Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Motorola Razr 50. These two foldables offer very different takes on the form factor, and each has its strengths. Here's a deep dive that will give you a clear idea of which might suit you best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Motorola Razr 50 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-27 | 2024-06-25 | The Razr 50 is a much newer phone (almost 3 years difference) |
| Foldable Type | Foldable | Foldable | Both are foldable, but with different mechanisms |
| Physical Size (Unfolded) | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 mm | 171.3 × 74 × 7.3 mm | Fold3 is wider and shorter when unfolded, Razr 50 is taller and narrower |
| Weight | 271g | 188.4g | Razr 50 is significantly lighter, more comfortable to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Main Display Size | 7.6" | 6.9" | Fold3 has a larger display, better for multitasking |
| Resolution | 1768x2208 | 1080x2640 | Fold3 has a noticeably sharper display |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 374 | 413 | Razr 50 has a slightly sharper image per inch |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | Razr 50 is MUCH better for outdoor visibility, Fold3 data not available |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Dimensity 7300X (4 nm) | Fold3 has a flagship-level chipset from 2021, Razr 50 a mid-range chip from 2024 |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 620,395 | Fold3 offers higher raw performance, better for demanding apps |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Fold3's GPU is more performant, better for gaming |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4400 mAh | 4200 mAh | Fold3 has a slightly bigger battery, potentially slightly better battery life |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Razr 50 charges slightly faster |
| Features | Bypass Charging, 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless | 15W Wireless, Reverse Charging | Fold3 offers more charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, Sony IMX555, 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.7µm | Razr 50's sensor might produce more detailed images in ideal conditions, but Fold3 has larger pixels for better low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX374, 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.7µm | Razr 50 has a higher res sensor for detail, Fold3 has a slightly wider aperture for better low light |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | Fold3 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX258, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2 | Both have comparable wide angle lens |
| Video | 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | Fold3 offers smoother 4k, while both have stabilization |
| DxOMark Camera Score | Main: 120, Photo: 129, Video: 105, Selfie:83 | Main: 92 | Fold3 has better real-world camera performance, Razr 50 only Main camera score available |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 14 | Razr 50 ships with a newer version of Android |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | Razr 50 supports newer and faster WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Razr 50 has a newer Bluetooth version |
| GPS | Multiple GNSS systems | Multiple GNSS systems | Fold3 supports more systems for better accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano/eSIM) | Both have dual SIM and eSIM capabilities |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB | Both offer similar storage options |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB/12GB | Fold3 only offers 12GB RAM, Razr 50 offers more options |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Razr 50 offers improved audio recording and spatial audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both have convenient fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both offer excellent screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fold3 includes a barometer for atmospheric pressure sensing. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Strengths: Larger, higher resolution display ideal for multitasking and media consumption. A more powerful chipset and GPU for demanding tasks like gaming. Superior camera system with a telephoto lens and better DxOMark scores. More charging options with bypass charging and reverse wireless charging. Barometer for environmental sensing.
- Competitive Advantages: The Z Fold 3 stands out with its tablet-like experience when unfolded, which makes it great for productivity, watching videos, and reading documents. It's also a fantastic device for photography due to its versatile camera system and performance.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Heavier and bulkier design when compared to the Razr 50. An older chipset from 2021 which, although powerful, is not as efficient as the newer chips. The external display experience is smaller.
Motorola Razr 50:
- Strengths: Much lighter and more compact, easier to carry in a pocket. Newer chipset with better efficiency. Significantly higher brightness display, excellent for outdoor use. Newer Android version out of the box and newer connectivity standards such as WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Better audio recording with 3 microphones, which is great for content creation. The outer display experience is more practical for quick tasks.
- Competitive Advantages: The Razr 50 excels as a more pocketable and stylish foldable. Its focus on portability makes it convenient for daily use. The updated software, connectivity, and display technology bring it closer to 2024-level performance.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: Smaller main display, especially noticeable for multitasking. Mid-range processor that's less powerful than the Fold3 for intensive tasks. Camera is not as good in real world tests. No dedicated telephoto lens. Battery capacity is lower, however, this will be counteracted by a more power-efficient chipset.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Best Suited For: Power users, productivity enthusiasts, gamers, and those who need a large screen for multitasking. Excellent choice for anyone who wants a versatile device that can replace a tablet and offers fantastic camera capabilities
- Use Cases: Multitasking between several apps, gaming, editing photos and videos, reading large documents, watching movies and TV shows, and taking high-quality photos.
- Price-to-Value: Despite being an older model, the Z Fold 3 still packs a punch and delivers a premium experience. It might offer a better value if found at a discounted price.
Motorola Razr 50:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize portability, style, and a great outdoor display experience. People who want a fashionable device that can easily fit in a pocket and still offers a great smartphone experience.
- Use Cases: Daily communication, social media browsing, content creation on the go, outdoor photography, and video calls, basic multitasking, and light gaming.
- Price-to-Value: The Razr 50 offers a modern experience with competitive features at a potentially lower price point than the Z Fold3, especially considering its newer tech.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself to help you decide between these two foldables:
- What is my primary use case? If you need a big screen and raw power for heavy tasks, the Fold3 is the better pick. If you prioritize a pocketable design for everyday tasks, the Razr 50 is ideal.
- How important is portability and design? The Razr 50 is significantly more compact and stylish. It feels more like a traditional smartphone when folded and unfolds into a regular sized screen, whereas the Z Fold3 is a larger, thicker, device all-around, even when unfolded.
- What kind of photography do I want to do? If you want a camera system with a telephoto lens that can perform very well across a variety of use cases, the Z Fold3 is the better pick. However, if you just want to capture quick snaps, the Razr 50 is adequate for most users.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Productivity Power User: If you're constantly multitasking and need a device that can handle demanding apps and long work sessions, choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G for its superior screen real estate, processor, and camera.
- The On-The-Go Enthusiast: If you value a sleek, lightweight, and modern device that's convenient to carry around, the Motorola Razr 50 is your best bet. It shines with its outdoor visibility, newer connectivity features and a solid daily user experience.
- The Budget-Conscious Tech Lover: If you want a premium foldable experience but are budget-conscious, consider the Motorola Razr 50. If you can find the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G at a large discount, it may be a worthwhile option.
Which would I choose?
If I had to pick one, I would choose the Motorola Razr 50. While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has its strengths, especially with its performance and larger display, the Razr 50 feels like a more practical, modern, and user-friendly device for everyday life.
The Razr 50's lighter weight, smaller size when folded, excellent screen brightness, and updated software and connectivity (Wifi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3) make it a much more compelling choice for daily use. The updated processor offers better efficiency and performance than most phones in its category, with great gains made in heat management too, resulting in a more enjoyable user experience. While I appreciate the Z Fold3's additional camera hardware, the real-world photos are just not that much better than the Razr 50's, making it hard to justify choosing it due to the older hardware, bigger size, and increased weight.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal preferences, but for me, the Motorola Razr 50 strikes a better balance between innovation, portability, and modern features.
