Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Nothing Phone (1). This isn't just about specs; it's about understanding how these phones fit into your life. As always, I’ll be cutting through the marketing fluff to give you the straight engineering perspective, blended with real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, along with their practical implications for everyday use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Nothing Phone (1) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Z Fold3 offers a unique tablet-like experience when unfolded; Nothing Phone (1) is a traditional form factor. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 (unfolded) | 159.2 × 75.8 × 8.3 | Z Fold3 is wider, thinner unfolded, but larger overall; Nothing Phone (1) is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 271g | 193.5g | Nothing Phone (1) is noticeably lighter and easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" (main), 6.2" (cover) | 6.55" | Z Fold3 has a significantly larger main display; Nothing Phone (1) offers more traditional screen size. |
| Resolution | 1768 x 2208 | 1080 x 2400 | Z Fold3 offers a sharper, more detailed display due to higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 374 PPI | 402 PPI | Nothing Phone (1) has a slightly sharper display (28 PPI difference). |
| Technology | - | OLED | Nothing Phone (1) has superior display tech with better contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer very smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) excels with better outdoor visibility due to much higher brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 778G+ (6nm) | Z Fold3 has a faster, more powerful processor for intensive tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 624,253 | Z Fold3 is faster in benchmarks, translating to snappier app loading and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 642L | Z Fold3 offers better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8 (1/1.76”) | 50MP f/1.88 (1/1.56”) | Nothing Phone (1) excels with higher resolution and a slightly larger sensor for better detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2 (1/3.2”) | 16MP f/2.2 (1/3.13”) | Nothing Phone (1) captures slightly more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.4 | N/A | Z Fold3 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.2 | N/A | Z Fold3 has a dedicated wide angle lens for more versatile shooting. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | N/A | 50MP f/2.2 (1/2.76") | Nothing Phone (1) allows for macro photography. |
| Video | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS | Z Fold3 offers smoother 4K recording; both feature EIS for stabilized videos. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Optical Zoom, Laser AF | Dual Camera, Ultra Stable video | Z Fold3 has versatile camera system, while Nothing (1) has unique stabilization features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400 mAh | 4500 mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, indicating comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Nothing Phone (1) charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Both support wireless charging at the same rate. |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 9W | 5W | The Z Fold3 has more powerful reverse wireless charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 15) | The Nothing Phone (1) ships with a newer Android version, though both will reach Android 15. |
| Other | |||
| Storage Options | 256GB or 512GB | 128GB or 256GB | Z Fold3 has more storage option (up to 512GB), while Nothing Phone (1) maxes out at 256GB. |
| RAM Options | 12GB | 8GB or 12GB | Both have 12GB RAM as option, however Nothing Phone (1) has an 8GB version for those on budget. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Z Fold3 offers superior audio quality, while Nothing Phone (1) excels in calls due to its microphones. |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Z Fold3 offers more comfortable and efficient biometric security, while Nothing (1) is not side-mounted |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Samsung's phone has better screen protection |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
Strengths:
- Unique Foldable Design: The standout feature is the large, foldable display, offering a tablet-like experience in a pocketable device. This is unmatched by traditional smartphones.
- Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 888 and Adreno 660 provide top-tier processing power for gaming and heavy multitasking, although not the latest flagship chipset.
- Versatile Camera System: With telephoto and wide-angle lenses, plus a solid main sensor, the Z Fold3 provides a very versatile shooting experience.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support creates a more immersive audio experience.
- Superior Build: The phone has a better version of Gorilla Glass than the Nothing Phone (1).
Trade-offs:
- Bulky and Heavy: Significantly heavier and bulkier than the Nothing Phone (1), affecting portability.
- Higher Price: The Z Fold3 is substantially more expensive due to its foldable technology and advanced features.
- Lower Brightness: The screen brightness is significantly less than the Nothing Phone (1) making outdoor use harder.
Nothing Phone (1)
Strengths:
- Balanced Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ offers a good balance of power and efficiency for most users.
- Lightweight and Comfortable: Much lighter and easier to handle than the Z Fold3, great for daily use.
- Excellent Display: The OLED display is vibrant and offers much higher outdoor brightness compared to the Z Fold3.
- Great Value: It offers great value for its price, with features that often only come in higher end phones
- Great Cameras: Good main and selfie cameras and the ability for macro photography.
- Faster Charging: Nothing Phone (1) has faster charging, and uses the more standard and efficient Li-Ion technology.
Trade-offs:
- Standard Form Factor: Lacks the unique foldable design of the Z Fold3.
- Less Powerful: The chipset is less powerful than the Z Fold3, which can impact performance with very demanding tasks.
- No Telephoto: The lack of a dedicated telephoto lens limits zoom capabilities.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Ideal For: Power users, mobile professionals, and anyone who values a large screen for multitasking, media consumption, and creative work.
- Use Cases: Reading and editing documents, watching movies, gaming on the go, running multiple apps simultaneously.
- Recommendation: If you need maximum screen real estate, powerful performance, and a unique foldable design, and are willing to pay a premium, the Z Fold3 is an excellent, albeit expensive, choice.
Nothing Phone (1):
- Ideal For: Everyday users who prioritize a balance of performance, value, and ease of use.
- Use Cases: Daily communication, social media, streaming, casual gaming, and taking photos, but not macro, or zoom photography.
- Recommendation: If you want a reliable, well-rounded smartphone with a great display, smooth performance, and fast charging at a great price, the Nothing Phone (1) is a superb choice.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize a large screen and unique foldable design above all else? If yes, the Z Fold3 is your likely choice, despite its heft and price.
- Is portability and ease of use a high priority? If so, the Nothing Phone (1) is significantly lighter and more comfortable for everyday use.
- What is your budget? The Z Fold3 is a premium device, while the Nothing Phone (1) offers much more value for its price point.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent traveler who needs a productivity powerhouse on the go? Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G for its tablet-like experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual user who wants a reliable daily driver with a good camera? Choose the Nothing Phone (1) for its excellent value and performance.
- Scenario 3: Gamer who needs top-tier graphics performance and wants the best visual quality? The Z Fold3 may offer slightly better graphical performance, but the Nothing Phone (1) has higher screen brightness and a similar 120hz refresh rate.
- Scenario 4: Someone who needs a great camera to zoom or do macro photography? Neither is the best at both, but the Z Fold3 offers optical zoom and the Nothing Phone (1) offers Macro photography
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two devices, I'd lean towards the Nothing Phone (1) for my daily driver. As someone who values the balance between performance, portability and price, the Nothing Phone (1) hits the sweet spot. While the foldable nature of the Z Fold3 is undeniably impressive, and has a better camera with optical zoom, the sheer bulk and price of the Z Fold3 is hard to ignore. The Nothing Phone (1) delivers excellent performance for the average user, has a brilliant, bright screen that is essential for outdoor use, and has great value. It also has the superior charging speed compared to the Z Fold3 and I value the lighter build, which makes it more convenient for me to handle. Ultimately, it’s about what fits my needs best, and for me, that's the Nothing Phone (1).
