Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Huawei P60 Pro. These are two very different beasts, and picking the right one for you depends heavily on what you prioritize in a smartphone. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, highlighting the real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Huawei P60 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Type | Foldable | Standard | The Z Fold3 offers a unique tablet-like experience when unfolded, while the P60 Pro is a traditional, single-screen device. |
| Dimensions | 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm (Unfolded) | 161 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | The Z Fold3 is significantly wider and has a larger unfolded footprint, the P60 Pro is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. |
| Weight | 271g | 200g | The P60 Pro is considerably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" (Foldable) / 6.2" Cover Display | 6.67" | The Z Fold3 provides a much larger screen real estate when unfolded, ideal for multitasking and media consumption. The Cover display on the Z Fold 3 serves as a standard smartphone experience when folded. |
| Resolution | 1768 x 2208 | 1220 x 2700 | The Z Fold3 offers higher resolution on the main display, though this is diluted over a larger area, while the P60 pro has a sharper screen. |
| PPI | 374 | 444 | The P60 Pro's display is noticeably sharper due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | N/A | OLED | The P60 Pro's OLED panel provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown, but it is expected that both will provide sufficient brightness for indoor and outdoor viewing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm) | The P60 Pro has a newer and more efficient chipset, leading to better overall performance and potentially improved battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 1,228,811 | The P60 Pro demonstrates significantly better performance in benchmarks, translating to smoother app loading and overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | The P60 Pro's Adreno 730 GPU offers better gaming performance and graphics processing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 4815mAh | The P60 Pro has a slightly larger battery, which, combined with its more efficient processor, may result in better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 88W Fast Charging | The P60 Pro charges significantly faster, allowing you to quickly top up the battery. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 50W | The P60 Pro also offers much faster wireless charging for extra convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Res. | 12MP (f/1.8) | 48MP (f/1.4) | The P60 Pro's main camera captures more detailed images, especially in low light due to its larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Camera Res. | 12MP (f/2.4) | 48MP (f/2.1) | The P60 Pro's telephoto lens captures more detailed zoomed-in images with a wider aperture providing better light capture. |
| Wide-Angle Camera Res. | 13MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Both devices are comparable in terms of wide-angle capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 10MP (f/2.2) | 31MP (f/2.4) | The P60 Pro's selfie camera captures higher-resolution images. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps (HDR, EIS) | 4K@60fps (EIS) | Both phones are capable of recording high-quality 4K videos, but the Z Fold has HDR, while the P60 Pro has Ultra Stable Video. |
| DxoMark Score (Mobile) | 120 (Photo: 129, Video: 105) | 156 (Photo: 159, Video: 147) | The P60 Pro has a significantly better overall camera performance according to DxoMark scores. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | N/A | The Z Fold3 offers a more predictable Android software experience. The P60 Pro has an unknown OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both devices support the latest Wi-Fi standards for fast and reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (extensive features) | 5.2 (LDAC, SBC, AAC) | Both offer Bluetooth 5.2. The Z Fold3 provides a more comprehensive set of Bluetooth protocols for audio and data transmission, while the P60 Pro offers LDAC, SBC and AAC codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | The P60 Pro supports more satellite systems, potentially leading to greater accuracy and reliability. The Z Fold3 provides a good overall set of satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | The Z Fold3 supports eSIM for flexible carrier options, while the P60 Pro uses dual Nano SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB | Both offer ample storage for most users with 256 and 512 GB options. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB/12GB | Both phones provide plenty of RAM, though the Z Fold3 offers a standard 12 GB, while the P60 Pro has options for 8 and 12. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | The Z Fold3 offers a slight edge in audio quality with Dolby Atmos support for enhanced spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Basic fingerprint | The Z Fold3 provides a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, offering a more convenient and slightly more advanced option than the basic fingerprint sensor of the P60 Pro |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Z Fold3 uses a more durable screen protection material. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive suite (including Geomagnetic) | Comprehensive suite | Both phones feature a suite of sensors for motion, orientation, and environmental measurements. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Strengths:
- Unique foldable design offering a tablet-like experience.
- Larger display for multitasking, media consumption, and creative work.
- Flexible eSIM support for easy carrier switching.
- Dolby Atmos enhanced audio quality.
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
- Competitive Advantages:
- The Z Fold3's foldable form factor is its main draw, offering a unique and innovative user experience unlike anything else.
- A larger screen real estate when unfolded makes it a better option for productivity tasks.
- The inclusion of a cover display allows for conventional smartphone operation.
- Offers a broader range of Bluetooth profiles.
- Trade-offs:
- Significantly heavier and bulkier than the P60 Pro.
- Older chipset with lower benchmark scores and potentially lower battery efficiency.
- Significantly weaker camera performance according to DxoMark scores.
- Less efficient charging.
Huawei P60 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Significantly lighter and more ergonomic for daily use.
- Superior camera system with higher-resolution sensors and better low-light performance.
- Faster processor and GPU, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming.
- Larger battery with faster charging capabilities, both wired and wireless.
- Sharper display due to its higher pixel density.
- Competitive Advantages:
- The P60 Pro excels in photography, offering top-tier image quality and versatile camera features.
- Superior performance in demanding tasks and gaming.
- Its significantly lighter and more ergonomic design is ideal for comfortable everyday use.
- Advanced location technology with more satellite system support.
- Trade-offs:
- Standard single-screen design without the novelty of a foldable display.
- It has an unknown OS.
- Lacks the comprehensive Bluetooth feature set found in the Z Fold3.
- Basic fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is best for:
- Tech enthusiasts who love innovative designs and want a device that can transform from a smartphone to a tablet.
- Professionals who need the larger screen for multitasking, document editing, and presentations.
- Media lovers who want a big, immersive screen for videos and gaming.
Use Cases:
- Video editing and photo manipulation on the go.
- Running multiple apps simultaneously for enhanced productivity.
- Immersive reading experiences and note-taking on the go.
Huawei P60 Pro is best for:
- Photography enthusiasts who prioritize camera quality and performance.
- Power users who want a device with top-tier processing power for demanding apps and gaming.
- Users who value ergonomics and portability without compromising on features.
Use Cases:
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Playing graphically intensive games with smooth frame rates.
- Long-term daily use with extended battery life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to consider when choosing between these phones:
- Do you prioritize innovation and a large, flexible screen or more traditional ergonomics and better camera quality? If you're drawn to the unique experience of a foldable screen, the Z Fold3 is a contender. If you value portability and camera capabilities the P60 Pro is a better pick.
- Is top-tier performance and smooth gameplay more important than flexible multitasking or a slightly larger screen? If gaming and speed are your priorities, the P60 Pro is the clear winner with its more advanced chipset and GPU.
- What are you going to use the phone for? If you're a creative professional who needs a lot of screen space, the Z Fold3 might be your best bet. If you're primarily taking photos and videos, the P60 Pro's superior camera should be your focus.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Creative Professional: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G will offer the best experience for multitasking and media creation.
- For the Avid Photographer: The Huawei P60 Pro will give you the best camera capabilities.
- For the Casual User: The Huawei P60 Pro will offer more convenience, comfort, and ease of use thanks to its lighter design, stronger performance, and better battery life.
My Choice
If I had to pick one, I would lean towards the Huawei P60 Pro. While the foldable form factor of the Z Fold3 is undeniably innovative, my daily usage focuses more on portability, camera quality, and performance. The P60 Pro's superior camera system, faster processor, better battery life, and more ergonomic design make it a more practical device for my lifestyle. As an analyst and tech journalist who is always on the go, those qualities make a big difference. Though, I am intrigued by the foldable design and will need to explore how I would use the tablet function in the future.
