Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Huawei Mate X3. These foldable phones represent different approaches to the same concept, and as always, the devil is in the details. We’ll break down their specs and see where each shines.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Huawei Mate X3 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-27 | 2023-04-08 | The Mate X3 is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent tech advancements. |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes | Both are foldable, offering a larger screen in a more compact form factor. |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm | 156.9 x 141.5 x 5.3 mm | Z Fold3 is taller and thicker, Mate X3 is wider and thinner. Mate X3 is more compact in a wider format. |
| Weight | 271g | 239g | Mate X3 is considerably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 7.6" | 7.85" | Mate X3 offers a slightly larger screen, enhancing media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1768 x 2208 | 2224 x 2496 | Mate X3 boasts a significantly sharper display with much higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 374 | 426 | Mate X3’s display will look noticeably clearer and more detailed. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, essential for a premium experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, though the actual achievable brightness might differ under practical use. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Mate X3 has a newer, more efficient chipset, potentially leading to better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 1,238,400 | Mate X3 shows significantly better benchmark performance, suggesting smoother overall usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Mate X3 has a superior GPU for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 4800mAh | Mate X3 has a slightly larger battery, potentially resulting in longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 66W wired, 50W wireless | Mate X3 offers much faster charging speeds, both wired and wireless. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | Non-removable, Wireless charge 50W | Z Fold3 has the edge in battery features like bypass, reverse charging, and reverse wireless charging |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Mate X3 has a higher-resolution main sensor for more detailed images. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.56" | Mate X3's larger sensor should capture more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 8MP | Z Fold3 has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 12MP | 16MP | Mate X3 has a higher-resolution telephoto lens for better zoomed-in photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | N/A | Z Fold3 has a dedicated wide angle lens |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | N/A | 12MP | Mate X3 features a macro-capable wide-angle lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, 1080p@60fps with HDR, EIS, 1080p@240fps with HDR, EIS, 720p@960fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS, 4K@60fps with EIS, 1080p@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | Z Fold3 offers slow motion at 960fps, while Mate X3 provides 4K video recording with EIS. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 120, Selfie: 83 | N/A | Z Fold3 has a tested DxoMark score while the Mate X3 does not |
| Camera Features | Laser AF, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Dual front camera, Under display camera, Night Mode | Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Main camera for Selfies | Z Fold3 has unique camera features such as Laser AF and an under display camera; Mate X3 has Ultra Stable video, Continuous Auto Focus, and main selfie camera features |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | (Android 13 Based) | Z Fold3 starts with Android 11 but can be upgraded to 15. The Mate X3 operating system is based on Android 13. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Both support the latest WiFi standards, ensuring fast and stable wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both use Bluetooth 5.2, with slightly different codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Mate X3 supports more satellite systems, likely providing superior GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Both support Dual SIMs, Z Fold3 has an eSIM, Mate X3 supports two physical Nano SIMs. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Mate X3 offers a 1TB option for those needing maximum storage space. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB or 12GB | Both are available with 12GB of RAM, but the Mate X3 also has an 8GB option |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Z Fold3 has Dolby Atmos, providing a slightly richer audio experience. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Biometric Authentication | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both use a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Z Fold3 has superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, RGB | Both offer a comprehensive suite of sensors, with Geomagnetic on the Z Fold3 and RGB on the Mate X3. |
2. Key Insights
Huawei Mate X3 Advantages:
- Newer Tech: Launched almost 2 years after the Z Fold3, the Mate X3 has newer, more powerful components.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset offers better benchmarks, translating to faster app loading and smoother overall performance.
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and pixel density of the Mate X3 provide a crisper, more detailed viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: With 66W wired and 50W wireless charging, the Mate X3 refills its battery much faster.
- Improved Camera: A higher-resolution main camera and the inclusion of a macro lens make the Mate X3 more versatile in photography.
- Lighter Design: The lighter build of the Mate X3 enhances its comfort, especially during prolonged use.
- Larger Screen: The slightly larger display provides a better experience for both media consumption and multitasking
- Better GPS Support: Better location accuracy due to more satellite systems supported.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Advantages:
- Established Brand: Samsung has a strong track record in foldable technology.
- Ecosystem: Greater familiarity and support with Samsung's ecosystem.
- Wider availability: Samsung phones are more readily available across the globe compared to Huawei which might face more limitations in availability.
- Dual Front Cameras: Z Fold3 has an additional front-facing camera under the display.
- Additional Battery Features: Offers bypass charging, reverse charging, reverse wireless charging, and 15W wireless charging
- Display Protection: Superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced spatial audio.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- Z Fold3's Aging Chipset: The Snapdragon 888 is a previous-generation chip, which is noticeably less powerful and efficient.
- Z Fold3's Older Camera System: The Z Fold3's camera system lacks the advanced features and sensor size found in the Mate X3.
- Mate X3's 4G Limitation: The Mate X3 is limited to 4G connectivity, which may be a drawback for users with 5G network access.
- Software differences: The two devices use different operating systems.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Best For: Users who prioritize brand reliability and ecosystem integration, and value a more established foldable experience.
- Use Cases: Ideal for those who want to multitask, enjoy a tablet-like screen for media consumption, and appreciate the flexibility of a foldable with an established ecosystem.
- Price-to-Value: Given its age, it is available at a lower price, making it an option for those looking for a first foldable phone at a lower entry point, but the performance will be behind the Mate X3.
Huawei Mate X3:
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts seeking cutting-edge performance and the best foldable screen and camera technology available.
- Use Cases: Perfect for users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, content creation, and photography, and value fast charging and the latest features.
- Price-to-Value: Priced higher, it justifies its value through its enhanced performance, superior display, and versatile camera system.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help users decide between these two phones:
- Do you prioritize raw performance and the latest technology, or a more established brand with a strong ecosystem?
- If the former, the Mate X3 is the better choice.
- If the latter, the Z Fold3 might be a good option, especially if priced well.
- How crucial is high-speed charging and overall battery performance for your day-to-day usage?
- If battery performance and charging speeds are a priority, the Mate X3 excels.
- Do you care more about the latest connectivity or is 4G enough?
- If you require 5G connectivity, the Z Fold 3 is the better option. If 4G is enough, then the Mate X3 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: Choose the Huawei Mate X3 for its cutting-edge processor, superior display, and advanced camera capabilities.
- The Pragmatic User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G if you are more price conscious and want a more established brand. The device may not be as performant as the Mate X3.
- The Photography Enthusiast: Opt for the Huawei Mate X3 due to its superior camera sensor and versatile lens setup.
- The Brand Loyalist: Stick with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G for its ecosystem integration and proven reliability, provided the price is favorable.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would pick the Huawei Mate X3. Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: Despite the 4G limitation, I believe the Mate X3’s superior performance, display, and camera technology will hold up better over time. The speed of the chip will make the device usable for much longer.
- Practical Benefits: The faster charging and lighter design make a tangible difference in daily usage, and the camera enhancements are significant for those who value high-quality photos.
- Tech-Forward Experience: As a tech enthusiast, I am always drawn to the most cutting-edge technology, and the Mate X3 represents the pinnacle of foldable phone innovation at this time.
- Superior GPS: I often rely on GPS navigation and the extra satellite system support would provide more reliable location accuracy.
While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is still a capable device, the Huawei Mate X3 offers a more compelling overall package for a user who prioritizes performance, cutting-edge features, and user experience above all else.
