Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the Motorola Moto G85. We’ll break down the specs, discuss what they mean for real-world use, and then I’ll give you my take on which one might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specifications of each phone, along with what those specs mean for your everyday experience:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Motorola Moto G85 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Flip3 is compact when folded, the G85 is a typical smartphone. This affects portability and how you interact with the phone. |
| Dimensions | 166 × 72.2 × 6.9 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.6 mm | The Flip3 is taller but thinner; the G85 is more compact but a little thicker. |
| Weight | 183g | 171g | The G85 is slightly lighter, which can be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Very similar screen sizes. You'll hardly notice a difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2640 | 1080x2400 | The Flip3 has a bit more pixels, which might lead to very slightly sharper images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 426 | 395 | The Flip3 has a slightly sharper display. |
| Technology | - | P-OLED | The G85's P-OLED offers vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have fluid, responsive displays, especially good for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1600 nits | The G85 will have better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 | The Flip3 has a much more powerful flagship-tier chipset from its time, better suited for high-performance tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 475,000 | The Flip3 offers significantly better performance, with faster app loading and better gaming capability. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | The Flip3 has a more powerful GPU which means better graphics performance for gaming and other graphic intensive tasks |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3300mAh | 5000mAh | The G85 has a substantially larger battery, likely translating to much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The G85 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | The Flip3 has reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | The G85 has a higher resolution sensor, which can capture more detail. |
| Selfie Lens | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.4 | The G85 has a much higher resolution selfie camera, suitable for very detailed photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Flip3 has a higher resolution wide-angle lens. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, HDR, slow-motion | 1080p@60fps | The Flip3 has superior video recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score | Main: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 110 | Main: 88, Photo: 83, Video: 109 | The Flip3 has better overall camera performance, particularly in photo quality, despite lower MP counts. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Tracking AF | LAF, RAW, Image Stabilization | Each offers a different set of features, suited to different photography styles. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 14 | The G85 comes with a more recent version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Both support Wi-Fi 6 but the Flip3 has MiMO support |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE with Advanced Audio | 5.1 LE | The Flip3 supports more Bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | L1+L5, GLONASS L1, BeiDou B1, Galileo E1+E5a | QZSS | The Flip3 supports more GPS bands for greater accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Both support dual SIMs and eSIMs, enabling carrier flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same internal storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB/12GB | The G85 has an optional 12GB RAM variant, better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | The G85 has a slightly better audio experience. |
| Security | Side fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensors are generally more convenient. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | The Flip3 offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Basic Sensor suite | The Flip3 has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Strengths: The Flip3's main strength is its unique foldable design, offering a compact footprint when folded and a full-sized display when open. It also has a much more powerful chipset, making it far better for gaming and other demanding tasks. Its camera system, while lower in megapixel count, delivers better overall image and video quality. The display is a bit sharper with a higher pixel density.
- Competitive Advantages: Its foldable design, high-performance processor, and enhanced camera quality.
- Trade-offs: The smaller battery capacity means you’ll likely need to charge more often, and the slightly older chipset might see some performance gaps compared to newer flagship processors, also charging speeds are much lower at 15W.
- Limitations: It's an older phone, and therefore, might not get the same software support as newer devices. It also does not support expandable storage.
Motorola Moto G85:
- Strengths: The G85 excels in battery life, thanks to its much larger 5000mAh battery and 30W fast charging. It offers an excellent P-OLED display with better outdoor visibility, and has a high-resolution selfie camera and a very capable 50 MP main sensor. It also features a newer version of Android with likely greater future updates.
- Competitive Advantages: Its outstanding battery life, bright P-OLED display, and modern Android version.
- Trade-offs: It has a less powerful chipset, which is not as capable for gaming and other demanding tasks, and while its camera is good, it doesn't perform as well as the Flip3’s, particularly in video.
- Limitations: Its performance is significantly less powerful, and the phone lacks some of the sensor tech offered by the Flip3. It also does not support expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize unique design, high performance, and great camera quality. Also, those who value portability and a compact device when not in use.
- Use Cases: Ideal for mobile gamers, content creators, those who want a conversation starter phone, and users who value the convenience of folding a smartphone for portability.
- Price-to-Value: Considering its age, it's often found at a lower price point than when it was released, offering strong value for flagship-level performance and camera quality in a unique package.
Motorola Moto G85:
- Best Suited For: Users who need a reliable phone with outstanding battery life, good display quality, and an up-to-date software experience.
- Use Cases: Perfect for people who use their phones heavily throughout the day, long commuters, or those who watch a lot of video content.
- Price-to-Value: Offers great value with its excellent battery life, fast charging, capable camera, and modern Android software.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your top priority – performance or battery life? If performance, especially for gaming, is your priority, the Flip3 is better, if battery is then go with the G85.
- Do you value portability and design innovation? If so, the foldable design of the Flip3 might be a great fit for you, whereas the G85 offers standard design.
- How important is camera and video quality? If you want superior image and video quality (especially in 4K), then the Flip3 is the better choice. If a good camera will do and you're more focused on battery, the G85 is a very capable alternative.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: If you're a gamer or content creator needing maximum performance and camera capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is your device, especially if you can find it at an attractive price.
- The All-Day User: If battery life is king for you, and you want a modern Android experience, the Motorola Moto G85 is the way to go.
- The Tech Enthusiast: If you love cutting-edge tech and like having a phone that's a conversation starter, the folding design of the Flip3 is more your style, just be prepared for more charging.
My Choice
Personally, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. While the Moto G85 is an excellent phone with fantastic battery life and a great display, the Flip3 is something special. The folding design is still a novelty and it feels so good in the pocket, the vastly superior processor means that I know I have enough power to use it for whatever I need to do. Additionally, the superior camera system is a must for me, as photography is important to my day-to-day life, and the display is just a touch sharper. I'm willing to manage the somewhat shorter battery life because of the performance and design.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs. Both phones are excellent options, but one will undoubtedly align better with your priorities than the other. I hope this thorough breakdown helps you make an informed decision.
