The ultimate showdown: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. iPhone 17 Pro for audiophiles. Which one reigns supreme? | Darko.Audio
In a world where smartphone choices are often driven by cameras, AI, and processors, I embarked on a quest to find the perfect device for audiophiles. I spent a staggering €2600 on two high-end smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the iPhone 17 Pro, to answer a simple question: which one truly serves the audiophile's needs?
These devices, each costing €1300 in Germany, are not just about brand loyalty or platform worship. They're about finding real answers to real questions that matter to those of us who treat our smartphones as music sources or remote controls. And the results of my month-long side-by-side testing are more complex than expected.
Bluetooth Headphones
The iPhone 17 Pro has a seamless AirPod integration that Samsung can't match. The controls are baked directly into iOS, making it a breeze to use. However, when it comes to wired headphones, the iPhone's limitations become apparent. It's restricted to AAC and SBC codecs, which can be a deal-breaker for audiophiles.
The Samsung Z Fold 7, on the other hand, comes pre-loaded with LDAC for Sony WH-1000XM series compatibility and the original aptX codec. But here's the catch: aptX Adaptive, often hailed as hi-res capable, is a lossy codec that compresses 24-bit/96kHz streams to roughly one-fifth of their original size. While it's fine for most situations, it's not ideal for audiophiles seeking the best sound quality.
Wired Headphones
Both smartphones lack headphone jacks, requiring dongle DACs for wired headphones. The iPhone 17 Pro excels here, delivering bit-perfect USB audio output. iOS doesn't mess with the digital audio stream, ensuring a pristine listening experience. Android, on the other hand, resamples everything to 48kHz, which can be a concern for audiophiles.
Control Surfaces
The iPhone 17 Pro offers a familiar smartphone experience, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a game-changer. With its fold-out display, it transforms into a mini-tablet, enhancing the streaming experience. Roon, Plexamp, and Apple Music all benefit from the extra screen real estate, making album art more engaging.
Trade-offs and Conclusion
After a month of testing, I couldn't declare a clear winner. The iPhone 17 Pro shines with seamless AirPod integration and bit-perfect USB audio, but it falls short with non-Apple headphones. The Samsung Z Fold 7, on the other hand, offers better Bluetooth codecs for non-Apple headphones and a stunning fold-out display. While Android's resampling is a minor annoyance, it's easily ignorable for most audiophiles.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your existing gear and preferences. If you're an AirPods user who occasionally uses wired headphones, the iPhone 17 Pro is a strong contender. For those with Bluetooth headphones from Sony, Bowers, Focal, T+A, Sennheiser, or Mark Levinson, and a love for album art, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a compelling option.
But for those seeking the best of both worlds, the only solution is to buy both, as I did, embracing the absurdity of it all. The smartphone industry's lack of attention to audiophiles is a persistent issue, and we may have to wait forever for a device that does everything right. Yet, we audiophiles remain a niche market, and they know we'll buy their smartphones anyway.
