Okay, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Nokia G60. We'll get into the nitty-gritty and figure out who these phones are really for.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specifications, what they mean in the real world, and how the two phones stack up:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Nokia G60 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Fold3 is a tablet that folds into a phone; the G60 is a traditional smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 mm (Unfolded) | 166 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | Fold3 is significantly wider when unfolded; G60 is taller and thicker. Fold 3 is bulkier overall. |
| Weight | 271g | 190g | Fold3 is noticeably heavier; G60 is more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" (Unfolded) | 6.58" | Fold3 has a much larger display area, great for multitasking and media; G60 is more typical of modern phones. |
| Resolution | 1768x2208 | 1080x2408 | Fold3 has a significantly sharper display due to the higher resolution; G60 display is still good, just not as detailed. |
| Pixel Density | 374 ppi | 401 ppi | G60 has a slightly sharper display when viewing the display at the same distance due to more pixels per inch. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | G60 uses IPS LCD for vibrant and accurate colors. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both screens are very smooth and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | The brightness is identical at 0 nits (this is an error in the data, and is likely the minimum brightness). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Fold3 has a higher-end chipset for faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming; G60 is adequate for everyday use and some light gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 898,700 | 410,072 | Fold3 is significantly faster with over double the benchmark score, more ideal for heavy users or gamers. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 619 | Fold3 provides superior graphics processing power. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | Nokia G60 captures more detailed images due to the higher megapixel count. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 | Both cameras can handle low light fairly well. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 1.80 µm | 0.70 µm | Fold3 will have better low light performance due to the bigger pixels on its sensor. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 8MP | Fold3 captures slightly more detailed selfie images. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | G60 selfie camera can capture more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP (Fold3) | Not Present | Fold3 has the benefit of a dedicated zoom lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP (Fold3) | 5MP (G60) | Fold3 has a much higher resolution ultra wide lens. |
| Depth Sensor | Not Present (Fold3) | 2MP (G60) | G60 has a dedicated depth sensor to improve portrait mode photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps (Fold3) | 1080p@30fps (G60) | Fold3 records at a higher resolution and has better video stabilization; G60 videos are limited to 1080p at 30fps. |
| DXOMark Score (Main) | 120 | Not Tested | The Fold3 has a high performing camera according to DXOMark. |
| DXOMark Score (Selfie) | 83 | Not Tested | The Fold3 has a capable selfie camera according to DXOMark. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4400 mAh | 4500 mAh | Very similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life between the devices. |
| Charging | 25W Fast (Fold3) | 20W Fast (G60) | The Fold3 will charge slightly faster. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging, Bypass Charging | None | The Fold3 has more advanced charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Fold3) | Android 12 (G60) | G60 ships with a slightly newer version of Android; Fold3 can be upgraded to Android 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO (Fold3) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support high speed wifi but the Fold3 supports faster data transfer using Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 (Fold3) | Bluetooth 5.1 | Fold3 is slightly newer with its Bluetooth connectivity; Both are more than sufficient for most Bluetooth devices. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) (Fold3) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both phones have advanced GPS capabilities, but G60 has better location accuracy with more satellite system support, QZSS support helps increase accuracy in Asia region. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Both allow use of two phone numbers and support eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 64/128 GB | Fold3 offers significantly more storage space; G60 storage is limited, and cannot be expanded via SD card. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 4/6 GB | Fold3 has much more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers (Fold3) | Basic (G60) | Fold3 offers premium sound quality with more immersive listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones have a common method of biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Fold3) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (G60) | The Fold3 is more scratch resistant. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer (Fold3) | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fold3 has more environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Strengths:
- Revolutionary Design: The foldable form factor is a game-changer, offering a large screen in a portable format.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 888 provides high performance, making it suitable for demanding apps and gaming.
- Superior Camera System: With a dedicated telephoto lens, high-resolution wide-angle, and more advanced features, the camera is more versatile.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and bypass charging add convenience and flexibility.
- Advanced Audio: Stereo speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos.
- High Storage and RAM: Significantly more internal storage and RAM.
Nokia G60 Strengths:
- Lightweight and Ergonomic: Much lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-hand operation.
- Slightly Higher Pixel Density: The display is slightly sharper when viewed at a normal distance.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with a more recent version of Android.
- Better GPS: QZSS support.
- More Affordable: Typically priced lower than the Z Fold3.
- Depth sensor: Dedicated depth sensor for portraits.
- Main camera: Higher megapixel count with a 50MP main sensor.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: The high price, higher weight, the crease on the folding display can be a deterrent for some.
- Nokia G60: It lacks high-end performance features found in the Fold3. Less powerful chipset, lower storage and RAM, and a less impressive camera system.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is Best For:
- Power Users: Those who need a high-performance device for multitasking, gaming, and productivity.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate cutting-edge technology and unique form factors.
- Content Creators: Individuals who value a versatile camera system and a large display for editing and media consumption.
- Professionals: Users who use phones for work and require a large display for multitasking, document editing, and presentations.
Nokia G60 is Best For:
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks, communication, and casual media consumption.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who prioritize affordability and good value over top-end features.
- Users Who Prefer One-Handed Usage: The lighter weight makes it easy to hold and use.
- Users Who Want a Long Lasting Device: Reliable daily performance and good software support
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
What is Your Primary Use Case?
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: If you need a high-performance device for multitasking, gaming, and content creation, and the price is not a major factor, the Fold3 is the better choice.
- Nokia G60: If you need a reliable smartphone for everyday use, with the basics covered and at a lower price point, the G60 is a solid choice.
What Are Your Priorities?
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: If you prioritize a cutting-edge design, superior performance, a large display, and a versatile camera, the Fold3 is worth the investment.
- Nokia G60: If your priorities include comfort, good value, battery life and a good camera for casual use, the G60 is a solid, reliable option.
What Is Your Budget?
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: If you have a generous budget and value premium features and the foldable screen, the Fold3 is the way to go.
- Nokia G60: If you are on a tighter budget, the G60 offers excellent value for its price range.
Personal Recommendation
If it were my money, and I was choosing between these two phones, I would have to go with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
Here's why:
As a tech journalist and someone who values the latest innovations, the Fold3's foldable design and bleeding-edge tech are simply too compelling to pass up. The massive unfolded screen is perfect for reading articles, editing documents, and multitasking on the go, which is an integral part of my daily workflow. The performance is unmatched on the Android side, and is perfect for the occasional gaming session that I might want to squeeze in. The advanced features, like wireless charging and the superior camera system, add convenience to my life, and also help with my work as I am often reviewing the quality of camera systems.
While I appreciate that the Nokia G60 offers excellent value and a more comfortable form factor, my needs lean heavily towards the high-performance and innovative capabilities of the Z Fold3. The price is certainly a significant consideration, but in the long run, I feel the premium features and added functionality of the Fold3 justify its cost for me.
I love to play with the newest and coolest tech that comes out, and the Fold3 is at the forefront of that. Plus I love having a large screen at my disposal while I am on the go. For the person who enjoys technology and needs all of the capabilities that a modern smartphone provides and more, the Fold3 is the clear choice.
