Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+. These two devices are worlds apart in design and intended use, so we'll break it down into a user-focused, practical analysis.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-27 | 2023-10-16 | The Tab S9 FE+ is a newer device, potentially with more modern features, while the Z Flip3 is a bit older. |
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Z Flip3's foldable design allows it to be pocketable, while the Tab S9 FE+ is a large tablet better suited for stationary use. |
| Dimensions | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm (unfolded) | 285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mm | The Z Flip3 is a compact phone when folded, while the Tab S9 FE+ is a large tablet, making it much bigger and less portable. |
| Weight | 183g | 627g | The Z Flip3 is significantly lighter, making it easier to carry around all day. The Tab S9 FE+ is heavier and more cumbersome for on-the-go use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 12.4" | The Tab S9 FE+ offers a much larger screen, which is better for multitasking, consuming media, and creative tasks. |
| Resolution | 1080x2640 | 1600x2560 | The Tab S9 FE+ has a higher resolution, leading to sharper images and better text clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 426 | 243 | The Z Flip3 offers a significantly sharper display due to the higher pixel density, especially noticeable with fine text and detailed images. |
| Technology | N/A | IPS LCD | The Tab S9 FE+ uses an IPS LCD, which generally provides good color accuracy and viewing angles. The Z Flip3 utilizes an AMOLED, likely more vibrant, but specifics are missing from the dataset. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The Z Flip3 has a smoother scrolling experience and more fluid animations due to its higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | The Z Flip3's much higher brightness makes it far more visible in outdoor, bright light conditions, while the Tab S9 FE+ seems limited here based on the data provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Exynos 1380 | The Snapdragon 888 in the Z Flip3 is generally faster than the Exynos 1380 in the Tab S9 FE+, leading to better overall performance for demanding apps and games. |
| Antutu Score | 898,700 | 507,000 | The Z Flip3 significantly outperforms the Tab S9 FE+ in benchmarks, implying smoother and faster performance across various tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The Adreno 660 in the Z Flip3 generally delivers superior graphics performance compared to the Mali-G68 in the Tab S9 FE+. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard Camera | 12.2MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/2.0 | The Z Flip3’s wider aperture allows it to gather more light, potentially leading to better low-light performance and natural depth of field. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.4 | 8MP | The Z Flip3 has a higher resolution front camera, potentially providing more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP | 8MP, f/2.2 | The Z Flip3 has a higher resolution ultrawide camera, capturing more detailed wide-angle shots, with also better aperture. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, Slow-mo 960fps | Up to 4K@30fps, Slow-mo 60fps | The Z Flip3 offers more versatile video capabilities, including 60fps recording in 4K, higher refresh slow-motion, and HDR. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 111 Photo: 118 Video: 110 | Not Tested | The Z Flip3 has a decent camera performance based on DxOMark, while Tab S9 FE+ does not have testing available. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3300mAh | 10090mAh | The Tab S9 FE+ has a significantly larger battery, potentially offering much longer usage times between charges, although screen size and usage pattern are significant factors here. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | The Tab S9 FE+ offers significantly faster charging speeds, reducing downtime for charging the larger battery. |
| Other Battery Features | Reverse Charging | Bypass Charging | The Z Flip3 can reverse charge other devices, while the Tab S9 FE+ supports bypass charging to reduce battery wear while plugged in. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | The Tab S9 FE+ ships with a newer Android version and will likely receive updates for longer, providing access to newer features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-band, Direct | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards, with the Z Flip3 adding Wi-Fi Hotspot feature. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, Extensive profiles | 5.3, Extensive Profiles | The Tab S9 FE+ has the newer Bluetooth 5.3, offering potential improvements in connectivity, range, and energy efficiency and some extra audio codec support |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS | The Z Flip3 supports more satellite systems for precise and reliable location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | None | The Z Flip3 supports dual SIMs, allowing for multiple phone numbers, while the Tab S9 FE+ does not support SIM cards. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer the same storage options, but neither supports expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | The Tab S9 FE+ has a 12GB RAM option which allows for better multitasking, especially when paired with the large screen. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Tab S9 FE+ benefits from Dolby Atmos support, providing an enhanced and more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones use the same fingerprint sensor technology, providing basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Z Flip3 offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops due to Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Extensive Suite | Accelerometer, Proximity | The Z Flip3 features a much wider array of sensors, which are useful for a wider range of apps and use cases (e.g., gaming, augmented reality, environmental data). |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Strengths: Highly pocketable foldable design, very sharp display, powerful performance thanks to Snapdragon 888, high screen brightness for outdoor use, advanced camera with OIS and high refresh rate video recording, dual SIM support, and very comprehensive suite of sensors.
- Competitive Advantages: Its unique foldable design and premium features make it stand out in the smartphone market. The high PPI display and powerful processing give a great user experience.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Smaller battery capacity, slightly less versatility due to size compared to the tablet, and slightly older software at the moment (although upgradable). It also has no expandable storage, which is now very common on other phones.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
- Strengths: Large and high-resolution screen perfect for media consumption and productivity, much larger battery for longer usage, faster charging capabilities, and enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos.
- Competitive Advantages: The primary advantage is its large screen which excels for content creation, media consumption and general tablet productivity tasks.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Significantly larger and heavier, which impacts portability, weaker performance compared to the Z Flip3 due to the slower Exynos processor and GPU, lower pixel density, no SIM support, no official screen protection mentioned and no reverse charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is ideal for:
- Tech enthusiasts: Those who appreciate innovative designs and cutting-edge technology.
- Users seeking portability: People who prioritize a compact, pocketable device.
- Media creators: Users who need good camera and video capabilities.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who need a good processing power and smooth display.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is ideal for:
- Media consumers: Users who watch a lot of movies, shows, or videos.
- Students and professionals: Individuals who require a larger screen for productivity and multitasking.
- Creative Professionals: Those who enjoy drawing, and editing images and videos.
- Casual gamers who want an immersive experience but don't prioritize the highest level of performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What is your priority for screen size? If you value a pocketable device, the Z Flip3 is the clear choice. If you want a large screen for media or productivity, the Tab S9 FE+ is more appropriate.
- How important is portability and mobility? The Z Flip3 is much lighter and easier to carry, while the Tab S9 FE+ is best suited for stationary use.
- What is your typical usage scenario? If you need a device primarily for content creation, daily communication, and a good camera, the Z Flip3 fits well. If you primarily want it for media, reading, and content consumption the Tab S9 FE+ is a great fit.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- On-the-go professional: The Z Flip3 is better for its portability and daily mobile use, but the Tab S9 FE+ may be preferred if portability is less of a concern than screen size.
- Home entertainment: The Tab S9 FE+ is excellent for media consumption. It provides a more immersive experience with its large display and Dolby Atmos.
- Creative task: The Tab S9 FE+ with the larger screen is better for content creation tasks.
- Mobile gaming: The Z Flip3 is a slightly better option with its more powerful processor and higher refresh rate.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. Here's why:
As someone who values a device that's both a powerful phone and pocketable, the Z Flip3 perfectly fits that niche. I appreciate the unique foldable design, the performance is more than adequate, and the high brightness display and versatile camera system are great for everyday use. While the Tab S9 FE+ has the edge for battery and media consumption, I don't need that extra-large size as much as a more portable powerhouse. Plus, given the nature of my work as a tech journalist I'd love to play around with the innovative form factor of the Z Flip3. In short, the Z Flip3 is the more versatile option for my needs.
