Samsung Mocks Apple Over Stale iPhone Designs—But Are They Really Winning?

Samsung takes a shot at Apple by saying that they haven't come up with enough innovative designs for the new iPhones. And they did that with a bold nod to Apple's legendary "Think Different" ads, which, by the way, ended over two decades ago. 

But here's the kicker: Samsung might be kidding the Cupertino giant over nothing big-because their designs haven't exactly been innovative lately.

Apple's iPhone 16: New or Same Old?

iPhone 16, for others, might only have a handful of differences from its predecessors. This observation is not an isolated case and you're not alone in this thinking.

Many Apple fans have been doing this same thing. The thing is, changing its design for the sake of changing it does not necessarily make sense. In other words, if it is working, why fix it? A new look is always thrilling, but it has to serve a purpose beyond being a nice look.

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Samsung's Ad Takes a Nostalgic Jab

According to Apple Insider, Samsung seized on this apparent lack of distinction and ran with it for an ad campaign. The ad features a string of ordinary white phones moving down a conveyor belt, standing in for Apple's iPhones. 

Then the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 bursts in full color on screen, folding and unfolding dramatically. The word "different" appears on the screen in lowercase writing just like Apple's original "Think Different" campaign font.

If you remember the early "Think Different" ads from 1997 to 2002, you already know where Apple's current ads are heading into. This is why this is important. 

Then, the iPhone maker really used that campaign to differentiate themselves by producing innovative products like the iMac and iBook. But Samsung? Their basis for design superiority? A phone it introduced five years ago.

Is Samsung Obsessed with Apple?

This is not the first time Samsung has tried to drag Apple. While ridiculing the company for taking away the headphone jack-essentially before being the first to do it-there seems to be a collective attitude from Samsung that speaks to why it can't get over, especially when it sees that its rivals are doing better than it.

Apple, meanwhile, doesn't even mention Samsung in its ads. They don't have to.

In fact, Apple's first iPhone ad, the fabled 2007 "Hello" spot, showcased movie clips of people answering their phones. 

Fast forward to 2013, and Samsung rolled out an ad for its smartwatch that looked suspiciously familiar, clips of people talking to their watches in movies. Coincidence? We think not.

Is Samsung Right?

To be fair, though, Samsung is rather correct that the Apple designs haven't really differed much this year. But come on, let's call spade a spade: Samsung currently employs a folder design that they had introduced in 2019 and eventually sold a lot more units compared to Apple did on its attempts. 

If you are looking at functionality and user experience in relation to said design, then that's two hands down for Apple.

Back in May, the South Korean tech titan also mocked Apple over complaints about its iPhone alarm, according to an Inquirer report.

Samsung vs. Apple: Who's Winning the Design Battle?

For the final view, Samsung's ad may gain your attention but translates into so little. Apple will continue to thrive since it majors on timeless design and user experience. 

Samsung appears glued to focus on each move of Apple. It's as if they just can't help but look back at the number one competitor either because they never do.

One thing is for sure: this tech war between the two giants won't end quickly.

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