Alright, let's dive into this comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the Honor X8b. These two phones are aiming for very different corners of the market, and the specs tell a compelling story. I'll break it down for you like I would for a friend, keeping the technical details grounded in real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table to get us started:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Honor X8b | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Flip3 offers a unique, compact form when folded, the X8b is a traditional slab. This choice depends entirely on your preference for portability vs. standard size. |
| Dimensions | 166 × 72.2 × 6.9 mm | 161.1 × 74.6 × 6.8 mm | Flip3 is slightly taller, X8b is a bit wider but both are nearly the same thickness and will feel quite sleek in hand. |
| Weight | 183g | 166g | X8b is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long usage periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Both have the same size screen, offering ample viewing area for media and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2640 | 1080x2412 | Flip3 has slightly sharper details with a higher resolution, but in everyday use, both will look crisp enough. |
| Pixel Density | 426 PPI | 394 PPI | Flip3 has a slightly sharper display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | X8b's AMOLED panel has deeper blacks, more vibrant colours and more efficient power usage for dark mode users. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Flip3 has smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable in games and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nits | X8b screen is significantly brighter, making it far more readable under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 680 4G | Flip3 has a much more powerful chip, leading to faster apps loading, smoother multitasking and much better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 250,000 | Flip3 scores much higher meaning the phone will perform demanding tasks much faster. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 610 | Flip3’s GPU will handle graphically intensive apps better than the X8b. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 12.2MP | 108MP | X8b has a significantly higher resolution sensor. However, a higher megapixel count doesn't always translate to better image quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.75 | Both have similar apertures for low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 10MP | 50MP | X8b's selfie camera should theoretically capture more detail. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.1 | X8b has a wider aperture for low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Res. | 13MP | 5MP | Flip3’s ultrawide is much higher resolution, but X8b also includes a Macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 1080p 30fps | Flip3 has far superior video recording capabilities with 4K support and HDR. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Tracking AF, 4K Video | Front Flash, Triple Camera | Flip3 has OIS for stable shots and 4K recording, while X8b has a selfie flash and a third lens for macro shots. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3300mAh | 4500mAh | X8b has a significantly larger battery that should provide much longer use. |
| Charging | 15W | 35W | X8b charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Flip3 can wirelessly charge other devices, which is a handy addition. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 14 | Android 13 | X8b has a newer OS out of the box, but Flip3 gets upgrades to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFi 5 | Flip3 supports the latest WiFi technology, offering faster wireless speeds and a better connection. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Flip3 has a slightly newer Bluetooth version with some additional codecs and features. |
| GPS | L1+L5, Beidou, Galileo | L1+L5 | Flip3 offers more GPS options for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano + eSIM | Dual Nano | Flip3 allows for an eSIM, offering flexibility with mobile plans, while the X8b uses physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB or 512GB | X8b offers a 512GB option for users who need more storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | Both have 8 GB RAM, which is sufficient for most users. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports a MicroSD card for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Flip3 has better sound separation for music and video consumption thanks to stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Sensor | Side fingerprint | Side fingerprint | Both come with a side-mounted fingerprint reader for quick and secure access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Flip3 has a much more durable screen with Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Gyroscope, etc. | Ultrasonic Proximity | Flip3 includes additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G Strengths:
- Unique Foldable Design: The standout feature is its foldable form, providing a compact footprint when closed and a full-sized screen when open.
- Flagship Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 888, it offers top-tier performance, making it suitable for heavy multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Superior Display Quality: The 120Hz display with HDR and a higher resolution offers a smoother and more vibrant viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers 4K video recording with HDR, and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for better photos and videos.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers offer an enhanced audio experience.
- Connectivity: Supports WiFi 6 and has a newer Bluetooth version.
- Durability: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the screen for higher protection.
Honor X8b Strengths:
- Significantly Longer Battery Life: The 4500 mAh battery, combined with its less power-hungry chipset, should provide much better battery life.
- Faster Charging: 35W fast charging is much quicker than the Flip3's 15W charging.
- Brighter Display: The screen is substantially brighter, making it better for outdoor use.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: Both front and rear cameras have significantly more megapixels.
- 512GB Storage Option: Offers a 512GB storage option for users who require a lot of space for photos, videos, and files.
- Lower Weight: Lighter for comfortable single-hand use.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance: The Honor X8b's chipset is significantly less powerful than the Flip3's. This will show in everyday use where loading apps, multitasking and gaming will be noticeably slower.
- Video Quality: The X8b is limited to 1080p video recording, while the Flip3 can record in 4K.
- Display Quality: While brighter, the X8b’s display doesn't have the same level of sharpness and smoothness as the Flip3.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is Best For:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest and greatest in mobile technology and don’t mind a unique design.
- High Performance Users: Gamers and multitaskers who need a fast and responsive phone.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who enjoy watching high-resolution videos, movies, and games.
- Users Who Value Camera Features: Those who often use the phone for photos and videos, particularly in lower light conditions, or recording 4K video.
Honor X8b is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable, feature-rich smartphone without a flagship price tag.
- Users Who Prioritize Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last through a full day of heavy use without needing to be charged.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a high-resolution camera and appreciate extra storage space.
- Users Who Prioritize Outdoor Screen Visibility: Perfect for use in bright sunlight, such as on the beach.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize cutting-edge performance and a unique design, or are you more concerned with battery life and value? If you want the best specs and a novelty form-factor, the Flip3 is the way to go. If you want to save money and prioritize battery life, go for the X8b.
- Will you be primarily using your phone for browsing, social media, and basic tasks, or will you be doing heavy gaming and video recording? The Flip3 will be better for the second group of users, while the X8b will be good enough for the first.
- Do you need a very bright display for outdoor use, or do you prefer a compact phone for easy handling? If you're often outside, the X8b's display is great, however if you're happy with a slightly dimmer screen and prefer a unique design, the Flip3 is the winner.
Conclusion
Both devices are strong in their own rights and aim for different audiences. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G offers a premium, flagship-level experience with a unique design and top-tier specs. It comes with the trade off of slightly smaller battery capacity and is more expensive than the Honor X8b. The Honor X8b is better for those who want a more budget-friendly phone with very good battery life and bright screen, at the expense of a lower performing chipset.
Which would I choose and why?
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. Despite the newer model of the Honor X8b, the Samsung's powerful performance is a bigger appeal to me. The unique design, combined with the flagship chip, is a more attractive package. I value the enhanced video recording features, and don't mind the smaller battery as I always carry a power bank. The inclusion of OIS is also a key factor in my choice for clear and stable pictures. While the Honor X8b has its strengths, for my daily use the Samsung is the clear winner.
