Is maokai or malphite better now?

I like Malphite more even though I've never played either but I'm pretty sure Maokai is the better teamfighter while also having a forgiveable laning phase with more utility than Malphite. Malphite is good for peel and engage however.

Malph is better at explosive teamfights where you just don't want the fight to prolong. Also he's good vs AD comps.

Maokai can peel better for his carries and can tank way longer. They both are good in their type of comps.

Malphite main here. He's incredibly flexible.

Starting cloth plus pots on top lane puts you in a position to either rush seeker's or go full armor as necessary.

Maokai is similar, but i get best results going AP bruiser in support. Start FQC, first point to E. Start profiting from that ranged harass ticking twice when you land the saplings.

better at what?

well, for teamfights, malphite because of his ult. for peel, maokai. for damage, I'm not sure, but you could check lolwiki and compare the two.

Maokai is almost definitely the preferred teammate for top Lane selection on almost every team comp.

For any individual player, the character you're better with is the better option. And metas change. If you're trying to pick someone up top Lane though, if you end up on my team I'll hope you chose maokai.