Galaxy Z Fold4 Vs iPhone SE (2020)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, released in August 2022, and the Apple iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy Z Fold4 offers an innovative foldable form factor with a large, expansive display, the iPhone SE 2020 provides a compact, traditional smartphone experience. These devices operate on different ecosystems, with the Z Fold4 running Android and the iPhone SE 2020 running iOS, influencing their user interfaces and app availability.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical resilience.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy Z Fold4, released in August 2022, benefits from a more recent launch, promising four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its support until around 2027. The iPhone SE 2020, released in April 2020, has received consistent iOS updates, with its operating system currently at iOS 26.4 as of March 2026, demonstrating Apple's commitment to long-term software support for its devices.
• Repairability: The iPhone SE 2020 received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating that common repairs like screen and battery replacements are relatively straightforward, though its glass back can be challenging to replace. The Galaxy Z Fold4, with its complex foldable design, generally presents a more intricate repair process due to its multiple displays and hinge mechanism.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users can expect both devices to remain functional and receive essential updates for several years. The Z Fold4's newer release and extended update policy suggest a slightly longer period of official software support, while the iPhone SE 2020's robust software ecosystem ensures continued usability for its age.

Performance in a smartphone dictates how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the device.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy Z Fold4 is equipped with a powerful, current-generation processor designed to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and advanced gaming with ease. The iPhone SE 2020 features a powerful processor for its release year, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks, app navigation, and many popular games.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Z Fold4 is well-suited for extensive multitasking, allowing users to run numerous applications simultaneously and switch between them without noticeable slowdowns. The iPhone SE 2020, with 3 GB of RAM, offers responsive performance for typical smartphone usage, though it may show limitations when handling a very high number of active applications concurrently.
• Storage and Battery Behavior: Both devices offer various internal storage options, with the Z Fold4 providing up to 1 TB and the iPhone SE 2020 up to 256 GB, neither supporting expandable storage. The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a 4400 mAh battery, designed to power its large, high-refresh-rate displays, while the iPhone SE 2020 has an 1821 mAh battery, which typically provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate use given its smaller screen and efficient software.

The display is a primary interface for user interaction, and its quality significantly impacts the viewing experience.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy Z Fold4 features two Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays: a 7.6-inch foldable inner screen and a 6.2-inch cover screen. These OLED panels offer deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors. The iPhone SE 2020 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, providing accurate colors and good viewing angles, though it does not achieve the same contrast levels as OLED technology.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Z Fold4's main display boasts a resolution of 2176 x 1812 pixels, resulting in a sharp viewing experience, while its cover display has a resolution of 2316 x 904 pixels. The iPhone SE 2020 offers a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, which provides clear visuals on its smaller screen size.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both displays on the Galaxy Z Fold4 support an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, with the main display reaching a peak brightness of 1200 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The iPhone SE 2020 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate and a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is generally sufficient for most indoor and outdoor conditions.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, influencing how they capture and share moments.

• Camera System Versatility: The Galaxy Z Fold4 features a versatile triple-camera system on the rear, including a 50 MP wide-angle lens, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, offering a range of photographic options. The iPhone SE 2020 is equipped with a single 12 MP wide-angle rear camera, which is known for its consistent image quality and optical image stabilization.
• Photography Performance: The Z Fold4's camera system provides flexibility for various scenarios, including improved low-light performance and detailed shots across different focal lengths. For selfies and video calls, it has a 10 MP camera on the cover screen and a 4 MP under-display camera on the main screen. The iPhone SE 2020's single camera excels in everyday photography with good color accuracy and detail, and it includes a 7 MP front-facing camera for selfies.
• Video Recording Quality: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The Galaxy Z Fold4 supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, along with slow-motion capabilities. The iPhone SE 2020 also offers 4K video recording at various frame rates, including 60 frames per second, and features cinematic video stabilization.