Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the Motorola Moto G24 Power. One’s a flashy, foldable marvel from 2021, and the other a budget-friendly workhorse from 2024. It’s a classic David vs. Goliath matchup, but with a twist – the "Goliath" is a bit older now.
Here's a breakdown to help you make sense of it all:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Motorola Moto G24 Power | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Flip3 is uniquely portable when folded; the G24 is a traditional slab design. |
| Dimensions | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm (unfolded) | 163.5 x 74.5 x 9 mm | Flip3 is thinner; G24 is wider and thicker, potentially more bulky. |
| Weight | 183g | 197g | Flip3 is lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.56" | Flip3 offers a slightly larger screen for media consumption, browsing and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080x2640 | 720x1612 | Flip3 has a much sharper, detailed display; G24 screen may look less refined. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 426 | 269 | Flip3's higher PPI translates to significantly crisper text and images. |
| Technology | Dynamic AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Flip3 will have better contrast, colours, and viewing angles; the G24 has a decent IPS display. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Flip3 screen is smoother for scrolling and animations; G24's will be noticeable less fluid. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 500 nits | Flip3 is much more readable outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Helio G85 (12nm) | Flip3's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster apps, gaming and overall smoothness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 266,894 | Flip3 offers a vastly superior performance level. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Flip3 offers superior gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12.2MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | G24 has a higher resolution sensor, but Flip3 has bigger pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Flip3 has higher resolution; G24 has wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP | 2MP, f/2.4 | Flip3 has a much higher resolution ultra-wide lens. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | G24 features a macro lens, which is missing on the Flip3. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps HDR | 1080p@30fps | Flip3 offers superior video recording quality and a broader range of options. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile:111 (Photo:118, Video:110) | N/A | Flip3 offers good camera performance (DXOMark test). G24 has no test from DXOMark |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3300mAh | 6000mAh | G24 has a much larger battery, likely offering significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast | 33W fast | G24 charges much faster. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | N/A | Flip3 can wirelessly charge other devices, though its battery is much smaller. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | G24 ships with a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MiMO, Direct | WiFi 5, Direct | Flip3 supports a more advanced Wi-Fi standard for potentially faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | Flip3 supports a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | L1+L5 Dual Band | Standard | Flip3 supports dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Flip3 allows for an eSIM in addition to a physical SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | N/A | Flip3 offers more storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | N/A | Flip3 offers more RAM for better multi-tasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | G24 offers enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both have fingerprint sensors on the side for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Flip3 has a superior level of screen protection, while G24's is unspecified. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
Strengths:
- Foldable Design: Its unique form factor offers exceptional portability and a conversation-starter design.
- High-Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides top-tier performance for demanding apps and games.
- Superior Display: The 120Hz AMOLED display is incredibly sharp, bright, and fluid.
- Advanced Features: Includes features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and dual-band GPS.
- Good Camera: Versatile camera with high-quality video capabilities.
Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Battery Life: The small 3300mAh battery may not last a full day for heavy users.
- Older Phone: It's a 2021 model, so some of its hardware isn’t the cutting edge anymore.
- Price: When new it was expensive. Even second hand, it can be costly due to its unique features and design.
Motorola Moto G24 Power
Strengths:
- Massive Battery: The 6000mAh battery offers incredible battery life.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging gets you back up and running quickly.
- Budget-Friendly: Offers decent functionality at a lower price point.
- Macro Camera: Has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, offering the latest software features.
Trade-offs/Limitations:
- Lower Performance: The Helio G85 chipset is significantly less powerful.
- Basic Display: The 720p LCD is not as sharp or vibrant as the Flip3’s AMOLED.
- Camera: It has a higher resolution main sensor, but overall camera performance isn't as strong as the Flip3.
- Missing Features: Lacks wireless charging and other high-end features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
Best for:
- Tech enthusiasts who want a unique and cutting-edge phone.
- Users who value portability and design above all else.
- Gamers and multimedia consumers who need a high-performance display.
- Those who don't mind a little bit of a splurge for good build quality.
Specific use cases:
- Vlogging and content creation, thanks to the flexible form factor and excellent video quality.
- Quickly checking notifications and responding to texts, without unfolding the entire phone.
- Enjoying high-fidelity media on the vibrant display.
Motorola Moto G24 Power
Best for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone with long battery life.
- Users who prioritize basic functionality over advanced features.
- Users who need a good secondary phone.
- Those who want an uncomplicated Android experience.
Specific use cases:
- Everyday tasks, like checking social media, web browsing, and texting.
- Traveling and commuting, where battery life is crucial.
- As a dedicated media player for longer journeys.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
How important is performance?
- If you need the smoothest and fastest experience, the Flip3 is the clear choice.
- If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, the G24 should suffice.
Do you value battery life over all else?
- If you need your phone to last through multiple days of use, the G24 is the better option.
- If you're willing to charge your phone more often for other benefits, consider the Flip3.
What’s your budget?
- If you’re price-conscious, the G24’s value is hard to ignore.
- If you’re open to spending more for a premium experience, the Flip3 is worth considering.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the mobile gamer: Flip3 for its graphics capabilities and higher refresh rate display.
- For the content creator: Flip3 for its video capabilities and unique form factor.
- For the casual user on a budget: G24 Power for its long battery life and basic functionality.
- For a user who wants a phone that turns heads: Flip3 for its innovative foldable design.
- For someone who needs a secondary phone with long battery: G24 Power.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, despite its age. As a tech journalist and analyst, I appreciate innovation and the Z Flip3 offers a unique, high-performance experience that the G24 simply can't match. The foldable form factor, even if not the most practical for everyday use, excites my inner engineer.
While the Motorola G24 Power is a competent and practical budget phone, it does not offer the same level of performance, display quality, or overall user experience as the Flip3. While I would love the G24's better battery, the Snapdragon 888's sheer processing power, the vibrant 120Hz display, and the enhanced camera capabilities makes the Flip3 the winner for me. The difference in experience would be noticeable every single day.
