Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison and see how the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the Honor 90 stack up against each other. I'll break it down with my usual blend of technical insight and real-world practicality.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, with a focus on how they impact daily usage:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Flip3: Unique, pocketable design, a conversation starter. Honor 90: More traditional, may feel more durable for some. |
| Dimensions | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm | 161.9 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm | Flip3: Taller, but thinner when unfolded. Honor 90: Wider and thicker, might feel bulkier in hand but a more usable experience. |
| Weight | 183g | 183g | Both phones are virtually identical in weight. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have identical screen sizes |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2640 | 1200 x 2664 | Honor 90: Slightly sharper display, which will make text and images look a bit crisper. |
| PPI | 426 | 435 | Very similar pixel densities, both are sharp and clear. |
| Technology | (Unspecified) | AMOLED | Honor 90: Superior image quality (better blacks, contrast, color vibrancy, and better battery efficiency in dark mode) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90: Significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Flip3: Older flagship chipset, still offers snappy performance. Honor 90: Newer mid-range chipset, optimized for efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 898,700 | 701,227 | Flip3: Faster overall performance, quicker app loads. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 644 | Flip3: Slightly better graphics for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12.2MP (f/1.8) | 200MP (f/1.9) | Honor 90: Far more detailed images in good light. Flip3, better low light. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.4" | Honor 90: Captures more light overall resulting in better detail |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.4) | 50MP (f/2.4) | Honor 90: Higher resolution selfies, more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (1/3.06") | None | Flip3: Wider angle photos for group shots. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Honor 90: Depth for better blurred background effects in portrait photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 12MP (f/2.2) | Honor 90: Great for both wide shots and closeup details. |
| Video | 4K @ 30/60fps (HDR) | 4K @ 30fps | Both record excellent video, Honor uses EIS instead of OIS which might provide less stable videos |
| DXOMark Score | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 110 | Main: 122, Photo: 128, Video: 126 | Honor 90: Superior image quality and video performance compared to the Flip3 |
| Camera Features | OIS, Tracking AF, Panorama | Triple Camera, Digital Stabilization, RAW, Front Flash, Night Mode | Flip3: Optical Image stabilization. Honor 90: More versatile and advanced features. |
Battery Life
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Capacity | 3300mAh | 5000mAh | Honor 90: Significantly longer battery life, likely lasting a full day, the Flip3 could struggle to get through a full day. |
| Charging | 15W Fast | 66W Fast | Honor 90: Much faster charging, reducing downtime by a lot. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Flip3: Can charge other devices wirelessly. |
Other Key Specs
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | Honor 90: More up-to-date software, potentially longer support. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Honor 90: Newer Bluetooth, potentially more stable connections, less energy use. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Flip3: More accurate positioning due to more satellite bands. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Flip3: Flexible SIM options with eSIM. |
| Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB | 256 GB / 512 GB | Honor 90: More storage options for users needing space for photos, videos, etc. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB / 16 GB | Honor 90: Potentially better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offer microSD support. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Noise Cancellation Mic | Flip3: Immersive sound. Honor 90: Clear calls. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Flip3: Potentially faster and easier to reach fingerprint reader. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Flip3: More scratch and drop resistance |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Proximity, RGB | Flip3: More environmental sensors |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Strengths:
- Unique Foldable Design: It’s a statement piece, incredibly pocketable when folded, and still delivers a full-screen experience when opened.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 888 still holds its own, providing snappy performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Sensors: Comprehensive sensor suite for advanced features and gaming.
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection
- Weaknesses:
- Battery Life: The 3300mAh battery is a significant drawback, often requiring a mid-day top-up.
- Camera: While capable, its cameras lag behind the Honor 90 in resolution, sensor size, and versatility.
- Charging: 15W charging is slow by today's standards.
Honor 90
- Strengths:
- Camera: The 200MP main sensor and versatile lens setup deliver fantastic image quality and a range of shooting options.
- Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery offers excellent endurance, easily lasting a full day, with fast 66W charging.
- Display: A vibrant AMOLED panel that gets very bright with higher resolution.
- More Storage and RAM: Larger capacity and more RAM configuration will appeal to content creators or those who want a smoother experience
- Weaknesses:
- Performance: Its mid-range chipset, while efficient, isn’t as powerful as the Z Flip 3.
- Design: Traditional form factor, lacks the unique appeal of the Flip3.
- Display Protection The lack of information on display protection can be concerning
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Ideal User: Fashion-conscious users who prioritize portability and style, tech enthusiasts who value innovative designs, and users who don't mind the compromises in battery and camera for a truly unique experience.
- Use Cases: Social media, casual gaming, and as a stylish accessory.
- Honor 90:
- Ideal User: Photography enthusiasts, users who value long battery life and fast charging, those who need a reliable all-rounder for daily tasks, and users who prefer a more traditional design but want a modern experience.
- Use Cases: Photography, content creation, travel, and as a daily driver.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize style and portability over everything else?
- If yes, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is the clear winner with its unique foldable design.
- Do you need long battery life and great camera performance above all else?
- If yes, the Honor 90 is the better option. Its larger battery and better cameras are more important if your usage heavily leans towards content creation or photography.
- Are you willing to pay more for a unique design and are okay with some compromises on battery life and cameras?
- If yes, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G offers you an innovative design despite its shortcomings.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Trendsetter: Chooses the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G for its conversation-starting design and pocketability, even though it means charging during the day.
- The Photographer: Opts for the Honor 90 due to the significantly better cameras, along with its battery life and fast charging.
- The Power User: Will pick the Honor 90 due to its more modern hardware and larger RAM/Storage capacity
- The Pragmatist: Selects the Honor 90 for its well-rounded feature set, longer battery life, better screen, and more consistent performance.
Final Verdict
If I were choosing between the two, I would personally lean towards the Honor 90. While the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is undeniably cool and innovative, the Honor 90 makes more sense for a daily driver. The significantly better battery life, impressive camera system, and faster charging are more important to me, as is the up-to-date software. Plus, the enhanced screen, larger storage and ram options makes it a clear choice. While the foldable form factor is interesting, the practical drawbacks in battery life and camera quality are too significant for me to overlook. I appreciate the advancements that came with the Z Flip3, but the Honor 90 is simply a better phone for day to day life.
