Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. I’m here to break down the specs and help you figure out which phone might be the right fit for you. Let's get started!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what each specification means for you in the real world:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Motorola Edge 50 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Foldable offers a larger screen when unfolded for better media and multitasking; standard is more portable and durable. |
| Dimensions | 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm (unfolded) | 161.2 x 72.4 x 8.2 mm | The Fold3 is wider and thinner when unfolded. The Edge 50 Pro is taller and thicker. Fold3 will be less ergonomic to use one-handed when folded. |
| Weight | 271g | 186g | Edge 50 Pro is significantly lighter making it more comfortable to hold for long periods. Fold 3 is quite heavy due to its nature. |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer good scratch and shatter resistance with similar screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Main Screen Size | 7.6" | 6.7" | Fold3 offers a much larger display for immersive experiences; Edge 50 Pro is more compact and comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Main Resolution | 1768 x 2208 | 1220 x 2712 | Fold3 has a higher pixel count; Edge 50 Pro has a taller aspect ratio. Fold 3 should have better clarity for detailed visual work. |
| Pixel Density | 374 PPI | 446 PPI | Edge 50 Pro offers a noticeably sharper and more detailed display. |
| Technology | Dynamic AMOLED | P-OLED | Edge 50 Pro has superior P-OLED display technology offering deeper blacks and better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Edge 50 Pro has a slightly smoother experience during gaming and UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Edge 50 Pro is much better for outdoor use and bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 | Fold3 has a higher-end chip from 2021; Edge 50 Pro has a more modern mid-range chip from 2024 with better efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 898,700 | 866,863 | Both phones offer similar performance levels for most tasks, very slight advantage to fold3 on paper. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 720 | Edge 50 Pro has a newer and slightly more efficient GPU. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12/16 GB | Edge 50 Pro offers up to 16GB of RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.4) | Edge 50 Pro captures more detailed images, excels in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2) | 50MP (f/1.9) | Edge 50 Pro takes far more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP (f/2.4) | 10MP (f/2.0) | Fold3 has a slightly higher resolution telephoto lens. Edge 50 Pro has a brighter telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Both offer comparable wide-angle capabilities. |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Fold3 offers higher frame rate for 4k. Both have capable video recording. |
| Camera Features | Dual Front Camera, Laser AF, Under display camera | Time-lapse, continuous focus, dual capture | Fold 3 has a more varied lens and better focusing features for capturing subjects and dual front camera allows more versatile video. Edge 50 has better features for creating engaging content. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4400 mAh | 4500 mAh | Both phones have very similar all-day battery potential. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 125W Fast Charging | Edge 50 Pro charges much faster. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W, 9W reverse | 50W, 10W reverse | Edge 50 Pro has much faster wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | Edge 50 Pro has a much more modern Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 | Edge 50 Pro supports the latest WiFi for faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | Edge 50 Pro has a newer Bluetooth for better connectivity. |
| GPS | Multiple | More robust GPS | Edge 50 Pro offers more robust GPS location tracking via satellite tracking systems |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Edge 50 Pro has more storage options. |
| RAM | 12GB | 12/16GB | Edge 50 Pro has more RAM for enhanced performance and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device offers microSD card support. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Edge 50 Pro has an additional microphone for enhanced audio. |
| Security | Side Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Fold3 features more advanced side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Strengths: Its standout feature is the foldable design, offering a unique experience with a large, immersive display. It provides robust performance from its Snapdragon 888 chipset and has a versatile camera system. It features very good multitasking with its ability to run applications side by side. It provides more advanced security features.
- Competitive Advantages: The fold-out screen is great for media consumption, multitasking, and reading. The secondary external display makes it easy to take calls and send messages. It boasts a premium build quality with a unique form factor and high quality screen.
- Trade-offs: It's bulkier and heavier than typical smartphones, with a higher price tag. Older chipset, lower pixel density, slower charging speed, and lower quality main camera are some trade offs.
Motorola Edge 50 Pro:
- Strengths: It excels in areas like display quality with a higher refresh rate and brightness, faster charging capabilities, and a more modern operating system. Its lightweight and ergonomic design makes it easier to handle daily. The camera excels in low light with a wider aperture lens and a higher megapixel count.
- Competitive Advantages: It provides a balanced experience with a focus on modern features and daily usability. It also boasts a slightly more modern processor with Wi-Fi 7 capabilities.
- Trade-offs: It lacks the wow factor of a foldable screen, and its camera system is less versatile. It does not have dual camera functionality or a laser auto focus.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: Best suited for tech enthusiasts who value cutting-edge technology, multitasking power users who benefit from a larger display, or anyone who enjoys immersive media experiences on the go.
- Use Cases: Multi-tasking, watching videos, gaming, reading ebooks and documents, and taking unique photos and videos with its unique camera setup.
- Motorola Edge 50 Pro: Ideal for users who prioritize a fast, smooth experience, excellent display quality, and fast charging. This device is geared towards those seeking a great daily driver.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, gaming, content consumption, social media, photography in low light situations, fast charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize a large, foldable display for immersive experiences and multitasking?
- If yes: Go for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
- If no: The Motorola Edge 50 Pro may be better suited.
- How important are fast charging and long battery life to you?
- If they are crucial: The Motorola Edge 50 Pro is a better choice with 125W fast charging.
- If not a priority: The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is okay.
- What kind of camera capabilities do you need?
- If you need versatility with multiple lenses and front camera for unique video recording: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G could be better.
- If you prioritize high-resolution, low-light photography: The Motorola Edge 50 Pro with its f/1.4 main lens is likely better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For the Tech Enthusiast: If you love having the latest and greatest, despite the price tag, and want to experience the future of phones, go for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. The foldable display and unique features make it a showstopper.
- For the Practical User: If you want a phone that works really well, has a fast refresh rate and great quality screen for media consumption, charges in a flash, and takes excellent pictures, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is the smarter choice.
- For the Budget-Conscious Buyer: Given their performance is mostly comparable, and the fact that the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is newer, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro is the better value for your dollar.
My Choice
If I were in the market for a new phone right now, I'd personally choose the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a wow factor with its foldable design and a high-end chipset from 2021, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro brings a more well-rounded package. For daily use, the Edge 50 Pro's lighter build, faster charging, higher refresh rate, better camera and more modern software are huge benefits. The Edge 50 Pro excels in areas that matter most to me: a smooth, responsive display for everyday tasks, rapid charging that fits my fast-paced life, and fantastic photos and videos. While the Fold 3 has better versatility with its camera setup, the Edge 50 Pro has a very capable and modern camera and does exceptionally well in low light, which suits me better.
The Fold 3 may be fun for a week or two but in terms of long term usability, the weight and clunkiness will likely be an issue for most. The Edge 50 Pro, on the other hand, is just a very good modern daily driver that is very easy to recommend.
So, despite my fascination with innovative tech like the foldables, the Edge 50 Pro's practicality, value, and performance make it the winner in my book.
