Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. This isn't just about numbers; it's about how these phones fit into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, along with what they mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Flip3 offers a unique, compact form factor when folded; the Redmi is a traditional slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 166 × 72.2 × 6.9 mm | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | Flip3 is taller when open, thinner; Redmi is wider and slightly thicker. The Redmi feels bulkier while the Flip3 is more pocketable when folded. |
| Weight | 183g | 187g | Both phones feel light. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Both have similarly sized screens; a difference of 0.03" is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2640 | 1080x2400 | The Flip3 has slightly more pixels, resulting in a tad sharper image. |
| PPI | 426 | 395 | The Flip3 boasts a slightly higher pixel density, meaning finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 Pro has an AMOLED, offering richer blacks and vibrant colors. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, making the experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 900 nits | The Flip3 is significantly brighter, making it much more visible outdoors in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | The Flip3's Snapdragon 888 is significantly more powerful than the Dimensity 1080, especially for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 573,200 | The Flip3's benchmark scores indicate considerably faster performance in everyday tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Adreno 660 in the Flip3 is a more capable graphics processor. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55" | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" | The Redmi has a higher resolution sensor with a larger size, generally allowing for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" | 16MP | The Redmi has a higher resolution front camera, potentially resulting in more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/1.9 | The Flip3 has a higher resolution sensor for wide-angle shots. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | The Redmi offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR | Up to 4K@30fps | Both offer 4K video recording, but the Flip3 has more advanced features. |
| DxOMark | Main:111, Photo:118, Video:110 | Main:102, Photo:108, Video:98 | The Flip3 performs better in both photo and video quality according to DxOMark benchmarks. |
| Camera Features | Tracking AF, OIS, Dual camera | OIS, Digital Stabilisation, Triple Camera, RAW, Night Mode | The Redmi includes digital stabilization, macro, RAW, and night modes, whereas the Flip3 includes dual camera and tracking AF. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3300 mAh | 5000 mAh | The Redmi's larger battery translates to significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 67W | The Redmi charges much faster; a lifesaver if you're often on the go. |
| Other Features | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | The Flip3 has reverse charging allowing it to charge other devices wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 12 | The Redmi ships with a more recent version, although both will have upgraded versions eventually. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, dual band | WiFi 6, dual band | Both have the latest generation Wi-Fi for fast internet speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 with aptX, LE | 5.2 with LE, LDAC | Both support Bluetooth LE; 5.2 on the Redmi offers a faster and more stable connection, the Flip3 also offers more advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | A-GPS, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), QZSS (L1+L5) | Redmi supports more satelite positioning, although both phones support more than adequate features here. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | Dual SIM, Dual Nano SIM | The Flip3 offers the flexibility of an eSIM in addition to a physical SIM card, while the Redmi allows two physical SIMs. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128/256 GB, No expandable storage | 128/256 GB, No expandable storage | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 6/8/12 GB | The Redmi offers more RAM options for improved multitasking and app switching for the 12 GB variant. |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Redmi includes Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio performance. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer quick and reliable fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | The Flip3 has a more scratch-resistant glass protection on its outer display. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Flip3 has additional environmental sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
Strengths:
- Unique Design: The foldable form factor is a standout feature, offering both compactness and style.
- Premium Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Superior Display Brightness: The brighter screen is a major advantage for outdoor use.
- Better Camera Quality: According to DxOMark, it delivers better overall image and video quality.
Trade-offs:
- Battery Life: The smaller battery capacity can lead to shorter battery life, especially under heavy use.
- Slower Charging: 15W charging is slow compared to many competitors.
- Price: This is a premium device with a higher price point.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Excellent Battery Life: The large 5000 mAh battery provides long-lasting power.
- Fast Charging: 67W charging means you'll spend less time tethered to a charger.
- Competitive Price: It offers great value for its features.
- AMOLED display: Better colors and contrast.
- Trade-offs:
- Mid-Range Performance: The Dimensity 1080 chipset, while capable, isn't as powerful as the Snapdragon 888.
- Slightly Lower Camera Performance: DxOMark scores put the camera performance behind the Flip3, though the hardware is good.
- Standard Design: Lacks the unique form factor of the Flip3.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is best for:
- Trendsetters: Users who appreciate cutting-edge design and innovative technology.
- Power Users: Individuals who need a fast, responsive phone for demanding apps and gaming.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Photographers: Those seeking better image quality and video capabilities.
- Users who want a compact phone when not in use: The clamshell design make it perfect for smaller pockets.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users looking for a well-rounded phone without breaking the bank.
- Heavy Users: People who need their phone to last all day without frequent recharges.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who enjoy watching videos and playing games on their phone.
- Users looking for flexibility in RAM: This phone is perfect for those needing 12 GB of RAM.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- What's more important, battery life or design?
- If battery life is critical, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the better choice. If the innovative design and premium feel are priorities, the Flip3 is a better choice.
- Do I need top-tier performance or is good-enough performance okay?
- For demanding users, the Snapdragon 888 in the Flip3 is a must. For general usage, the Redmi’s performance is more than enough.
- How important is high brightness and top image quality?
- If high screen brightness in sunlight and top-quality camera is paramount, the Flip3 is preferred, otherwise the Redmi Note 12 Pro is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a busy professional who needs a phone that lasts all day, and a premium camera isn't critical.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
- Scenario 2: You value a unique form factor, and a great camera is important. Battery life is less of a concern, you can charge throughout the day.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Scenario 3: You want the best possible performance and premium camera quality and are willing to pay the price.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.
My Choice
If I were picking one based solely on these specifications, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. While I value the Redmi's battery life and fast charging, the Flip3's unique design, superior performance, and significantly brighter screen make it a more appealing choice. The better camera capabilities are also a plus for my use cases.
The trade-off in battery life is something I can manage with a portable charger, but the overall experience of the Flip3 is more aligned with what I look for in a phone. It's about that "wow" factor and the premium experience, something the Redmi, as good as it is, doesn't quite offer. For a tech journalist, it is important to experience and review these types of flagship phones, for the sake of understanding the current mobile tech trends.
