Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. We've got two very different beasts here: a foldable powerhouse from 2021 and a cutting-edge flagship from 2024. I'll break down the specs, give you the real-world implications, and help you figure out which one might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of key specs and what they actually mean for day-to-day use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Z Fold3 has a unique tablet-like experience, Zenfone 11 is a traditional phone. |
| Dimensions | 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm (unfolded) | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | Fold3 is bulkier, wider when unfolded, Zenfone is taller, slightly thicker and lighter |
| Weight | 271g | 224g | Zenfone 11 Ultra is noticeably lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" (Main), 6.2"(Cover) | 6.78" | Fold3 offers a larger screen for immersive viewing; Zenfone 11 is a more pocketable, standard size. |
| Resolution | 1768 x 2208 | 1080 x 2400 | Fold3 has higher pixel density, sharper images on its main screen. |
| Pixel Density | 374 PPI | 388 PPI | Both have very similar sharpness, minimal visible difference. |
| Technology | Dynamic AMOLED | AMOLED | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast and is more power efficient. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 11 Ultra provides slightly smoother animations and motion. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone 11 Ultra will be much easier to view in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a significantly faster, more power-efficient processor. |
| Antutu Score | 898,700 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers much better overall performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a more powerful GPU for smoother graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 50MP (f/1.9, 1/1.56") | Zenfone 11 Ultra captures more detailed images, especially in good light. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2") | 32MP (f/2.5, 1/3.2") | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers higher-resolution selfies and better low-light selfies |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP (f/2.4) | 32MP (f/2.4) | Zenfone 11 Ultra offers higher-resolution telephoto shots |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06") | 13MP (f/2.2) | Similar performance with the wide angle lens |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K 60fps | Up to 8K 24fps | Zenfone 11 Ultra records higher resolution video. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 120 | 125 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a slightly better main camera. |
| DXOMark (Video) | 105 | 115 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a much better video quality |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400 mAh | 5500 mAh | Zenfone 11 Ultra should last significantly longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Zenfone 11 Ultra charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Both support 15W wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | 9W | 10W Wired | Both are able to reverse charge other devices (Fold3 wireless, Zenfone wired). |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 14, upgradable to 16 | Zenfone 11 Ultra comes with a more up-to-date operating system and more future software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone 11 Ultra has faster wifi, less latency, and better connection in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Zenfone 11 Ultra uses a newer bluetooth version with more support for audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Zenfone 11 Ultra has much more accurate GPS with support for more satelite systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Fold 3 has the option for an eSIM, Zenfone 11 only has Nano SIM slots |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB | Both are the same, and they both lack expandable storage. |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB/16GB | Zenfone 11 Ultra has the option for significantly more RAM. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio | Zenfone 11 Ultra has a slight edge with improved audio quality and clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Samsung has a more refined finger print sensor |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Both phones have good scratch protection, the Zenfone is slightly better |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fold3 has more environmental sensors, like a barometer, which are not included in the Zenfone 11 |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Strengths: Unique foldable form factor for a tablet-like experience, higher-resolution inner display, eSIM Support, Environmental Sensors.
- Competitive Advantage: The foldable design is its key differentiator, appealing to those wanting a larger screen in a smaller package. It also offers a more advanced side fingerprint sensor, wireless reverse charging, and a barometer, which the Zenfone 11 Ultra does not.
- Trade-offs: Significantly heavier, older chipset, lower battery capacity, and slower charging compared to the Zenfone.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Strengths: Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, larger battery with much faster charging, brighter AMOLED display, higher resolution cameras, updated wifi and bluetooth, and more accurate GPS.
- Competitive Advantage: Top-tier performance, longer battery life, better camera system, and all around better daily driver compared to the Z Fold3.
- Trade-offs: Lacks the foldable design, an eSIM slot, and the extra sensors of the Fold 3.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize a larger screen for multitasking, media consumption, and a unique foldable experience, and can manage the bulk.
- Use Cases: Reading eBooks, watching movies, mobile gaming, and professionals who need to juggle multiple apps.
- Recommendation: If the foldable design and large screen are paramount, and you're okay with a slightly older device, the Z Fold3 could be worth considering, especially if you find a great deal.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize top-tier performance, excellent battery life, and a versatile camera system, while not needing the large folding tablet.
- Use Cases: Gamers, photographers, mobile video creators, and anyone who demands the best possible performance and battery.
- Recommendation: If you need a modern, powerful, and reliable phone that can handle anything you throw at it, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear choice.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you need a foldable screen? If yes, the Z Fold3 is the only option here, though you'll be making sacrifices in other areas. If not, move to question 2.
- What's more important, battery life/performance or unique form-factor? If battery and performance are key, the Zenfone 11 Ultra wins easily. If not move to question 3.
- What are you willing to sacrifice? The Fold3 offers the uniqueness of a foldable and more sensors, while the Zenfone offers better performance, battery, and overall quality of life features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Multimedia Enthusiast: The Z Fold3 is great for watching videos and playing games on the bigger screen, however, if you watch a lot of media outside in the sun, the Zenfone 11 Ultra's much higher brightness display will win every time.
- For the Power User: The Zenfone 11 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, larger battery, and fast charging will handle any task without breaking a sweat.
- For the On-the-Go Photographer: While both cameras are great, the Zenfone 11 Ultra will take more detailed photos and the video camera is miles ahead of the Fold3.
- For the Novelty Seeker: The foldable form factor of the Z Fold3 offers a unique experience not found in typical smartphones.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. While I appreciate the innovation of the foldable design, the Zenfone 11 Ultra's superior processor, battery life, faster charging, much brighter display, better camera and modern connectivity options make it the better all-around device in my opinion. The daily quality of life improvements of the Zenfone outweigh the uniqueness of the Z Fold3. The Zenfone 11 Ultra simply offers a much smoother and more efficient user experience with significantly better tech under the hood.
