Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. We've got a foldable marvel going up against a feature-packed standard smartphone, so this should be interesting!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs mean for you, the user.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Z Flip3 is incredibly pocketable when folded, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers the classic smartphone experience. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 | 162.9 x 76 x 8.9 | Z Flip3 is taller but thinner; Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is wider and thicker, impacting one-handed use. |
| Weight (g) | 183 | 208.4 | Z Flip3 is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort during long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.67" | Both offer ample screen real estate; difference is minor. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2640 | 1080 x 2400 | Z Flip3 slightly sharper display, but both are crisp for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 426 | 395 | Z Flip3 displays slightly more detailed images. |
| Technology | OLED | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ benefits from the rich colors and deep blacks of OLED. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 900 | Z Flip3 has better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Dimensity 1080 | Z Flip3 has a higher-end chipset, offering faster performance, smoother gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 898,700 | 573,100 | Z Flip3 is significantly faster and suitable for demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Z Flip3's GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55" | 200MP, f/1.65, 1/1.4" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ captures much more detailed images with superior low-light performance, thanks to its larger sensor. |
| Front Camera | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.2" | 16MP, f/2.45 | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers slightly more detailed selfies |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Z Flip3 takes slightly higher resolution ultra wide shots. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps with HDR, 1080p@60/240fps with HDR | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | Both record high-quality video with stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | 111 (Main), 118 (Photo), 110 (Video) | 113 (Main), 117 (Photo), 117 (Video) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has slightly better overall video performance and similar photo performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 3300mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a much larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges much faster than the Z Flip3. |
| Features | Reverse Charging | None | Z Flip3 offers the ability to charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 14 | Android 12, up to 14 | Both phones receive major updates up to android 14, though the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ starts with a slightly more recent base system. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Both phones support the latest wifi standards, offering fast wireless connectivity |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ features the slightly newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Z Flip3 supports more satellite systems for increased location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Z Flip3 supports eSIM, allowing for easier switching between carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both phones offer the same maximum storage capacity |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8/12 GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a higher RAM option, better for heavy multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer similar fingerprint sensor functionality |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Z Flip3 has a more scratch resistant screen |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Z Flip3 is equipped with an additional barometer sensor. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Strengths: The unique foldable design, pocketable form factor, superior performance with its Snapdragon 888 chipset, brighter display for better visibility, eSIM support, and reverse wireless charging.
- Competitive Advantages: The "wow" factor of the foldable design, high-end performance, and slightly better build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Trade-offs: Significantly smaller battery, slower charging, and a less versatile camera system than the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Strengths: The outstanding 200MP camera, larger battery with incredibly fast 120W charging, OLED display, and enhanced audio capabilities with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio.
- Competitive Advantages: Its camera is the standout here, excellent for photography enthusiasts. Also its amazing battery life, fast charging speed, and better audio makes it great for media consumption.
- Trade-offs: Lacks the premium feel of the foldable design and is slightly heavier. Its processor doesn't measure up to the Z Flip3's.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G:
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts who value innovation, a unique design, and high performance in a compact form. Users who prioritize portability and are willing to compromise on battery life and camera versatility.
- Use Cases: Fashion-forward users, those who want a conversation starter, individuals who use their phone for quick tasks and social media, and appreciate the pocketability of a small phone.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+:
- Best For: Users who prioritize camera quality, battery life, and fast charging. Those looking for a robust phone for media consumption and everyday use and want a reliable device at a good value.
- Use Cases: Photography enthusiasts, avid media consumers, and anyone who relies heavily on their phone throughout the day without frequent charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you value design and portability over everything else? If yes, the Z Flip3 is your pick.
- Do you need exceptional camera quality and long-lasting battery life? If yes, choose the Redmi Note 12 Pro+.
- What's your budget? If the Z Flip3's price is not an issue and you like its compact size, go for it, otherwise the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ would be a more cost-effective choice.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- The Tech Innovator: Chooses the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G for its unique foldable design and high-end performance.
- The Photography Buff: Opts for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ due to its powerful 200MP camera and versatile photography capabilities.
- The Power User: Selects the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ because of its great battery life and fast charging.
- The Casual User: The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers a fantastic balance of features at a more attractive price point.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I'm impressed by the Z Flip3's foldable engineering and its Snapdragon 888. However, I value a robust and reliable device for everyday use and media consumption. The Redmi Note 12 Pro+'s 200MP camera is incredibly appealing. Its larger battery, coupled with 120W charging, ensures I'm always ready for the day. The OLED display with Dolby Atmos is perfect for watching videos and movies, and the added RAM ensures smooth multitasking, even with multiple tabs open during research. I'm willing to forgo the novelty of the foldable form factor for more practical features and battery life. For my needs, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is the better all-around workhorse.
