Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Motorola Moto G04s. We’ve got a true flagship contender versus a budget-friendly option, so it’ll be interesting to see where the strengths of each lie, and what trade-offs are involved.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key specs, with an eye towards real-world usage:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-27 | 2024-04-29 | Z Fold3 is significantly older, G04s has the latest tech and software. |
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Z Fold3 offers a tablet-like experience when unfolded, while G04s is a traditional phone. |
| Dimensions | 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | Z Fold3 is wider and thinner when unfolded, G04s is taller and thicker; Z Fold3 is much bulkier when folded. |
| Weight | 271g | 178.8g | G04s is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" | 6.56" | Z Fold3 offers a much larger display for immersive viewing and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1768 x 2208 | 720 x 1612 | Z Fold3 has a far sharper display with more detail and clarity. |
| PPI | 374 | 269 | Z Fold3 has a much higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Moto G04s has IPS LCD technology, known for good color accuracy, viewing angles and brightness | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Z Fold3 has smoother scrolling and animations, but both are very good. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same peak brightness, but both values seem off. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | Z Fold3 offers much faster processing and better overall performance for demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 220,000 | Z Fold3 is significantly faster and can handle more demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Z Fold3 has a more powerful GPU, providing better gaming performance and graphics processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 1.0µm | Moto G04s has more megapixels but Z Fold3 has larger pixels and a larger sensor, for better low light results |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 5MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Z Fold3 has higher resolution, leading to sharper selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | N/A | Z Fold3 offers enhanced zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | N/A | Z Fold3 can capture wider shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 1080p@30fps | Z Fold3 offers much higher video quality and slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | Main: 120, Photo: 129, Video: 105 | N/A | Z Fold3 offers much higher camera quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 5000mAh | G04s has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Z Fold3 offers faster charging, but battery capacity is lower. |
| Charging Features | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless | Non-Removable | Z Fold3 has wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | G04s has a more current operating system out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO, Dual Band | 802.11ac, Dual Band | Z Fold3 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi technology. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 (LE, APT-x) | Bluetooth 5.0 (LE) | Z Fold3 has a newer Bluetooth version with more advanced features and better energy management. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Z Fold3 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Z Fold3 offers an eSIM option for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256GB or 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | Z Fold3 provides more base storage for media, apps, and files. |
| RAM | 12GB | 4GB | Z Fold3 has significantly more RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos | Z Fold3 offers more immersive audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both devices have side-mounted fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Z Fold3 has a stronger glass for better protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Z Fold3 has more sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Strengths: The Z Fold3 is a powerhouse, boasting a significantly larger, higher-resolution display, superior performance thanks to its Snapdragon 888 chipset and a huge amount of RAM, a more capable camera system with 4K video recording and advanced zoom, and premium features like wireless charging and better security. The foldable form factor is a unique advantage, allowing it to function as both a smartphone and a small tablet.
- Competitive Advantages: Its foldable screen offers unique multitasking capabilities and a larger canvas for content consumption. The combination of a high-end chipset, generous RAM, and a comprehensive camera suite position it as a top-tier device for power users.
- Limitations: The main drawback is its weight and bulkiness and price and older OS version. The battery life is also less, despite fast charging capability.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Strengths: The Moto G04s stands out as a budget-friendly option with a focus on essential features. It offers a large battery for prolonged use, a higher resolution main camera and is light, and runs on a newer Android version.
- Competitive Advantages: It's significantly lighter and more compact than the Z Fold3, making it easier to handle. It delivers longer battery life due to the large battery, and a better main camera with higher resolution.
- Limitations: Performance is a lot lower than the Z Fold3, with a lower-resolution screen. The camera system is not as versatile, and it lacks some premium features such as wireless charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Ideal Users: Power users, professionals, tech enthusiasts who value multitasking, immersive experiences, and cutting-edge technology. It's a great choice for those who want a device that can handle demanding tasks, media creation, and productivity apps.
- Use Cases: Mobile professionals who need to handle multiple tasks simultaneously; frequent travelers who require a versatile device for work and entertainment; gaming enthusiasts who want smooth performance and immersive visuals; users who heavily rely on photo and video capabilities.
- Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious consumers, everyday users who need a reliable smartphone for communication, social media, and basic tasks. It's suitable for those who want a long-lasting battery without breaking the bank.
- Use Cases: Students who need a reliable phone for study and communication; casual users who primarily browse the web, use social media, and make calls; anyone who needs a device with a good battery life and dependable camera for basic photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide users in deciding between these phones:
- Do you prioritize a large, high-resolution display and superior performance, or a lightweight, long-lasting, and budget-friendly device? If you value a larger, more immersive experience and top performance, the Z Fold3 is better; if battery life and affordability are more important, the Moto G04s is more suitable.
- How important are advanced camera features like 4K video and optical zoom? If these features are crucial, the Z Fold3 is far better due to its versatile camera system. If you need good quality shots without all the bells and whistles, the G04s is a viable option.
- How much are you willing to spend for a premium device with innovative features? If budget is a primary concern, the Moto G04s is a significantly more affordable option. The Z Fold3 comes at a premium price, so consider if the innovative design and top-tier features are worth the cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Mobile Professional: The Z Fold3 is ideal for handling business tasks on the go, taking notes and multitasking on a big screen.
- Scenario 2: The Casual User: The G04s offers a dependable experience for daily tasks, and it is much more pocketable for use while commuting.
- Scenario 3: The Content Creator: The Z Fold3’s ability to record 4K videos at 60fps, its optical zoom and wide-angle lens make it a much more powerful tool for recording videos on the move.
- Scenario 4: The Budget-Conscious Buyer: The Moto G04s is the better option if affordability is your main requirement.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd opt for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. Despite its older release date, the raw performance, significantly better display, and far more versatile camera make it a device that better suits my needs. I appreciate the innovative foldable design for work and media consumption and I’m happy to accept the trade off in size and weight. The ability to use it as a small tablet, combined with its top tier performance makes it a more appealing option for me, especially as I’m often doing multiple tasks while on the move. I’d happily trade the longer battery life of the Moto G04s, for the power of the Z Fold 3.
