Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 : A Non-Specs-Heavy Take On This Flagship Face-Off

This morning, a friend sent me a message on Facebook Messenger, asking for tech-related advice. He was having a hard time choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Fold4 and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max as the new bundled smartphone with his postpaid plan. His current handset is the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max.

I told him that in terms of display, power, and overall feature set, Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 quite simply offers more bang for the buck. Looks-wise, it's also more interesting because of the massive display that folds in the middle.

The Samsung Galaxy Fold Series is as premium as a smartphone can be. For me, it's more than a worthy competitor to the Apple iPhone. In fact, it's probably the more innovative mobile device.

However, I also said that in terms of imaging capabilities and video recording prowess, Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max could be better than the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4. This is largely because of Apple's industry-leading imaging software, which started to truly take off with the Apple iPhone 11 Series. 

In fact, many professional videographers use their iPhones to supplement their cinema cameras when shooting behind-the-scene clips and everyday vlogs, especially in low-light conditions. Apple's Cinematic Video mode is also head and shoulders above what other brands offer currently. For me, this is the key strength of the Apple iPhone today.

Another downside of the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4 is its pretty hefty build. Because of its folding design and massive display, it's like you're holding two smartphones stacked on top of each other when you have this model in your hand. It's also quite big and heavy to be placed conveniently in the front pocket of your jeans or trousers.

Nevertheless, I know that there are many users - mostly males, not to be sexist - who prefer to hold a bigger and bolder handset when they are out and about or to put on the table during corporate meetings. I think that the Samsung Galaxy Fold4's form factor is very striking and even intimidating in its heft, like a Land Cruiser or a Rolls Royce.

Now, when we talk about "premium" branding, I think everyone would agree that Apple has this down pat. It's their key territory; It's what they do best. The Cupertino Company's marketing strategy that centers on the brand's lofty intangibles with streamlined high-end identity from top to bottom greatly benefits the Apple iPhone 14 Series, especially the most expensive model, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max. I believe this is also why many celebrities, mavens, and head honchos stick to the Apple iPhone. I'd say it's a safe choice in terms of premium personal branding.

That's not to say, though, that the Samsung Galaxy Fold4 is not premium. In fact, it is very expensive and its aesthetics are certainly high-end. It's one of those pricey things that "if you know, you know" -- like an Hermes Handbag or a Loro Piana Jacket that doesn't have loud monograms or logos but is specifically made to meet the meticulous taste of the wealthy.

To wrap up, I think you can't go wrong with either since whatever limitation or disadvantage each may have is more than compensated by their innate strengths. At this point, I think both Apple and Samsung have fully mastered the art of making a smartphone, which makes it highly unlikely for them to mess up their highest-level offering. Cheers!