Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Motorola Moto G35. One is a foldable marvel from 2021, and the other a more conventional, budget-friendly offering from 2024. This is more than just a spec sheet showdown; it's a clash of philosophies in smartphone design.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table breaking down the key specs and what they mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Z Fold3 offers a unique large screen experience; G35 is a more traditional, everyday phone. |
| Dimensions | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 mm (Unfolded) | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Z Fold3 is significantly wider when unfolded; G35 is taller and thicker. |
| Weight | 271g | 188g | G35 is notably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" | 6.72" | Z Fold3 has a larger display, great for multitasking and media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1768x2208 | 1080x2400 | Z Fold3 offers significantly sharper visuals. |
| PPI | 374 | 392 | Very similar pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | G35 has an IPS LCD which is fine for everyday use. Z Fold3 technology is not mentioned. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | G35 has a much brighter screen, better for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Unisoc T760 | Z Fold3’s chipset is significantly more powerful for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 423,297 | Z Fold3 is much faster for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 | Z Fold3's GPU enables better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | G35 has higher megapixel count, but the Z Fold3 has a larger sensor size. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.45) | G35 has higher megapixel count, but the Z Fold3 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP (f/2.4) | None | Z Fold3 has a dedicated telephoto zoom lens. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Z Fold3 has better wide-angle camera. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | Z Fold3 offers smoother 4K recording and a broader range of frame rates and stabilization. |
| DXOMark (Main) | 120 | N/A | Z Fold 3 has a solid DXOMark rating, G35 has not been tested |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 83 | N/A | Z Fold 3 has a decent rating, G35 has not been tested |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 5000mAh | G35 likely offers better battery endurance due to larger battery. |
| Charging | 25W | 18W | Z Fold3 charges faster. |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | None | Z Fold3 has far superior battery features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 14 | G35 ships with a more modern version of Android |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Z Fold3 supports the newer standard with faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Z Fold3 has a newer Bluetooth version for better device connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | G35 has better positioning via QZSS |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Similar connectivity |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | Z Fold3 offers up to double the storage. |
| RAM | 12GB | 4GB/8GB | Z Fold3 offers significantly more RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | G35 offers better audio capture with 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Similar security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Z Fold3 has much better protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Z Fold3 has more comprehensive sensor array. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Strengths: The Z Fold3 is a technological marvel with its foldable design, large and high-resolution display, powerful Snapdragon 888 chip, versatile camera system with telephoto zoom, and advanced features like wireless charging.
- Competitive Advantages: The foldable design offers a unique user experience for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity. Its sheer processing power and superior camera capabilities are significant advantages.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: The phone is heavy and expensive, with a smaller battery than the G35. The software may not be as up-to-date as the G35. Motorola Moto G35:
- Strengths: The Moto G35 is a budget-friendly phone with a modern design, larger battery, brighter display, and a higher resolution main camera.
- Competitive Advantages: Its modern Android OS and significantly lower price point make it accessible and attractive to many users. The larger battery provides better endurance.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: The G35 uses a less powerful Unisoc chipset, has a less impressive camera system overall, lacks wireless charging and a telephoto lens, and offers less RAM and internal storage options.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, power users, mobile professionals, and anyone who values a large, versatile screen, top-tier performance, and a unique user experience.
- Use Cases: Multitasking, advanced mobile gaming, content creation, mobile office work, media consumption, and anyone who wants to make a statement with their device.
- Value Ratio: High price, but offers premium features that may justify the cost for the right user.
Motorola Moto G35:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, everyday smartphone users, and anyone who wants reliable performance, a long-lasting battery, and a modern Android experience.
- Use Cases: Social media browsing, casual gaming, media consumption, photography, and anyone who needs a reliable phone for daily use without breaking the bank.
- Value Ratio: Excellent value for the price, offering a balanced set of features and good performance at an affordable cost.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
How important is a large and unique screen to you?
- If you crave a large, foldable display for multitasking and media, the Z Fold3 is the choice.
- If a standard-size screen is sufficient, the G35 fits the bill.
What are your performance needs?
- If you need a powerhouse for demanding apps and gaming, choose the Z Fold3.
- If everyday tasks and casual use are your priorities, the G35's performance is sufficient.
What is your budget?
- If budget is not a concern and you want the most advanced device, go for the Z Fold3.
- If you are on a budget but still want a solid and modern device, choose the G35.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Power User: If you frequently multitask, game, and need top-tier performance, the Galaxy Z Fold3 is the obvious choice.
- The Casual User: If you use your phone for everyday tasks, social media, and occasional media consumption, the Motorola Moto G35 is a fantastic budget-friendly option.
- The Photographer: If you value a telephoto lens and want advanced video features, the Z Fold3 is better. However, if you want higher megapixel main camera the G35 might be sufficient.
- The Battery Life Champion: The Motorola Moto G35 would be the go-to pick for its 5000mAh capacity.
What Would I Choose and Why?
Personally, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3. Here's why: As a tech journalist, the experience of using a foldable device like the Z Fold3 is just too interesting to ignore. It’s more than just a phone; it's a piece of innovative engineering, and I love to see cutting edge tech in action. The Z Fold3 offers a unique versatility with its large display for reading articles, reviewing documents, and watching content. I also have a soft spot for a high quality camera, and the extra zoom lens is invaluable. Also, the fact that it has wireless charging and reverse charging is a plus for me. The sheer power of the Snapdragon 888 ensures that I’m able to use all of its features to the maximum potential. The large screen, higher processing power, better camera, and superior features are all more important to me than the longer battery life of the G35. While the G35 offers a great value for money, and the more recent android OS is intriguing, in this case, I'd rather have the flagship experience.
Ultimately, the "best" phone depends on your needs and priorities. The Moto G35 is a great budget-friendly device, but the Z Fold3, even though it's an older model, offers an experience that simply can't be matched, which is a priority for me.
