60Hz) and the capable A12 Bionic processor, paired with a reliable dual-camera system featuring optical image stabilization. However, it shows its age with limited RAM (4GB), no 5G, and a smaller battery (3174 mAh). Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 4 represents a generational leap forward with its groundbreaking foldable technology, larger 7.6-inch inner display at 120Hz, significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, superior 12GB RAM, 5G connectivity, and a more versatile quad-camera setup including an impressive 50MP main sensor. Battery capacity (4400 mAh) and charging speeds (25W wired) substantially outpace the iPhone. While the Z Fold 4 commands a $700 premium and carries durability considerations inherent to foldable design, its technological superiority, multitasking capabilities, and future-proofing make it the clear winner for those prioritizing innovation and capability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone XS Max if…
- →Largest iPhone display at the time (6.5 inches)
- →Dual SIM with eSIM support introduced
- →Gorgeous Super Retina OLED display
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 if…
- →Refined hinge is slimmer and lighter than Fold 3
- →Taskbar for PC-like multitasking
- →Improved cameras over Fold 3
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone XS Max
Pros
- Largest iPhone display at the time (6.5 inches)
- Dual SIM with eSIM support introduced
- Gorgeous Super Retina OLED display
- A12 Bionic with first 7nm mobile chip
- Stereo speakers with wide sound
Cons
- No ultrawide camera
- 5W charger in the box
- Very expensive starting at $1099
- No Night mode in camera
- No Wi-Fi 6 support
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Pros
- Refined hinge is slimmer and lighter than Fold 3
- Taskbar for PC-like multitasking
- Improved cameras over Fold 3
- IPX8 water resistance
- Flex mode for hands-free use
Cons
- Still very expensive at $1799
- Heavy at 263 g
- Visible crease on inner display
- Under-display camera quality is poor
- Slow 25W charging
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone XS Max | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 12 | Android 12L, One UI 4.1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 208 g | 263 g |
| Material | Stainless steel frame, glass back | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| IP rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm (unfolded) |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP (cover), 4 MP under-display (inner) |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3174 mAh | 4400 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired (adapter sold separately) | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.5 inches | 7.6 inches (inner), 6.2 inches (cover) |
| Type | Super Retina OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable |
| Resolution | 2688 x 1242 | 2176 x 1812 (inner), 2316 x 904 (cover) |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz (both) |
| Brightness (nits) | 725 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz + 4x1.6 GHz) | Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz + 3x2.75 GHz + 4x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Apple A12 Bionic | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
Related Comparisons
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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