Alright, let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. This is a fascinating matchup between a stylish foldable and a powerhouse standard smartphone. Let’s break it down and see which one comes out on top for different kinds of users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications, focusing on what they mean for real-world use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Z Flip3 is a conversation starter and pocket-friendly when folded; the Zenfone 11 Ultra is a traditional, larger phone. |
| Dimensions | 166 × 72.2 × 6.9 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Z Flip3 is taller and thinner; Zenfone 11 Ultra is wider and thicker. Flip3 is more compact, Zenfone 11 Ultra is more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 183g | 224g | Z Flip3 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. The Zenfone 11 Ultra will feel more substantial and may be fatiguing over time. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Virtually identical screen sizes. Both offer an immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2640 | 1080x2400 | Z Flip3 has slightly higher pixel density, potentially offering a sharper image, but the difference is negligible. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 426 | 388 | Z Flip3 has slightly crisper text and images, though you likely won't notice the difference unless you look very closely. |
| Technology | - | AMOLED | Zenfone 11 Ultra's AMOLED display offers superior contrast, richer colors, and deeper blacks, leading to a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a slightly smoother screen, which can be beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content, but both provide excellent refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone 11 Ultra has much better outdoor visibility, making it easier to use in direct sunlight. The Z Flip3 can struggle in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a significantly more powerful chipset for faster performance, better multitasking, and more demanding applications, as well as greater efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 11 Ultra delivers significantly higher performance, making it more future-proof and responsive for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a more advanced GPU, resulting in smoother graphics, better frame rates, and higher visual fidelity in games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3300 mAh | 5500 mAh | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a much larger battery, offering significantly longer battery life for users. The Z Flip3 may require daily charging with moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Zenfone 11 Ultra charges much faster, so you spend less time tethered to a wall. The Flip3’s charging speed is noticeably slower. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging | 15W Wireless, 10W Reverse | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers wireless charging. Both offer reverse charging, but the Zenfone 11 Ultra is wired and at 10W while the Z Flip3 is not specified with the same parameters. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" | Zenfone 11 Ultra captures more detail with a higher-resolution sensor, while the Flip3 has a wider aperture. In practice, the Zenfone 11 Ultra will capture better detail with better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" | Zenfone 11 Ultra takes higher-resolution selfies. Both have a similarly sized sensor, so the difference will be mostly in detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4 | The Zenfone 11 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto camera for better optical zoom. The Flip3 relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, 1/3.06" | 13MP, f/2.2 | Both have comparable wide-angle lens cameras, capturing a wider field of view. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Zenfone 11 Ultra is capable of capturing higher resolution, future-proof videos, with much more stabilization features. |
| DXOMark Scores | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 110 | Main: 125, Photo: 131, Video: 115 | Zenfone 11 Ultra performs better in almost all metrics compared to the Z Flip3. This is especially evident in photo quality, with a 13 point difference. |
| Features | Dual camera, Tracking AF | Triple camera, Gimbal | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers additional features for more advanced photo and video capabilities. The Z Flip3 offers features that can help a specific type of user with object-focused pictures. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 14 (up to 16) | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a much more recent version of Android, leading to a cleaner interface, enhanced features, and up-to-date security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has the newest Wi-Fi standard, allowing for faster speeds, better reliability, and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version, providing more robust, efficient, and secure connections for wireless devices. |
| GPS | Basic GPS | Advanced GPS | The Zenfone 11 Ultra supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy, especially in challenging urban areas or natural environments. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | The Z Flip3 supports eSIM for added flexibility with carriers. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra has more storage space for users who need lots of storage for media and apps. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 12/16 GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers more RAM for smooth multitasking and handling resource-intensive games or apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res, Noise Cancel. | Zenfone 11 Ultra provides a high-resolution audio experience, along with noise-canceling microphones, offering better audio playback and clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Samsung's Side-Mounted Fingerprint sensor is generally preferred for accessibility |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both have strong screen protection, but Victus 2 offers slightly better scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Geomagnetic | Basic sensors | Z Flip3 has an additional sensor suite for environmental tracking and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Strengths: The Z Flip3’s key selling point is its unique foldable design, offering a compact form factor when folded and a full-screen experience unfolded. It's stylish, pocketable, and a great conversation piece.
- Advantages: It's lighter, has a slightly sharper screen, a solid camera system and supports eSIM technology for dual SIM capabilities.
- Trade-offs: The battery life is underwhelming, the charging is slow, and the performance is a generation behind. It can also struggle with bright sunlight due to its weaker display brightness.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Strengths: The Zenfone 11 Ultra is a performance beast, packing a cutting-edge processor, ample RAM, and a large battery. It boasts a superior display with high refresh rate and impressive brightness.
- Advantages: The 65W charging is remarkably fast and the cameras capture sharp images with its impressive setup. The audio quality is also significantly better, particularly with Hi-Res audio.
- Trade-offs: It is a heavier, less portable device, and lacks the innovative foldable design of the Z Flip3. The design is fairly standard compared to more innovative models.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Best for: Fashion-conscious users who prioritize style, portability, and a unique design over raw performance.
- Use Cases: Social media users, those who travel frequently (due to pocketable size), and those who enjoy taking quick photos with a stylish device.
- Price-to-Value: The price of the Flip3 is likely to be lower now, but it comes with significant compromises in performance and battery life.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Best for: Power users, gamers, photographers, and anyone who prioritizes performance, battery life, and an outstanding multimedia experience.
- Use Cases: Gaming, content creation, heavy multitasking, watching videos, and taking high-quality photos and videos.
- Price-to-Value: It is a top-tier device with a price that reflects its high-end specs. However, it offers excellent value to those who will utilize its performance and features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose between these two distinct devices, ask yourself these questions:
- How important is portability and design uniqueness?
- If a compact, foldable design is your priority, the Z Flip3 is a solid choice.
- If a more standard, larger phone is acceptable for the sake of performance, choose the Zenfone 11 Ultra.
- What do you prioritize more: Raw power or design innovation?
- If maximum performance, battery life and excellent media capabilities are a must, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear winner.
- If the need for power is low and style is more important, the Z Flip3 might be right for you.
- How much do you value battery life and camera performance?
- If you need all-day battery and a great all-around camera system, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear choice.
- If you can accept a shorter battery life and a solid, but not top-tier, camera system, the Z Flip3 is a fine option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Trendsetter: If you value style and want a phone that turns heads, and you're fine with average battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is a good match.
- The Power User: If you need the best performance, battery, and all-around multimedia experience, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the superior choice.
- The Multimedia Consumer: If you watch a lot of videos, play games and capture content, the Zenfone 11 Ultra's brighter display, audio quality, and video capabilities will serve you best.
- The Budget-Conscious: While neither phone is a budget option, consider the pricing trends, as older models like the Z Flip3 will have lower prices.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra.
While the Z Flip3’s folding form factor is incredibly appealing, the Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a much more comprehensive and future-proof package. The sheer performance boost with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, coupled with the significantly better battery life, makes a massive difference in daily use. The higher-quality display, 65W charging, and advanced camera system are also major advantages for my needs.
As someone who values performance, content creation, and multimedia experiences, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear winner. The trade-off in portability doesn't outweigh the substantial improvements in raw power, making it a more reliable and powerful daily driver for me.
