Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the newer Z Flip5. These clamshell foldables offer a unique blend of style and tech, but how do they stack up against each other in real-world use? Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, with a focus on what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-27 | 2023-08-11 | Z Flip5 is significantly newer, with updated tech. |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes | Both offer the unique folding form factor. |
| Dimensions | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm | 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | Virtually identical when unfolded. |
| Weight | 183g | 187g | Minimal difference in hand; feels equally light for a foldable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.7" | Same large, immersive main display experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2640 | 1080x2640 | Sharp visuals with vibrant colors on both. |
| PPI | 426 | 425 | Imperceptible difference; both are very crisp. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 1750 nits | Z Flip5 is noticeably brighter, especially in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Z Flip5 offers a massive performance leap, faster and more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 1,531,700 | Z Flip5 is significantly faster for apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | Z Flip5 handles graphics-intensive tasks with ease. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1.4µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1.8µm | Z Flip5 has larger pixels that gather more light for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.4, 1.22µm | 10MP, f/2.4, 1.22µm | Same selfie experience with both. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, 1.12µm | 12MP, f/2.2 | Z Flip3 has a slightly higher resolution wide angle, but Flip 5 will likely have better processing |
| Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, HDR, Slow-mo | 4K@30/60fps, HDR, Slow-mo | Similar high-quality video capabilities. |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | 111 | 127 | Z Flip5 offers significantly improved image and video quality |
| Camera Features | Basic set | NPU AI, Noise reduction, & basic set | Z Flip5 has added AI for better photos |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3300mAh | 3700mAh | Z Flip5 offers slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast | 25W fast | Z Flip5 charges faster; gets you back up and running sooner. |
| Battery Features | Reverse charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 25W, 15W Wireless | Z Flip5 has improved battery features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | Z Flip5 is newer out-of-the-box, but both will end up with 14 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Similar Wi-Fi standards on both. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Z Flip5 has slightly improved Bluetooth performance, less power usage. |
| GPS | Dual GPS | Dual GPS | Similar GPS performance |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer flexibility with two numbers |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Z Flip5 offers double the maximum storage, which is great for users who store lots of content. |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Both offer similar ram |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage; cloud storage may be necessary. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Identical audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer similar biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both phones have a durable display glass |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Complete suite | Complete suite | Both devices offer the same suite of sensors |
2. Key Insights
- Performance: The Z Flip5 is the clear winner here, with its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. The 70% higher AnTuTu score translates directly to snappier performance, faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Display: Both have excellent 120Hz AMOLED displays, but the Z Flip5’s 1750 nits of brightness is a massive upgrade, making it much more usable outdoors, particularly in bright sunlight.
- Camera: While the Z Flip3 has a slightly higher resolution wide angle lens, the Flip5 comes with the promise of better low-light photography and enhanced overall image quality due to its larger pixel size in its main camera and the addition of an NPU AI engine for image processing. The 16 point jump in DxOMark score for the Flip 5 is quite significant.
- Battery: The Z Flip5 offers a slightly larger battery, but more importantly, faster charging at 25W vs 15W, which means less time tethered to the wall.
- Storage: The Z Flip5 offers more storage capacity, which is crucial since neither phone supports microSD cards for expansion.
- Software: The Z Flip5 arrives with a newer version of Android, but both will end up at the same version.
Trade-offs:
- Price: The Z Flip5 will likely be more expensive due to its newer technology, and Z Flip3 may represent a higher value for budget conscious users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Best For: Casual users, those who prioritize the unique folding design and a good enough overall experience while on a budget.
- Use Cases: Social media browsing, light gaming, everyday photography, users who like the pocket-friendly format.
- Why: This is still a great phone and for those who just like the flipping design, the Z Flip3 provides a lot of the same advantages at a lower cost.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5:
- Best For: Power users, tech enthusiasts, gamers, and anyone who wants top-tier performance and the best possible camera experience.
- Use Cases: Heavy multitasking, demanding games, high-quality photography and videography, mobile productivity, outdoor use in bright sunlight, and long use.
- Why: The Z Flip5 offers massive gains in performance, display brightness, camera capabilities and charging speeds. If you are someone that demands the best from your mobile phone, the Z Flip5 is the clear winner.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is top-tier performance to you? If you’re a gamer, a heavy multitasker, or you just want the snappiest experience possible, the Z Flip5 is the way to go. If your use case is light, the Z Flip3 may be more economical.
- How crucial is outdoor visibility in bright light? If you spend a lot of time outdoors and struggle to see your screen, the Z Flip5's significantly brighter display will be a lifesaver.
- How important is battery life and charging speed to you? The Z Flip5's faster charging is a big advantage for those who need to top up quickly on the go. While the Z Flip5's battery has more capacity, its also a more power hungry phone, so dont expect a huge improvement on battery life, though it should be noticeable.
Scenario Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: The Z Flip3 may be more appealing to you since it will be significantly cheaper.
- Performance User: The Z Flip5 is the clear choice with its significant performance gains.
- Photo/Video Enthusiast: The Z Flip5 will capture better pictures and videos.
- Heavy Outdoor User: The Z Flip5 is the clear winner here with its much brighter display.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. The performance upgrade with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is just too substantial to ignore, making everything feel more responsive and fluid. The significantly brighter display is a real game-changer for using the phone outdoors, and the faster charging speeds means that I'll spend less time tethered to a charger. While it may come with a higher price tag, for those like myself who prioritize performance and versatility, the Z Flip5 is the clear winner and offers significant improvements that make the cost worth it.
