Okay, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the Galaxy M35. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and give you a clear, user-focused comparison.
Smartphone Showdown: Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs. Galaxy M35
Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. We’ve got the stylish, foldable Galaxy Z Flip3 5G going head-to-head with the more conventional, but feature-packed, Galaxy M35. Here's how they stack up:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Z Flip3 is compact when folded, M35 is a typical slab design. |
| Dimensions | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm | 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm | Z Flip3 is taller and thinner, M35 is wider and thicker. Z Flip3 will be more pocketable when folded. |
| Weight | 183g | 222g | Z Flip3 is noticeably lighter, better for extended use in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | Z Flip3 has a slightly larger display, but the M35 has the better technology with AMOLED. |
| Resolution | 1080x2640 | 1080x2340 | Z Flip3 has a moderately higher pixel count, leading to slightly sharper details. |
| Pixel Density | 426 ppi | 390 ppi | Z Flip3 slightly sharper, but both are crisp for everyday viewing. |
| Technology | - | AMOLED | M35 has superior display technology offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both are buttery smooth for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | Z Flip3 is much better for use in bright sunlight; M35 brightness information is not available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Exynos 1380 | Z Flip3's chipset is more powerful, better for demanding games and apps. |
| Antutu Score | 898,700 | 578,500 | Z Flip3 has a significant edge in raw power, will handle intense tasks better. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Z Flip3's GPU will give you a better gaming experience. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3300mAh | 6000mAh | M35 should have significantly longer battery life; the Z Flip3 has a small battery compared to others in the market. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging | M35 charges faster and has a newer, Li-Ion battery. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging | - | Z Flip3 can charge other devices wirelessly (reverse charging). |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 12.2MP | 50MP | M35 has higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/2" | M35's larger sensor allows for better low light performance. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.4 µm | 1.0 µm | Z Flip3's larger pixels help in low-light, but M35's sensor size has a higher impact. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 10MP | 13MP | M35 has slightly higher resolution for selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Res | 13MP | 8MP | Z Flip3 captures more detail in wide-angle shots. |
| Macro lens | - | 2MP | M35 has a dedicated macro lens for closeup photography, Z Flip3 has no macro lens.. |
| Video | 4K@60fps, slow-mo 960fps | 4K@30fps, slow-mo 480fps | Z Flip3 has more features in the video category with its frame rate and slow motion; both offer video stabilization. |
| DXOMark | 111 (Mobile) | - | Z Flip3 has an overall respectable score, M35 has not been tested. |
| Camera Features | Tracking AF, OIS, PDAF | OIS, NPU, All Pixel PDAF | M35 has more advanced camera features (digital image stabilization and more) while Z Flip3 has better tracking. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 14 | M35 is on a newer operating system out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Both offer similar Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 | M35 has a newer Bluetooth standard with more feature support. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS | Z Flip3 has a more diverse GPS support for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Z Flip3 offers eSIM support for digital carrier switching, the M35 uses only physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both have options for storage, but no expandable storage via SD. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Both have ample RAM; M35 has two options of 6 or 8 GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, limiting flexibility. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | M35 has more advanced audio features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both utilize a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both use the same high-end screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Z Flip3 has a more comprehensive sensor array, M35 has a virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Strengths: The biggest draw here is the unique foldable design that gives you a large screen in a pocket-friendly size, along with a powerful Snapdragon 888 processor. It also sports a higher brightness display at 1200 nits, and has reverse charging to share power with other devices.
- Competitive Advantages: Form factor, processing power, brighter display.
- Trade-offs: Smaller battery, less impressive camera system compared to the M35, older OS version.
- Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Strengths: This phone packs in a long-lasting 6000mAh battery, a more versatile and higher-resolution camera, a newer version of Android, better audio features, and faster charging.
- Competitive Advantages: Battery life, camera versatility, newer OS.
- Trade-offs: Less powerful processor compared to the Z Flip3, heavier, and bulkier, no reverse charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Galaxy Z Flip3 5G User:
- Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts who want a fashionable phone that stands out. This device is also good for users who prioritize portability, and want good performance.
- Use Cases: Social media buffs who like the "flex" factor, professionals who benefit from the compact form for travel, and gamers who don't need hours upon hours of gaming without a charge.
- Galaxy M35 User:
- Ideal For: Users who need a reliable phone with long battery life. Great for photography enthusiasts, and people who want good quality audio.
- Use Cases: Travelers, photographers, users who stream a lot of media, and gamers who do not want to be glued to a charger all day.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask yourself these questions:
Do you value a unique, pocketable design, or do you prefer a standard phone with a large battery?
- Foldable Design - Go with Z Flip3.
- Battery Life - Go with M35.
Is raw processing power more important than battery life and camera versatility?
- Processing Power - Z Flip3 with Snapdragon 888.
- Battery/Camera - M35 with large battery and feature-packed camera.
Are you happy with an older OS and a smaller battery, or are the latest Android features and longer battery critical?
- Cutting Edge OS and battery - Go with the M35.
- Acceptable compromises- Go with the Z Flip 3
My Choice:
Personally, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy M35. While the Z Flip3 is undeniably cool with its foldable design and stronger processor, the M35 better fits my needs. I value the extended battery life, especially when I'm on the go covering tech events, and I'm a big fan of photography, so the camera system is appealing. The extra audio features like Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio are a great touch. While the Z Flip3 is a great device, the practicality and value of the M35 are what I am looking for in my day-to-day use. I believe this device is the better value and gives you more features for the cost.
