Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. We've got a foldable marvel against a more traditional powerhouse, and the differences are significant. I'm going to break this down to give you a clear, real-world picture of what each phone offers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Z Flip3 offers unique portability and a nostalgic design; Edge 30 Pro is a more typical, larger phone. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 (unfolded) | 163.1 x 76 x 8.8 | Z Flip3 is taller when unfolded, Edge 30 Pro is wider and thicker, making it feel larger in hand. |
| Weight (g) | 183 | 196 | Z Flip3 is noticeably lighter, which can make a difference for extended one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.7 | 6.7 | Both have large displays, great for media and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2640 | 1080 x 2400 | Z Flip3 has a slightly sharper display, though the difference is minimal to the naked eye. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 426 | 393 | Z Flip3's higher pixel density should result in sharper, slightly more detailed visuals, especially up close. |
| Technology | OLED | Edge 30 Pro boasts OLED tech, known for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. | |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 120 | 144 | Edge 30 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations; it's a minor difference that some users may find more fluid. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 0 (reported) | Z Flip3 offers excellent outdoor visibility. Edge 30 Pro data not accurate; will need more reliable data to compare properly. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Edge 30 Pro's newer chip offers superior performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 1,061,400 | Edge 30 Pro benchmarks 18% higher, translating to snappier and smoother overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Edge 30 Pro's updated GPU provides better graphics for gaming and GPU-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | Edge 30 Pro has much higher resolution and larger sensor, suggesting potentially better image quality, especially in low light |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.61µm | Edge 30 Pro features a much higher resolution, larger sensor, and slightly wider aperture for brighter selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | None | Z Flip3 has a dedicated ultra-wide lens, useful for group shots and scenic photos. |
| Portrait (depth) | None | 2MP | Edge 30 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, allowing for smoother background blur. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Edge 30 Pro has a wide angle lens with macro capabilities allowing for versatile photography. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps | Edge 30 Pro can record in 8K for higher quality video output, offering more creative control and better quality. |
| DxOMark Main Score | 111 | 101 | Z Flip 3 performs better in both photo and video testing |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 3300 | 4800 | Edge 30 Pro has a significantly larger battery, likely translating to longer battery life for daily use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Edge 30 Pro charges much faster, getting you back up and running much quicker. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | Edge 30 Pro supports wireless charging giving another option for charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Edge 30 Pro ships with a newer version of Android out of the box but the Z Flip3 has one extra version upgrade. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Z Flip3 offers MiMO support for better connection stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, ANT+, APT-x | 5.2, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Edge 30 Pro features a newer version of Bluetooth and more audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Z Flip3 supports more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Z Flip3 offers eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Edge 30 Pro offers a 512GB option for users with high storage demands. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | Edge 30 Pro offers 12GB of RAM for superior multitasking. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Edge 30 Pro has advanced audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both devices offer a side mounted fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Z Flip3 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Z Flip 3 has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G: This phone is all about the unique foldable form factor. Its strengths are portability, a striking design, and decent performance for daily tasks. It is significantly lighter, but that comes at a trade-off: a smaller battery. It also offers a higher DxOMark score for overall camera quality.
- Motorola Edge 30 Pro: A conventional design, the Edge 30 Pro shines in performance with its newer chip and higher benchmark score, a larger battery, faster charging, and a high resolution main camera sensor. It's built for power users who need to multitask and want to game. It has a wider variety of features and is more versatile. The Edge 30 Pro has more base storage options.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G: Ideal for users who want a pocketable phone with a unique aesthetic, and aren't the heaviest users. It’s a great choice for people who value style and a smaller form factor when closed.
- Motorola Edge 30 Pro: This phone is tailored for performance enthusiasts, mobile gamers, and those who need all-day battery life. It is well-suited for media consumption, with its superior display and audio capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself to help you decide:
- Do I prioritize portability and unique design or performance and versatility? If you love the novelty of a folding phone, the Z Flip3 is the clear winner. If you want raw power and more comprehensive features, choose the Edge 30 Pro.
- How important is battery life to me? If you need a phone that can easily last a full day with heavy use, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro has a significantly larger battery capacity.
- How do I plan on using the camera? If video capture or high quality selfies is crucial for you, the Edge 30 Pro's main sensor will provide better results. If you need better overall quality, the Z Flip 3 has a higher overall rating. If you need more versatility in lenses the Edge 30 Pro offers more lens options.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- The Fashion-Forward Social Media User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G for its unique design and compact form, perfect for capturing content on the go.
- The Mobile Gamer and Heavy Tasker: Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. It provides the power and battery needed for long gaming sessions and demanding tasks.
- The User Needing All-Day Battery: Choose the Motorola Edge 30 Pro for its massive battery and rapid charging.
- The User Looking for the Best Camera: Based on the DxO mark results, choose the Z Flip3, which has a 10 point higher overall rating, with a higher rating for both photos and videos.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. While the Z Flip3's design is intriguing, the practicalities of needing good battery life, faster charging, and a more powerful processor for everyday use outweigh the novelty for me. The superior camera sensor on the Edge 30 Pro and better options for storage, paired with the excellent screen and versatile audio, make it the more capable choice for my needs. Although, given the DxO mark results, I would keep in mind the need to perform some more testing to confirm the best camera option.
Ultimately, the "best" phone depends heavily on what you value most. I hope this detailed breakdown helps you make the right call for your needs!
