Apple and Samsung continue to be at the forefront of the smartphone world, regularly releasing new flagship phones packed with cutting-edge features. The latest iPhone 14 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 both provide powerful performance and fantastic cameras, but in very different packages.
The iPhone 14 represents Apple‘s tried-and-true smartphone formula – familiar design with key upgrades under the hood. Meanwhile, the Z Flip3 breaks new ground as Samsung‘s most affordable foldable phone yet. Its unique folding form factor sets it apart from all other mainstream flagships on the market.
We‘ll compare these two category-leading phones across all key metrics – from design and display to camera, battery, specs and more – to help you decide which is the best pick for your needs and budget.
iPhone 14 vs Z Flip3: Design
The iPhone 14 iteration largely sticks to the established design language, with flat sides, rounded corners, a wide notch at the top of the display, and a protruding square camera bump. At 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches, it‘s identically sized as the iPhone 13 that came before it. And at around 6 ounces, it strikes the same balance between slim enough to feel premium yet hefty enough to feel substantial in the hand.
Its glossy glass back comes in five new colors to choose from – midnight (black), starlight (white), blue, purple, and Product RED.
The matte aluminum frame comes with the same durability enhancements like ceramic shield front glass and water/dust resistance. While it may lack exciting visual changes, the iPhone 14 delivers that quintessential Apple look and feel that fans have come to expect.
Meanwhile, the Z Flip3 sports a radically different design defined entirely by its ability to fold vertically down the middle. Unfolded, it measures 6.5 x 2.8 x 0.27 inches putting it right in line with today‘s plus-sized flagships. Folded up, it shrinks down to a tiny 2.8 x 3.4 inches that can fit in the smallest of pockets.
Despite having a bending screen in the middle, Samsung managed to make the Z Flip3 feel extremely solid and rigid. Its glossy Gorilla Glass Victus back, shiny metal frames, and matte metal hinge exude durability and premium quality craftsmanship.
Weighing around 6.5 ounces, it is slightly heavier than the iPhone 14 but the difference is barely noticeable in everyday use.
When it comes to colors, the Z Flip3 dazzles with seven vibrant options – phantom black, cream, green, lavender, phantom white, gray, and pink.
The foldable form factor is a clear differentiator if you want a phone that stands out from the sea of slab smartphones. However, it comes down to personal preference for a more daring yet bulkier folding design versus a safer, slimmer traditional build.
Winner: Tie
Displays
The display departments showcase the biggest differences between these two phones.
The iPhone 14 has a 6.7-inch OLED display with slimmer bezels than before. It has a sharp resolution at 1284 x 2778 pixels, giving it a pixel density of 458 ppi.
With 1200 nits of peak brightness, it delivers vibrant, punchy images ideal for HDR content. The excellent contrast ratio and color accuracy provide a stellar viewing experience whether gaming, watching videos, or browsing the web.
While not the most pixel-dense or buttery smooth display with its 60Hz refresh rate, it keeps up with any task you throw at it.
On paper, the Z Flip3‘s 6.7-inch folding AMOLED display matches up evenly. It also gives you 2280 x 1080 pixels of resolution and a 426 ppi density.
Its adaptive 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother animations and transitions than the iPhone 14. And it can hit 1200 nits brightness as well for great visibility even under direct sunlight.
But its party piece is the folding capability. You can use it unfolded like a regular phone or keep it folded at a 90-degree angle to enable Flex Mode. This lets you easily prop up the top half of the screen and interact with apps and content on the bottom half.
Plus, even while folded, the 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover display shows you notifications, messages, and even a preview from the camera – without having to open your phone each time.
Winner: Z Flip3
Cameras
The camera hardware seems evenly matched at first glance. Both phones sport dual 12MP sensors on the rear – one wide, one ultrawide.
On the iPhone 14, you get an improved main wide camera with a larger sensor, brighter f/1.5 aperture, and sensor-shift optical image stabilization. Combined with Apple‘s image processing prowess, it captures fantastic shots with great dynamic range and natural colors.
Night mode helps when lighting isn‘t ideal. And the 12MP selfie camera clicks some of the best portrait shots with excellent background bokeh.
With similar 12MP + 12MP dual cameras, the Z Flip3 also takes fabulous photos with punchy contrast and vivid saturation. The lenses capture sharp detail with a ton of textures.
In addition, the Z Flip3 tries to make up for its weaker selfie camera with a neat trick. You can use the rear cameras even while the phone is folded thanks to the small outer display. Just prop it up, frame your shot, and touch the outer screen shutter button.
Both phones shoot up to 4K 60fps video with good stabilization. But the iPhone‘s extended dynamic range and cinematic mode gives it more creative options.
Winner: iPhone 14
Performance
The iPhone 14 is powered by Apple‘s latest A15 Bionic chip – yes, the same one that debuted in the iPhone 13 series. Despite not being brand new, it continues to offer blazing fast speeds.
With its 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, any app you throw at it runs smoothly without dropped frames or lag. Heavy multitaskers may notice its “only” 6GB of RAM compared to flagship Android phones. But iOS does a great job memory management so you likely won’t feel its effects.
Gaming is a joy on its vibrant high-refresh display, while 5G connectivity ensures lightning quick download speeds.
On the Android side, leading the way is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888. This 5nm processor delivers better power efficiency without sacrificing raw horsepower. Its octa-core CPU can hit peak speeds up to 2.84 Ghz.
With 8GB of RAM guaranteeing smooth app switching and multitasking, you‘ll never be frustrated waiting for something to load. The ample RAM also enables fun software tricks like App Pair which lets you open multiple apps in split-screen.
Add in the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, and the Z Flip3 provides a flawless high-end experience. Both phones will impress, but Samsung‘s flagship silicon has a slight edge.
Winner: Z Flip3
Battery Life
While the iPhone 14 and Z Flip3 have similarly sized 3240 mAh and 3300 mAh batteries respectively, their actual battery lives differ quite a bit.
In typical usage with intermittent web browsing, messaging, and social media usage, the iPhone 14 lasts around 1.5 days on a full charge. That’s fairly average but sufficient to not have battery life anxiety before the end of an average day.
With the same usage patterns, most users can squeeze 1.5-2 days out of the Z Flip3 before needing to plugin. Standby battery drain is particularly low thanks to Android software enhancements.
The Z Flip3 also charges faster supporting up to 15W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging. In about 1.5 hours, you can replenish its cells from 0 to 100%. The iPhone 14 maxes out at 7.5W wireless charging meaning slower power-up times.
Winner: Z Flip3
Software
Apple‘s iPhones always come with the most recent iOS software out of the box. The iPhone 14 launches with iOS 16 which introduces new features like a customizable lock screen, iCloud shared photo library, and dictation via voice typing.
Its biggest strengths lie in intuitive gestures, polished visuals, and ecosystem integration with products like the AirPods and Apple Watch.
On the other side, Samsung phones have historically been plagued by fragmented software versions across devices. However, the Z Flip3 ships with the unified One UI interface running on top of Android 12.
You get the same level of customizability and deep OS integration as on a Google Pixel. And thanks to a commitment to 4 OS version upgrades, it will stay fresh for years to come.
Both offer great software experiences. iOS may seem simpler to use but One UI matches it in depth once you get accustomed to it.
Winner: Tie
Price and Value
The iPhone 14 starts at $799 making it one of the most expensive “base” flagship phones. But compared to its Pro siblings that exceed $1000, it seems almost reasonably priced for an iPhone. There are also good carrier deals that lower its cost.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip3 goes for $999 putting it near the premium end of the smartphone price spectrum. However, folding phones often demand premium pricing so its cost seems fair. And given its unique design, powerhouse performance, and long battery, it delivers worthwhile value.
For shoppers without a strict budget, both deliver a sufficiently premium experience to match the high costs. But if saving money is important, the iPhone 14 is $200 cheaper.
Winner: iPhone 14
The Bottom Line
The iPhone 14 and Z Flip3 cater to different users but offer similarly well-rounded experiences.
The iPhone 14 brings Apple’s refined fit and finish in a familiar design. With excellent cameras, reliable performance, and intuitive software, it nails the fundamentals even if missing exciting new features.
Meanwhile, the Z Flip3 wows with its folding talents and strives to perfect the blueprint set out by past foldables. The improved durability, slimmer frame, versatile camera, and lengthy battery life make it the first truly practical folding phone.
For most buyers after a traditional but truly premium slab smartphone, the iPhone 14 excels as an heir to Apple’s smartphone legend. But adventurous technophiles looking to stand out from the crowd should seriously consider the Z Flip3‘s folding charms. Regardless what you choose, you’re getting one of the best phones around.
