Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the vivo X100. I'll break down their specifications, highlight their key differences, and offer some real-world insights to help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | vivo X100 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-27 | 2023-11-21 | The vivo X100 is significantly newer, meaning it benefits from more recent technological advancements. |
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Flip3's foldable design allows for a more compact profile when closed, while the X100 has a standard, slab-like design. |
| Dimensions | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm | 164.1 x 75.2 x 8.5 mm | The Flip3 is thinner when unfolded, but slightly taller, the X100 is wider and thicker. Consider if you prioritize slimness vs. display. |
| Weight | 183g | 202g | The Flip3 is lighter and more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.78" | Both have similar screen sizes, but the X100 has a touch more screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2640 | 1260 x 2800 | The X100 has a noticeably sharper display due to a higher pixel count, offering better clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 426 | 452 | The X100 offers a slightly sharper image due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | - | AMOLED | The X100's AMOLED display delivers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and richer colors. The Flip3 doesn't specify it's display technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both screens refresh at 120 times per second for smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 3000 nits | The X100 is drastically brighter, making it significantly more visible in direct sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Dimensity 9300 (4 nm) | The X100’s newer chip offers significant performance improvements and better efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 1,881,325 | The X100 has substantially higher benchmark scores, indicating faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | The X100 has the more powerful GPU offering superior graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and intensive graphical tasks. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12.2MP | 50MP | The X100 captures significantly more detail with its higher-resolution primary sensor. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.57 | The X100’s wider aperture allows it to capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.55" | 1/1.31" | The X100’s larger sensor allows for better light capture, resulting in improved image quality and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 32MP | The X100's front camera offers a notable increase in megapixels and a larger sensor, providing more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.0 | The X100 selfie lens has a wider aperture for brighter, low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.2" | 1/2.8" | The X100 selfie camera has a larger sensor for improved detail and dynamic range. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP | The X100 offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a feature the Flip3 lacks. |
| Wide-Angle Lens Resolution | 13MP | 50MP | The X100 has a higher resolution wide-angle lens allowing for more detailed wide angle shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 4k capable | Both record high-quality video, but the Flip3's 4K recording can go up to 60fps. |
| Camera Features | Basic OIS, Tracking AF, etc. | Gimbal, Laser AF, etc. | The X100 offers a wider range of advanced features such as Gimbal and laser AF for more refined control and better image output. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 3300 mAh | 5000 mAh | The X100 has a much larger battery, providing potentially much better battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | The X100 charges much faster than the Flip3 due to the vast difference in charging speeds. |
| Additional Battery Features | Reverse Charging | None | The Flip3 can charge other devices wirelessly. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| Operating System | Android 11, up to 14 | Android 14 | The X100 has a more recent Android OS out of the box. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | The X100 supports the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard, offering faster speeds and better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.4 | The X100 has a newer Bluetooth version for improved connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | Multiple systems | Multiple systems plus NavIC | The X100 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy, especially in challenging areas. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | The Flip3 offers eSIM support, while the X100 uses two physical nano SIMs. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The X100 offers much more storage capacity, starting at 256GB and going up to 1TB. |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB/16GB | The X100 offers more RAM for smoother performance and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | The X100 has more advanced audio features providing enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, better audio separation and immersion. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | The Flip3 features a more convenient and reliable fingerprint reader location. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Flip3 provides better screen protection. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | None | The Flip3 is equipped with more sensors that can be useful for various purposes including environmental information and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Strengths: Unique foldable design, more compact when closed, lighter, reverse charging and more comprehensive sensor suite.
- Advantages: Excellent build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus protection, and a unique form factor that is more compact when closed. Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more convenient.
- Trade-offs: Older technology, less powerful performance, lower camera specs, smaller battery, and slower charging.
- vivo X100:
- Strengths: Superior performance, dramatically better display, higher-resolution and more capable cameras (including telephoto), significantly larger battery, faster charging, newer software and updated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
- Advantages: Outstanding camera system, top-tier performance, significantly brighter and higher-resolution display. Superior battery life and very fast charging.
- Trade-offs: Standard design, slightly larger and heavier, no reverse charging capability.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Best for: Users who value style, portability, and a unique form factor over raw performance and camera capabilities. Those who appreciate a more compact phone experience while on the go and do not require cutting-edge performance and camera technology.
- Use Cases: Social media enthusiasts who want a conversation-starting device, casual photographers, and those who want a phone that’s easy to carry in a pocket or purse.
- vivo X100:
- Best for: Users who prioritize cutting-edge performance, top-tier camera quality, and long battery life. Tech enthusiasts who want a phone that excels in performance, photography, and multimedia consumption.
- Use Cases: Enthusiast photographers, mobile gamers, power users who require top-tier performance, and those who consume a lot of video content on their phones.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide between these phones:
- Form Factor Preference:
- Question: Do you prefer the convenience of a foldable design that can be made more compact when closed, or a standard smartphone that prioritizes screen real estate and performance?
- Scenario: If you want a phone that easily fits into your pocket when closed, you might lean towards the Flip3. If you value an expansive display and a standard form factor the X100 will suit you.
- Performance and Battery:
- Question: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming and demanding apps, and do you require long battery life and super-fast charging?
- Scenario: If you value consistent and fast performance and want all day battery the X100 is clearly the better choice.
- Camera Quality:
- Question: How important are camera quality, zoom capabilities and overall features?
- Scenario: If you prioritize advanced camera features, and versatile photo and video capture (including telephoto zoom), the X100’s camera will be more suitable.
The Final Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the vivo X100.
Here’s why: While the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a very cool and unique form factor, the vivo X100’s advantages in performance, display quality, camera capabilities and battery life make it the superior device overall for me. As a tech journalist, I would want a reliable powerhouse with an exceptional camera for both work and leisure, and the vivo X100 fits that need perfectly. The brighter and sharper display and advanced audio will make consuming content enjoyable. While the foldable design of the Flip3 is intriguing, its outdated internals, smaller battery, and basic camera don’t match up to what I need from a modern smartphone.
