Apple iPhone X vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date November 3, 2017 August 27, 2021
Release Year 2017 2021

Physical

Volume 78.4 cm³ 129.7 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 2.8 "/g
Weight 174 g 271 g
Height 143.6 mm 158.2 mm
Width 70.9 mm 128.1 mm
Thickness 7.7 mm 6.4 mm
Foldable Design No Yes
Available Colors
  • Space Gray
  • Silver
  • Phantom Black
  • Phantom Silver
  • Phantom Green
  • Thom Browne Edition
  • Wooyoungmi Edition

Display

Screen Size 5.8 " 7.6 "
Resolution 1125 x 2436 1768 x 2208
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 16:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.1 % 89.7 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 374 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1200 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 80.74 mAh/in² 76.18 mAh/in²
Battery Density 34.64 mAh/cm³ 33.92 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2716 mAh 4400 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
CPU Hexa-core 2.39 GHz (2x Monsoon + 4x Mistral) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (three-core graphics) Adreno 660

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 3.2

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 11.1.1 11
Maximum OS Version 16.7.7 15

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-focused comparison of the Apple iPhone X and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, moving beyond the tech specs to explore how these devices enhance our daily lives.

A Tale of Two Phones: iPhone X vs. Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

1. Design and Usability Assessment

Here's a user-centered look at how each phone's design choices impact the experience:

CategoryFeatureApple iPhone XSamsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5GUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignForm FactorClassic, solid glass and metal designRevolutionary foldable designiPhone X: Familiar, comfortable in-hand feel. Z Fold3: Exciting, groundbreaking design but less familiar.
Display Size5.8-inch7.6-inch (unfolded)iPhone X: Compact, easy to hold. Z Fold3: Immersive experience, great for media and multitasking.
Screen SharpnessHigh PPI (458) - very sharpLower PPI (374) - sharp but not as sharpiPhone X: Text and images are incredibly crisp. Z Fold3: Screen is slightly less detailed but size is a major advantage.
Screen TechnologyOLED - vibrant colors and contrastiPhone X: Superior color accuracy and black levels. Z Fold3: Lacks specific comparison.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HziPhone X: Standard animations. Z Fold3: Smooth scrolling and improved responsiveness.
Interaction FlowNavigationiOS gestures and home button (in later models)Android with Samsung UI, optimized for foldable devicesiPhone X: Simple, intuitive, easy to navigate. Z Fold3: Tailored for multitasking, and use of multiple screens.
MultitaskingBasic iOS multitaskingAdvanced split-screen, multi-window functionalityiPhone X: Good for basic tasks. Z Fold3: Optimized for productivity and handling multiple tasks.
AccessibilityAdaptable InterfaceBasic iOS accessibility optionsRobust Android accessibility toolsiPhone X: Easy to learn, may need specific adaptation tools. Z Fold3: More customizable for individual needs.
Display CustomizationBasic iOS display adjustmentMultiple view modes, font size, color adjustmentiPhone X: Limited display options. Z Fold3: Greater flexibility for visual customization.
Design ErgonomicsWeight and Size174g, smaller in size271g, larger, foldableiPhone X: Lightweight and easy to handle for one-handed use. Z Fold3: Heavier, may require two hands for optimal use.
DurabilityBasic scratch resistanceCorning Gorilla Glass Victus and water resistanceiPhone X: Good protection, but no superior features mentioned. Z Fold3: Enhanced durability with specific screen protection.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

The "Pocket Cinema" Story (Galaxy Z Fold3):

Imagine you’re on your morning commute. With the Galaxy Z Fold3, you’re not just staring at a small screen. You unfold your device, and suddenly you have a mini-tablet in your hands. It's like carrying a personal cinema – great for watching the latest episode of your favorite show or catching up on your favorite book, all in a highly portable format.

The "Effortless Snapshot" Story (iPhone X):

Picture this: you're out exploring a new neighborhood, and you spot a beautiful mural. You quickly grab your iPhone X, effortlessly snap a photo with its dual-camera system, and instantly share the vibrant image with your friends. The simplicity and speed of capture make it perfect for spontaneous moments. The image will be sharp, clear and ready to share.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

  • For the Creative Professional:
    • iPhone X: Great for quick photo editing and sharing. Limited multitasking.
    • Galaxy Z Fold3: Excellent for managing multiple design documents, reviewing layouts, and editing on a larger display, perfect for multi-tasking.
  • For the Social Media Enthusiast:
    • iPhone X: Quick, simple sharing on social networks.
    • Galaxy Z Fold3: Ideal for consuming and creating content, with its large display being beneficial for video editing and watching.
  • For the Everyday User:
    • iPhone X: Lightweight, simple to use, and fits easily in a pocket.
    • Galaxy Z Fold3: Offers a large immersive screen, but may be too bulky for some users.
  • For the Tech Enthusiast:
    • iPhone X: Solid camera, a beautiful OLED screen, and a premium feel.
    • Galaxy Z Fold3: A foldable marvel with cutting-edge tech, multiple cameras, and more customization.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

User-Friendly Guidance:

  • Choose the iPhone X if:
    • You prefer a lightweight, easy-to-use device
    • You need a reliable camera for everyday moments
    • You value simplicity and a smooth iOS experience
  • Choose the Galaxy Z Fold3 if:
    • You want a groundbreaking, immersive experience
    • You enjoy a large display for work, entertainment, and multitasking
    • You are a power user who can benefit from the advanced features

Comparison Criteria

  • Portability: iPhone X is more portable due to size and weight.
  • Display Immersion: Galaxy Z Fold3 wins here due to the large foldable display.
  • Multitasking: Galaxy Z Fold3 has better multi-window options.
  • Camera: The Galaxy Z Fold3 has a more versatile camera system overall.
  • Battery: Galaxy Z Fold3 has a much bigger battery and fast charging.

My Choice: The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

Given the analysis, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. The key reason is the transformative experience it offers with its foldable design. While the iPhone X is a fantastic phone with a solid history, the Z Fold3 pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can be. The larger screen is a game-changer for content consumption and productivity, and the robust multitasking capabilities perfectly suit my needs. While it's heavier and bulkier, the trade-off is worth the immersive experience and versatility it offers. Plus, the advanced features and the latest technology make the Z Fold3 a more future-forward choice.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.