Galaxy Z Fold4 Vs iPhone 13

Galaxy Z Fold4
Galaxy Z Fold4
Starting at

Refurbished price:470.00

Versus €1,799.00 new

See options
iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

Refurbished price:244.00

Versus €769.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, released in August 2022, represents a significant advancement in foldable smartphone technology, offering a unique dual-screen experience. In contrast, the iPhone 13, launched in September 2021, is a traditional slab-style smartphone known for its refined user experience and robust ecosystem. The primary differentiator lies in their form factors: the Z Fold4 transforms from a compact phone into a larger tablet-like display, while the iPhone 13 maintains a consistent, conventional smartphone design. Both devices operate on distinct software platforms, with the Z Fold4 running Android and the iPhone 13 utilizing iOS.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and Age: The iPhone 13 was released in September 2021, making it approximately one year older than the Galaxy Z Fold4, which debuted in August 2022. This difference in release dates can impact the remaining period of official software support.
  • OS Support Duration: Apple typically provides iOS updates for its devices for about 5-6 years from their release. The iPhone 13, having launched with iOS 15, is compatible with current iOS versions and is expected to receive updates for several more years. The Galaxy Z Fold4 launched with Android 12L and Samsung has committed to providing four Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, extending its support until around 2027.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 13 features a Ceramic Shield front cover and an IP68 rating for water resistance. The Galaxy Z Fold4 utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus+ on its outer display and back panel, with a proprietary "Ultra-Thin Glass" for its foldable inner display, protected by PET plastic layers. It also carries an IPX8 water resistance rating, though it is not dust-resistant. The foldable design of the Z Fold4 introduces a hinge mechanism, which has been improved for durability, and the inner display is designed to be lighter and more robust than its predecessor.

Year of Release

2022

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

Yes

No

Performance

The performance of both devices is influenced by their internal components, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks and applications.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 13 is equipped with a powerful processor that allows for smooth operation across demanding applications and multitasking. The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a current-generation processor designed to deliver efficient performance, particularly beneficial for its multitasking capabilities on the larger screen.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 13 offers a responsive user experience for everyday tasks and gaming. The Galaxy Z Fold4, with its larger foldable display, is designed to excel in multitasking, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously with a fluid experience.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 13 generally provides a full day of use for many users, with improvements in battery life over its predecessors. The Galaxy Z Fold4, despite its larger and more power-intensive displays, offers a battery that can last through a typical workday, with power efficiency improvements contributing to its endurance.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a key differentiator between these two smartphones, given the Z Fold4's unique foldable design.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 13 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast. The Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a dual-screen setup: a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display and a larger 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X foldable inner display. The inner display provides a tablet-like viewing experience when unfolded.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 13 has a resolution of 2532x1170 pixels at approximately 460 pixels per inch (PPI), providing sharp visuals. The Z Fold4's cover display has a resolution of 2316x904 pixels (401 PPI), while its main inner display offers 2176x1812 pixels (374 PPI), delivering clear images across both screens.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer good brightness levels for outdoor visibility, with the iPhone 13 reaching up to 800 nits typical brightness and 1200 nits peak for HDR content. The Z Fold4's displays also feature high brightness and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz on both the cover and main screens, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience. The iPhone 13 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1812 x 2176

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, though their configurations and features cater to slightly different photographic approaches.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 13 features a dual 12MP camera system, comprising a wide and an ultra-wide lens, with sensor-shift optical image stabilization on the main camera for improved low-light performance and stability. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP wide-angle camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 13 includes features like Cinematic mode for video, Photographic Styles, Night mode, and Smart HDR 4. The Z Fold4 also offers enhanced camera modes that leverage its foldable screen, such as Capture View Mode and Dual Preview, alongside improved low-light capabilities due to a larger sensor and enhanced processing.
  • Front-Facing Cameras: The iPhone 13 has a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with features like Portrait mode and Cinematic mode. The Galaxy Z Fold4 has a 10MP camera on its cover display and a 4MP under-display camera on the inner foldable screen.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

4 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and NFC for contactless payments. The Galaxy Z Fold4 also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, while the iPhone 13 uses Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The iPhone 13 utilizes a Lightning connector for charging and data transfer and features Face ID for secure authentication. The Galaxy Z Fold4 uses a USB-C port and incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for security.
  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone 13 has dimensions of 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm and weighs 174 grams. The Galaxy Z Fold4 is significantly larger and heavier due to its foldable design, measuring 155.1 x 67.1 x 14.2-15.8 mm when folded and 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm when unfolded, with a weight of 263 grams. The Z Fold4's build materials include aluminum for the frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ for external protection.

Weight

263 g

173 g

Screen size (in)

7.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User sentiment for the Galaxy Z Fold4 often highlights its innovative foldable design and the enhanced productivity it offers. Users appreciate the ability to switch between a compact smartphone and a larger tablet-like display, making it suitable for multitasking and media consumption. Criticisms sometimes revolve around its weight and thickness when folded, and the visible crease on the inner display, though this has been improved over generations. The iPhone 13 is frequently praised for its consistent performance, reliable camera system, and strong battery life. Users value its intuitive iOS experience and the long-term software support provided by Apple. Some common feedback points include the standard 60Hz refresh rate display, which is not as fluid as higher refresh rate screens found on some other devices.

Users prioritizing a versatile device for productivity, extensive multitasking, and a large screen for media consumption may find the Galaxy Z Fold4 well-suited to their needs. Its unique form factor caters to those who desire a tablet experience in a pocketable format. Conversely, users who prefer a traditional, streamlined smartphone experience with a focus on consistent performance, a robust app ecosystem, and long-term software updates will likely lean towards the iPhone 13. It is a strong choice for those seeking a dependable device for everyday use and photography without the complexities of a foldable design. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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