Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). I'll be breaking down the specs, giving you the real-world implications, and helping you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what each specification really means for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Fold3 offers a large screen that folds into a compact form, while the Stylus is a traditional slab. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 (unfolded) | 162.6 × 74.8 × 8.3 | Fold3 is wider and thinner when unfolded, Stylus is taller and thicker. Fold3 is more of a pocket hog. |
| Weight (g) | 271 | 190 | The Stylus is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" | 6.7" | The Fold3 offers a much larger screen, great for multitasking and media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1768x2208 | 1080x2400 | The Fold3 has sharper details due to higher pixel count. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 374 | 395 | The Stylus has a slightly sharper image due to a higher pixel density. |
| Technology | P-OLED | The Stylus offers vibrant colors and deep blacks thanks to its P-OLED screen. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 1200 | The Stylus is significantly better in outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Fold3 has a much more powerful chip, leading to faster app loading and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 514,000 | Fold3 will offer much smoother performance in intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 710 | Fold3's older GPU is part of its more powerful chip, while Stylus's GPU is more efficient for its tier. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | The Stylus captures more detailed photos in good lighting thanks to higher resolution, larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP, f/2.45 | The Stylus captures more detailed selfies; Fold3 has wider aperture for low light but lower res. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | Fold3 can take optical zoomed images; Stylus relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | None | Fold3 captures a wider field of view; Stylus lacks this ability. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Stylus can capture ultra-wide images + macro shots; Fold3 doesn't offer this. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | Fold3 offers more flexible video recording with higher frame rate at 4K. |
| DXOMark (Main Camera) | Main: 120, Photo: 129, Video: 105 | N/A | Fold3 is tested and scores very well; Stylus is untested. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 5000mAh | Stylus will likely offer better battery life due to higher capacity. |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 30W wired, 15W wireless | The Stylus charges slightly faster; both offer wireless charging. |
| Features | Bypass, Reverse wired & wireless | Reverse wired, 15W wireless | Fold3's bypass charging is great for gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 14 (up to 15) | The Stylus has a newer OS. Both offer the same max software version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 6E (802.11ax) | The Stylus supports the latest standard for better performance, lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 | Fold3 has a newer version and more audio codecs. |
| GPS | More systems | More systems | Both have comprehensive GPS support; Motorola has additional support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256/512GB | 256GB | Fold3 offers more storage space in a higher variant; both offer non-expandable storage. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB | Fold3 has more RAM for multitasking and smoother use. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | The Stylus has better voice capture during calls or recordings and enhanced sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Fold3 has better fingerprint reader placement. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | Fold3 has very good protection against drops and scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Barometer | None | Fold3 has more advanced sensors for precise movement and environmental measurement. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Strengths: The standout is its foldable design, creating a tablet-like experience when unfolded. It boasts a much more powerful processor, higher-resolution display (when unfolded), and a versatile camera system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses. Additionally, its multi-tasking capabilities are top-notch, thanks to its generous RAM.
- Competitive Advantages: The unique foldable design, high performance, superior camera flexibility, and robust build quality make it a premium option.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier and bulkier, has a lower battery capacity, less brightness, and is more expensive. The older operating system is a drawback as well.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024):
- Strengths: It offers a very bright P-OLED display, a large battery, good main camera, better audio quality, and the built-in stylus. Its significantly lower weight makes it much more comfortable for extended use.
- Competitive Advantages: It balances affordability with solid performance, a great display, excellent battery life, a built-in stylus, and 5G connectivity.
- Trade-offs: The chipset is much less powerful than the Fold3, the camera system is more basic (lacking telephoto and wide lenses), and it doesn't have the wow factor of a foldable screen, with a basic fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is ideal for:
- Power users: Those who need a device for heavy multitasking, gaming, and complex workflows.
- Media enthusiasts: Users who enjoy watching videos, reading, or browsing on a large screen.
- Tech enthusiasts: Individuals who value cutting-edge technology and innovative designs.
- Users who need a versatile camera: Those who want multiple focal lengths and advanced video features.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is best suited for:
- Value-conscious users: People who want a good balance of features and performance without breaking the bank.
- Creative types: Users who like to jot down notes, draw, or engage in casual creative tasks.
- Everyday users: Individuals who need a reliable phone with a great battery, display, and good camera for daily use.
- Those seeking a comfortable experience: People who prefer lightweight, easy-to-handle phones.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's your priority: innovative design or practical value? If you crave a futuristic foldable phone, the Fold3 is the way to go, despite its price and drawbacks. If you prefer a solid, reliable smartphone at a more affordable price point, the Stylus is the better choice.
- How important is performance and the camera system? If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and provide the best image quality from a versatile camera, the Fold3 is much better. For normal daily usage, the Stylus's camera and performance will be satisfactory.
- Do you prefer comfort and portability, or a larger screen? If you value lightweight design and battery life, the Stylus wins. But if you prefer a bigger screen for immersive entertainment and productivity, the Fold3 is the only option here.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the power user with a flexible budget: Go for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. Its performance and flexibility are unmatched.
- For the creative user who values battery life and portability: The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is the ideal choice.
- For the budget-conscious user who needs a capable all-rounder: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is a great, balanced option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024). Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is an impressive piece of technology with its foldable screen and powerful performance, the Motorola better aligns with my practical daily needs. The Moto G Stylus is much more comfortable to hold and carry, has a better battery, a brighter display, and is more affordable. I am not interested in the tablet-like experience offered by the Fold3. As a tech journalist, while I appreciate cutting-edge technology, I'd opt for a phone that offers reliability, comfort, and a good user experience without breaking the bank. The built-in stylus and the superior battery life are nice bonuses. It's the better choice for most users who want a solid and reliable smartphone without any of the gimmicks.
