Okay, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Motorola Edge 30. It's a classic case of a premium foldable versus a solid, more affordable mid-ranger. Buckle up, because there's a lot to unpack.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Motorola Edge 30 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Z Fold3 is a pocketable tablet; the Edge 30 is a typical smartphone. A huge difference! |
| Dimensions (mm) | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 (unfolded) | 159.4 × 74.2 × 6.8 | Z Fold3 is much wider when open. Edge 30 is slimmer and easier to hold. |
| Weight (g) | 271 | 155 | The Edge 30 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for daily use. |
| Build Material | Glass & Metal | Glass & Plastic | Z Fold3 uses more premium materials, while Edge 30 is a good quality build. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" (Main) 6.2"(Cover) | 6.5" | Z Fold3's large, foldable display is great for media consumption, multitasking. Edge 30 is standard. |
| Resolution | 1768x2208 | 1080x2400 | Z Fold3 is significantly sharper, especially noticeable on the large display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 374 | 405 | Edge 30 is slightly crisper, but both are very sharp. |
| Technology | Dynamic AMOLED (Main) AMOLED (Cover) | AMOLED | Edge 30 has an AMOLED panel, offering deeper blacks and vibrant colors. Z Fold3 has AMOLED and Dynamic AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 30's 144Hz offers a slightly smoother experience when scrolling or gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same, unspecified peak brightness, meaning real-world performance would be needed. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | Z Fold3's flagship chipset provides snappier performance in all areas. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 609,900 | Z Fold3 is noticeably faster, making it suitable for demanding games and heavy tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | Z Fold3 has the more powerful GPU, meaning better graphics and gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1.8µm) | 50MP (f/1.8, 1.0µm) | Edge 30 has a higher resolution, but the Z Fold3 larger pixels can result in better low-light shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1.22µm) | 32MP (f/2.25, 0.7µm) | Edge 30 has a higher resolution; Z Fold3 has a slightly better pixel size for low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP (f/2.4, 1.0µm) | None | Z Fold3 offers optical zoom capabilities, Edge 30 does not. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | None | Z Fold3 offers wide-angle photos; Edge 30 does not. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | None | 2MP | Edge 30 offers portrait depth effects |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 50MP (f/2.2) | Edge 30 can take wide angle and macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Z Fold3 supports higher frame rates for smoother video recording; Edge 30 has 4k but at 30fps, better slow motion. |
| DXOMark Score | Mobile:120 / Selfie: 83 | N/A | Z Fold3 has a rated camera quality, Edge 30 has not been tested. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 4400 | 4020 | Z Fold3 has a slightly larger battery, but the larger screen may eat that power. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | Edge 30 charges faster, despite having a slightly smaller battery. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes 15W, 9W reverse | No | Z Fold3 can charge wirelessly, and can charge other devices wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Edge 30 ships with a newer version of Android, but Z Fold3 has longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both have the latest WiFi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both have the latest Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Yes, with BeiDou (B1) | Yes | Z Fold3 offers more comprehensive satellite positioning |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Z Fold3 supports eSIM; can have two SIMs and one eSIM at the same time |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB | Z Fold3 offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 12GB | 6GB / 8GB | Z Fold3 is better for multitasking and intense applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Edge 30 has better audio quality thanks to 2 microphones, and better audio separation. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Z Fold3 has better design and functionality |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Z Fold3 has much better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Full sensor suite | Basic sensor suite | Z Fold3 has more sensors including a Barometer. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
Strengths:
- Revolutionary Foldable Design: The star here is the foldable display, offering a tablet-like experience that fits in your pocket.
- Flagship Performance: Snapdragon 888, 12GB RAM, and Adreno 660 GPU deliver top-tier performance.
- Superior Camera System: Telephoto and wide-angle lens offer versatility, along with a very good main sensor, and strong video recording features.
- Better Build Quality: Superior glass protection and more sensors.
- Wireless Charging: Including reverse wireless charging is very convenient.
Trade-offs:
- Bulk and Weight: It's significantly heavier and bulkier than a standard phone.
- Price: One of the most expensive smartphones.
- Battery Life: The larger, high-resolution display consumes more power.
Motorola Edge 30:
Strengths:
- Lightweight and Slim: Very comfortable to hold and carry around, this one is lighter than your average phone.
- Smooth Display: 144Hz refresh rate provides a super smooth experience.
- Fast Charging: 33W charging is faster than the Z Fold3's 25W.
- Good Camera: The 50MP sensor performs well.
- Value: Much more affordable than the Galaxy Z Fold 3.
- Excellent Audio: The 2 microphones offer better audio quality and sound separation.
Trade-offs:
- Less Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 778G+ is good but not flagship-level.
- Basic Camera: Lacks the versatility of the Z Fold3's cameras, especially optical zoom.
- Build: Uses plastic in its construction, and inferior screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is best for:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want cutting-edge technology and a wow factor.
- Multitaskers: Users who need a large screen for productivity and multitasking.
- Media Consumers: Excellent for watching videos, reading, and gaming.
- Creative Professionals: Those who value superior camera performance and powerful processing.
Motorola Edge 30 is best for:
- Everyday Users: Those looking for a well-rounded smartphone at a reasonable price.
- Casual Gamers: It can handle most games smoothly thanks to the 144Hz screen and good processing.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: It delivers a great experience without breaking the bank.
- Light Users: Those who value a slim and lightweight device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help decide:
Do you need a foldable device? If a large, tablet-like screen is essential, the Z Fold3 is the only choice. But if you are ok with a standard size, the Motorola is great.
What is your budget? The Z Fold3 is significantly more expensive. If you want great value, the Motorola is the better option.
What is more important, portability or power? If you prioritize a light and thin phone, the Edge 30 wins. If you want the best performance, choose the Z Fold3.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
For the Power User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G for its superior performance, versatile camera, and unique foldable screen.
For the Budget-Conscious User: The Motorola Edge 30 offers a great balance of performance, features, and price.
For the Casual User: If you want a lighter and smaller phone without all the bells and whistles, the Motorola is a great option.
Which Would I Choose?
Personally, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. It's not the most practical choice, I will admit. The price is exorbitant, and it’s much heavier than I usually prefer. But, as a tech journalist, I'm constantly drawn to innovation, and that's what the Z Fold3 represents. It's a glimpse into the future of mobile devices. The foldable screen and multitasking capabilities are a game-changer for productivity, and the camera system allows a level of versatility not found in other phones. While the Motorola Edge 30 is a great mid-range phone that gets the job done and offers great value, I love to experience the best that technology can offer, and at this point, this is the Z Fold3.
