Alright, let's dive deep into the tech specs of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the Galaxy A24 4G. It's a fascinating comparison because we're looking at a foldable marvel versus a solid, budget-friendly workhorse. Buckle up, tech enthusiasts, as we break down what these differences mean in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what the specs mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Samsung Galaxy A24 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Flip3 offers a unique, pocketable design. The A24 is a traditional slab; more durable but less compact. |
| Dimensions | 166 × 72.2 × 6.9 mm (unfolded) | 162.1 × 77.6 × 8.3 mm | Flip3 is taller when unfolded, but the A24 is wider and thicker, giving the Flip3 a more pocketable form factor when folded |
| Weight | 183g | 195g | The Flip3 is a touch lighter, which you'll appreciate during longer use, but the A24 isn't significantly heavier and feels durable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | The Flip3 offers a slightly larger screen which is great for multimedia consumption. The A24’s slightly smaller display makes it more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2640 | 1080x2340 | The Flip3 has slightly higher pixel count and a taller aspect ratio, so it will look a little sharper, but both are FHD+ and will appear vivid. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 426 | 396 | The Flip3 provides slightly sharper visuals. Both phones offer great viewing angles and colour reproduction, which is typical of modern AMOLED panels. |
| Technology | AMOLED | The A24 has the AMOLED advantage, leading to richer colours, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency when using dark themes, which will improve battery life. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Flip3’s 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother, which is noticeably better when browsing or gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1000 nits | The Flip3 will be more visible in direct sunlight. The A24 performs well, but the 200 nit increase is noticeable in very bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Helio G99 (6nm) | The Flip3's Snapdragon 888 provides flagship-level performance for gaming and demanding apps, while the A24’s Helio G99 is good for everyday tasks but not as powerful. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 411,900 | The Flip3 is a performance powerhouse, handling intense games with ease, whereas the A24 handles normal daily tasks smoothly but may struggle with intensive games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Flip3’s Adreno GPU is significantly better for graphics-intensive tasks, which results in higher framerates and better graphics quality. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12.2MP | 50MP | The A24 captures much more detail, thanks to the higher resolution sensor, while the Flip3 uses a more modest pixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.4) | 13MP (f/2.2) | The A24 has a slightly better selfie camera with a wider aperture which is great for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP | 5MP (f/2.2) | The Flip3 captures more detailed wide-angle shots than the A24. |
| Macro Camera | N/A | 2MP (f/2.4) | The A24 offers a macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | 1080p@30fps | The Flip3 records much higher resolution video with better detail and dynamic range, whereas the A24 is only capable of 1080p with EIS. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Mobile) | N/A | The Flip3 has a strong DxOMark score, which is an objective indicator of quality, but the A24 has not been tested. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3300mAh | 5000mAh | The A24 will likely last much longer per charge than the Flip3. Its larger battery is a real advantage. |
| Charging | 15W | 25W | The A24 offers faster charging which makes a big difference if you need to top off quickly. |
| Features | Reverse charging | N/A | The Flip3 has reverse charging which is great if you want to charge devices wirelessly from the back of your phone. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 13 (up to 17) | The A24 has a newer version of Android, meaning it's going to get more updates and feature improvements than the Flip3. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, MIMO | WiFI 5 | The Flip3 offers faster speeds and more consistent connections, whereas the A24 is capped at older WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, advanced codecs | 5.3 | The A24 has a newer version which means better power efficiency for wireless audio and accessories, while the Flip3 has more comprehensive codec support. |
| GPS | Multiple, Dual Band | Multiple | The Flip3 provides more accurate location tracking with the addition of dual band GPS. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | The Flip3 gives you an option of a second digital sim card, while the A24 supports two physical sims. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128 GB | The Flip3 offers a higher storage option, which is great if you keep a lot of content on your phone. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6/8 GB | The Flip3 has a standard 8 GB of RAM. The A24 provides RAM options, but the 8 GB provides the best multitasking experience. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows you to add more storage with an SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | The Flip3 provides a better audio experience with stereo speakers for listening to music or watching videos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have the same basic side fingerprint scanner which provides basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Flip3 is made of more premium materials and its glass is much more resistant to scratches and shattering than what is offered on the A24. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity: Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint, Proximity: Proximity, Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Flip3 provides more advanced sensors for more advanced features, such as a Barometer for tracking air pressure. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Strengths: Unique foldable design, flagship-level performance with Snapdragon 888, higher refresh rate display, superior display brightness, better video recording quality, and advanced connectivity options.
- Competitive Advantages: Its cool factor is undeniable, it's pocket-friendly when folded, and is a powerhouse for mobile gaming and heavy apps.
- Trade-offs: Smaller battery life, less impressive camera resolution, and is significantly more expensive. The foldable design adds extra complexity and has a higher risk of damage compared to a traditional smartphone.
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G
- Strengths: Excellent battery life, higher-resolution main camera and selfie camera, and a macro lens. It also has faster charging speeds and a newer version of Android with longer software support.
- Competitive Advantages: It’s budget-friendly, reliable, and offers great value for daily use. The AMOLED display is a plus for vibrant visuals.
- Trade-offs: Less powerful chipset, lower refresh rate display, basic audio and is capped at 1080p video recording. Lacks advanced features like reverse charging, MIMO Wi-Fi and additional environmental sensors.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, early adopters who want a cutting-edge device with a unique form factor. Users who prioritize gaming, high-performance applications, and video recording capabilities.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, content creation (4K video), and those who value portability and a pocket-friendly design.
- Galaxy A24 4G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, those looking for a reliable smartphone for everyday use and users who prioritise battery life.
- Use Cases: Daily communication, browsing, social media, and photography with its versatile lens options.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before you make a decision, consider these questions:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a high-performance device for gaming or can you settle for a phone that can handle basic tasks and social media?
- Form Factor Preference: Is the innovative, foldable design of the Z Flip3 a must-have, or is a traditional, durable slab like the A24 more practical for you?
- Battery Life: How often do you want to charge your device? Do you value long battery life above everything else?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Power User: If you want cutting-edge tech, maximum performance, and excellent video capture, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is your choice, even with its compromises.
- For the Budget Conscious: If you prioritize battery life, a decent camera for everyday shots, and a budget-friendly option, the Galaxy A24 4G will serve you well.
- For the Everyday User: If you want a reliable phone for daily tasks with an excellent display, the A24 is a great option.
Which would I choose?
Okay, if I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. It's hard to ignore the allure of a foldable phone and, as a tech journalist, I want a device that pushes boundaries and is interesting to use. While I appreciate the fantastic battery life of the A24, the performance and the innovative design of the Flip3 make it the clear winner for me.
The Snapdragon 888 will be able to handle everything I throw at it, and the screen with its high refresh rate is perfect for browsing, watching media, and even gaming. Plus, the 4K video recording and a unique form factor would be incredibly useful for when I need to get creative and get out my tech review hat!
