1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Fold4 offers a unique foldable design with a larger screen that folds down for pocketability, while the GT 5G is a traditional candy bar design. |
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 73.3 × 8.4 mm | 155.1 × 130.1 × 6.3 mm | The GT 5G is taller and thicker, while the Z Fold4 is much wider when unfolded and thinner. The Z Fold4 has a much larger surface area when unfolded. |
| Weight | 186g | 263g | The GT 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use. The Z Fold4's weight may be more fatiguing. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | The Z Fold4 has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. The GT 5G's screen protection is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" | 7.6" | The Z Fold4 has a significantly larger display, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1812x2176 | The Z Fold4 has a higher resolution, resulting in sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 409 PPI | 373 PPI | The GT 5G has slightly higher pixel density, which may result in a very slightly sharper display to the eye, but with marginal impact compared to resolution differences. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | The GT 5G's AMOLED display offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colours than an unknown technology on the Fold 4. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth, fluid experience for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. This specification is inaccurate and further research is required. |
Performance
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Z Fold4's newer chipset offers superior processing power and efficiency, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 912,342 | 1,232,800 | The Z Fold4 demonstrates significantly higher benchmark performance, indicating better overall speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | The Z Fold4's newer GPU provides better graphics processing power, resulting in improved gaming and graphical application performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", Samsung GN3 | The GT 5G has a higher resolution sensor, but the Z Fold4 has a slightly larger sensor, capturing more light and potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.5 | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374 | The GT 5G has higher resolution selfie camera but the Z Fold4 has wider aperture which can result in better performance in low light. The Z Fold4 also has a larger pixel size which is more beneficial in low light situations. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", Samsung S5K3K1 | The Z Fold4 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, which the GT 5G lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.3 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", Sony IMX258 | The Z Fold4 has a higher resolution and wider aperture ultrawide lens, capturing more detail and light in wide shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The GT 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, a feature missing on the Z Fold4. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps with EIS; Slow-motion 480fps | 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS; Slow-motion 240fps | The Z Fold4 offers higher resolution video recording (8K) and HDR capabilities, making it superior for professional video capture. The Realme GT 5G however boasts a higher slow motion framerate. |
| DXOMark | Not Available | Mobile Score: 124, Photo: 131, Video: 122 | The Z Fold 4 has been tested by DXOMark, highlighting its camera performance for photo and video, with an overall score of 124. The GT 5G has not been tested by DXOMark. |
| Camera Features | Ultra Stable Video, Continuous Autofocus | Optical Zoom, OIS, Laser AF, Dual Front Camera, Under Display Camera, Exposure Compensation | The Z Fold4 has a wider variety of camera features, including optical zoom and stabilization, whereas the GT 5G has more focus features. |
Battery
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4400mAh | Both have comparable battery capacities, suggesting similar battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, Lithium | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | The GT 5G charges significantly faster due to its 65W charging, which is a key advantage over the Z Fold4's 25W. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging 15W, Reverse Wireless Charging 9W, Non-removable | The Z Fold4 offers more advanced battery features such as wireless and reverse wireless charging and bypass charging for sustained gaming, adding practical value and flexibility. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme GT 5G Advantages
- Lighter and More Comfortable: The GT 5G's lighter weight makes it more comfortable for prolonged use, especially one-handed.
- Faster Charging: The 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, a key advantage for users who need to quickly power up their phones.
- Hi-Res Audio and Superior Audio Recording: With Hi-Res audio and 2 microphones, audio capture and output will be noticeably better
- Dedicated Macro Lens: The inclusion of a macro lens provides an additional creative tool for photography.
- Lower Price: This phone is more affordable
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Advantages
- Unique Foldable Design: The foldable design offers a unique user experience with a large screen for immersive media consumption and multitasking.
- Larger, Higher-Resolution Display: The larger display is more beneficial for productivity, gaming, and media consumption. The higher resolution increases sharpness and clarity.
- Superior Performance: The more recent chipset (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1) and GPU (Adreno 730) result in noticeably smoother and faster performance.
- Advanced Camera Features: Optical zoom, OIS, and a wider array of features make the Z Fold4 a more versatile camera phone.
- Wireless Charging and Battery Features: Wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities provide more convenient options.
- More Storage Options: The Z Fold4 offers more internal storage choices, with up to 1TB available.
- More Advanced Build: Offers superior screen protection.
- More Advanced Connectivity: WiFi 6 with MiMO support.
- More Advanced Bluetooth: More profiles supported in Bluetooth offer more versatility for connecting with other devices
Trade-offs
Realme GT 5G:
- Lacks telephoto and advanced camera features like OIS
- Slower processor than the Z Fold4
- Standard design, not foldable
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Heavier and less comfortable for one-handed use
- Slower wired charging
- Significantly more expensive
- Lacks a dedicated Macro camera
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme GT 5G Ideal User
- Price-Conscious Users: Those seeking high performance on a budget without the need for premium features like folding display and wireless charging.
- Gamers: While the processor is not as advanced as the Z Fold4's, it is still quite powerful and the 120Hz display provides a smooth experience for those who do not need top-of-the-line performance, especially at a cheaper price.
- Users Prioritizing Fast Charging: For users who need to charge quickly and often.
- Users who use one handed devices: Due to the lighter weight and thinner profile.
- Users needing high quality audio output/input: With Hi-Res audio and 2 microphones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Ideal User
- Productivity-Focused Professionals: Individuals who need a large display for multitasking, document editing, and presentations.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest technology and are willing to pay a premium for the foldable form factor and cutting-edge features.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy watching movies, playing games, and reading on a larger, more immersive display.
- Mobile Photographers/Videographers: Those who prioritize advanced camera features, optical zoom, and high-resolution video recording.
- Users who want more convenient ways to charge their phone: Wireless and reverse wireless charging options.
Use Cases
Realme GT 5G:
- Mobile gaming on a budget
- Everyday usage with long battery life and fast charging
- Taking quick macro photos on the go
- Listening to music/recording audio in high quality.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Multitasking across multiple apps for work
- Watching movies and videos on a large, foldable display
- Taking high-quality photos and videos, including zoomed shots and low-light photography
- Using the device as a pocketable workstation
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Realme GT 5G: Offers great performance at a lower price point.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: Higher price, reflects cutting-edge technology and premium features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions
- What is your budget? The Realme GT 5G is considerably more affordable than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.
- How important is screen size and portability to you? If a larger screen and a foldable design are a priority, the Z Fold4 is the clear choice. If portability and ease of handling are key, the GT 5G is superior.
- Which features do you prioritise the most? Do you need advanced camera features, cutting-edge technology, and wireless charging, or are you looking for great performance with fast charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: Budget-conscious, mobile gamer
- Recommendation: Realme GT 5G. It provides good performance at a significantly lower price point, with fast charging.
Scenario 2: Professional seeking a productivity device with advanced features
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. The larger screen, multitasking capabilities, advanced camera, and wireless charging are better suited for professional use.
Scenario 3: Casual user who consumes media and uses social media frequently
- Recommendation: This will depend on personal preference, as either would be suitable. The Realme GT 5G is more affordable and comfortable to hold for long periods, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 provides a much more immersive viewing experience.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, despite its higher price. My primary use cases include professional productivity tasks such as document creation and editing, and data analysis while travelling. The larger screen and superior multitasking capabilities of the Z Fold4, coupled with its more advanced camera and features, outweigh its higher price and heavier design for my specific needs. The advanced video recording capabilities would also be a big plus, and the lack of a dedicated macro lens would be a minimal compromise. While I appreciate the GT 5G's fast charging, lighter design, and hi-res audio, the Z Fold4's advantages align better with my use-case.
