Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Samsung Galaxy M35. As a tech journalist with a strong engineering background, my aim here is to bridge the gap between the technical specifications and what they mean for you, the user, in everyday life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive comparison table, highlighting key specs and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Z Fold3 offers a unique tablet-like experience when unfolded, M35 is a typical smartphone design |
| Dimensions (mm) | 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 | 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 | Z Fold3 is much wider when unfolded, M35 is taller and thicker |
| Weight (g) | 271 | 222 | M35 is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Main Display Size | 7.6" | 6.6" | Z Fold3 has a significantly larger screen, great for multitasking and media consumption |
| Main Display Resolution | 1768x2208 | 1080x2340 | Z Fold3 offers much sharper visuals on its large screen |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 374 | 390 | Both are similarly sharp |
| Display Tech | - | AMOLED | M35 has more vibrant colors, deeper blacks and better power efficiency |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical peak brightness (unspecified). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G | Exynos 1380 | Z Fold3 has a higher-end chipset, better for demanding tasks like gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 578,500 | Z Fold3 delivers significantly better performance overall |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Z Fold3 has a more powerful GPU, providing superior graphics for gaming |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 4400 | 6000 | M35 boasts a much larger battery, expected to have significantly better battery life |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | Both support fast charging, but different battery tech |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging | Non-removable | Z Fold3 has additional battery features. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | M35 has a higher-resolution sensor, but Z Fold3 has a larger sensor with bigger pixels |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 13MP, f/2.2 | M35 has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | Z Fold3 has a dedicated telephoto zoom lens |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 8MP, f/2.2 | Z Fold3 has a higher resolution wide angle lens |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | M35 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Video | 4K@60fps HDR | 4K@30fps | Z Fold3 offers higher frame rate video capture and better slow motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 120 | - | Z Fold3 has been tested with good results. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | M35 offers a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both have similar Wi-Fi capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.3 | M35 has a newer version with additional audio features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M35 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Z Fold3 has an eSIM option for digital carrier switching |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB | Z Fold3 offers larger internal storage options |
| RAM | 12GB | 6GB/8GB | Z Fold3 has more RAM for better multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | M35 has the edge with additional Hi-Res Audio capabilities |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both feature a side-mounted fingerprint scanner |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have robust screen protection |
| Sensors | Multiple Sensors | Multiple Sensors | Z Fold3 includes more environmental sensors for advanced features |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: Strengths and Advantages
- Unique Foldable Design: The Z Fold3's standout feature is its foldable form factor, which transforms from a standard smartphone into a tablet-like device. This allows for a more immersive experience, especially for multimedia consumption, multitasking, and reading.
- Powerful Performance: With the Snapdragon 888 chipset and 12GB of RAM, the Z Fold3 offers superior performance for heavy apps, gaming, and multitasking. Its benchmark scores highlight its speed advantage.
- Superior Display: The larger 7.6-inch display with a higher resolution is exceptional for productivity and entertainment.
- Advanced Camera System: The Z Fold3’s camera suite, although not the highest in resolution on the main camera, is versatile, with dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lenses, and includes advanced features such as OIS, manual focus, and RAW capture.
Samsung Galaxy M35: Strengths and Advantages
- Longer Battery Life: The standout benefit of the M35 is its massive 6000 mAh battery, which is expected to deliver much better battery life than the Z Fold3.
- Modern Software Experience: Running Android 14 out of the box, the M35 has a more modern and updated software experience.
- Improved Audio Features: With Hi-Res Audio, the M35 has a slight edge in audio quality.
- Lightweight and Comfortable: The M35 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Good Value Proposition: The M35 offers a great balance of features for its price range.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Z Fold3: The Z Fold3 is heavier, bulkier, and has inferior battery life compared to the M35. It is also significantly more expensive, positioning it as a premium, niche product.
- M35: The M35 lacks the premium feel and advanced performance of the Z Fold3. Its camera system, while good, doesn't have the telephoto lens, manual focus and additional features found in the Z Fold3.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- Ideal For:
- Tech enthusiasts who want the latest in mobile technology and are willing to pay a premium.
- Professionals who need a device for multitasking and productivity.
- Users who consume a lot of multimedia content and appreciate a large, immersive screen.
- Users who need advanced camera capabilities with telephoto lens and want manual controls for photography.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy multitasking with multiple apps on screen.
- Watching videos and browsing the web on a large, tablet-like screen.
- Using professional photo and video editing apps.
- Gaming on a big immersive screen.
Samsung Galaxy M35
- Ideal For:
- Users who prioritize battery life and reliability.
- Value-conscious buyers who want a solid smartphone experience without breaking the bank.
- Users who enjoy multimedia, especially audio, and prefer a lightweight design.
- Users who want a modern operating system.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday use, including social media, browsing, and communication.
- Streaming videos, listening to music, and enjoying media consumption.
- Capturing casual photos and videos without extensive requirements.
- Long periods of usage without frequent charging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Practical Questions to Decide:
- How much do you value a foldable, large screen for multitasking and content consumption? If this is a key requirement, the Z Fold3 is the clear choice.
- Is battery life a top priority? The M35 will offer significantly longer battery life for all-day usage.
- How important is top-tier performance? If you need the fastest possible speeds for gaming and heavy apps, the Z Fold3 is better equipped.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: The Power User: You constantly multitask, need maximum performance, and enjoy having the latest technology. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
- Scenario 2: The All-Day User: You value having a reliable device that lasts all day on a single charge, and you do not need a very high performance. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M35.
- Scenario 3: The Multimedia Enthusiast: You love watching videos, listening to music, and browsing with good audio output. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M35 is a decent choice.
- Scenario 4: The Budget Conscious User: You are looking for a smartphone with a good balance of features and performance that doesn't break the bank. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M35 offers a more balanced performance at a lower price point.
My Choice
If I had to pick between these two devices, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, despite its higher cost and weaker battery life. While the Samsung Galaxy M35 is an excellent all-around smartphone with its great battery life, lightweight design, and modern software, the Z Fold3 is a unique device that redefines what a phone can do, and that's really exciting!
As a tech enthusiast and someone who values the ability to multitask efficiently, the large, foldable display of the Z Fold3 is incredibly compelling. It transforms the smartphone into a portable tablet, making it perfect for reviewing documents, reading articles, and watching videos. The superior performance of the Z Fold3, driven by the Snapdragon 888, is another major draw for me, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and quickly. And while the battery life isn’t as impressive, the addition of wireless charging and reverse charging helps in this situation, making up for some of the shortcomings.
Ultimately, the Z Fold3 represents the pinnacle of smartphone innovation, and while its hefty price tag might not make it a rational choice for everyone, I’m drawn to the device because it offers a truly unique and game-changing user experience.
I hope this detailed analysis helps you make an informed decision based on your specific needs. Let me know if you have any more questions!
