Alright, let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and its successor, the Z Fold4. These foldable phones represent the cutting edge of mobile technology, but they also come with their own set of unique considerations. I'll break down the specifications and give you a real-world perspective to help you choose which one might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two foldable flagships stack up:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-27 | 2022-08-25 | The Fold4 is a year newer, meaning potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 mm | 155.1 × 130.1 × 6.3 mm | Fold4 is slightly shorter and wider when unfolded, potentially more ergonomic in the hand. |
| Weight | 271g | 263g | The Fold4 is lighter, which can make a difference during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Main Display Size | 7.6" | 7.6" | Both have a large, tablet-like screen when unfolded for immersive viewing and multitasking. |
| Main Display Resolution | 1768x2208 | 1812x2176 | Minor resolution difference, both offer sharp visuals. |
| Main Display PPI | 374 | 373 | Very similar pixel density for detailed and clear images. |
| Main Display Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations, great for gaming. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Fold4's chip is newer and more powerful, resulting in faster performance and better energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 1,232,800 | The Fold4 benchmarks significantly higher, indicating faster app loading, smoother operation and overall better performance in gaming and intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | The Fold4’s GPU is more powerful, offering better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | The Fold4 has much higher resolution main camera, capturing more detailed photos. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/1.57" | The Fold4 has a larger sensor, generally improving low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP (f/2.2) | 10MP (f/2.2) | Both offer similar selfie camera performance. |
| Telephoto Lens Resolution | 12MP (f/2.4) | 10MP (f/2.4) | The Fold3 has a slightly higher resolution telephoto lens, but real-world differences are minimal. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 13MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Both offer comparable wide-angle camera capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 8K@24fps | The Fold4 can record in 8K, opening the door for more detail and professional grade footage. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 120 | 124 | The Fold4 has a slight edge in overall camera performance, with stronger scores in video and photo tests |
| Battery Life | |||
| Battery Capacity | 4400mAh | 4400mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, implying similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both phones support similar fast charging. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 15W | Both devices offer convenience with wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradeable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradeable to 16) | The Fold4 ships with a newer version of Android and one extra year of OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support the same wifi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | Both offer Bluetooth 5.2 |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The Fold4 has improved GPS, especially with new satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both offer flexible connectivity options with Dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256GB/512GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The Fold4 has a 1TB storage option, which provides greater room for photos, videos, and files. |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB | Both are equipped with 12GB of RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Other Features | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both phones have high quality audio experiences |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both have an identical fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Both phones are protected with Corning's glass, with the Fold4 using a newer version. |
| Sensors | Full Suite | Full Suite | Both have a complete set of sensors for versatile usage. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Strengths
- Mature First-Gen Foldable: The Z Fold3 proved the viability of foldable technology, demonstrating a robust design and impressive performance for its time.
- Good Price/Performance Ratio (Now): Being a generation older, it’s likely more affordable than the Z Fold4, making it a budget-friendly entry into the foldable world.
- Capable Cameras: The triple 12MP camera setup is still quite good, capturing detailed photos and videos in most conditions, especially with a capable wide angle camera.
- Still a Premium Experience: Despite being older, it still offers a high-quality experience with a smooth 120Hz display and solid performance.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Strengths
- More Powerful Chipset: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers significantly better performance and efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 888. This results in faster app loading, smoother gaming, and better battery management.
- Improved Main Camera: The 50MP main camera provides much higher resolution photos with improved detail and low-light performance.
- 8K Video Recording: The ability to record video in 8K resolution is great for users who want a professional-grade camera built in.
- Enhanced GPS: The inclusion of more GPS systems should mean better location accuracy, especially in dense areas and cities.
- Slightly Better Build: The slightly refined design is lighter and slightly smaller, making it easier to handle than the Z Fold3.
- More Storage Option: The 1 TB storage option allows for ample storage for power users.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Z Fold3: Its older chipset, slightly heavier design, and less impressive main camera may feel outdated compared to the newer model.
- Z Fold4: The price is steep, potentially putting it out of reach for more casual users. The battery life is not improved despite the more efficient chipset. Both phones are prone to accidental damage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking to experience a foldable phone without paying top dollar.
- Casual Users: Those who want a large display for media consumption and multitasking but don't need the absolute best performance.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who are interested in exploring the foldable form factor without the latest features, but a still great experience.
Use Cases for Galaxy Z Fold3:
- Reading: Enjoy books, articles, and comics on a large, comfortable screen.
- Multitasking: Run multiple apps side-by-side for increased productivity on the go.
- Media Consumption: Watch movies and videos on a larger screen for a more immersive experience.
- Gaming: Play games on a larger, more engaging display.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need the fastest performance for gaming, video editing, and intensive multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want the best camera capabilities on a foldable phone.
- Professionals: Those who need the latest technology and the most storage for their work.
- Early Adopters: Those who always want the newest and most advanced tech available.
Use Cases for Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Photography: Capture high-resolution photos and 8K videos for social media or professional use.
- Gaming: Enjoy the best mobile gaming experience with a high refresh rate display and a more powerful chipset.
- Content Creation: Take advantage of the large display, fast processor, and high-quality camera to create content on the go.
- Business: Use the large screen and multitasking features for presentations, emails, and document editing.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
How important is cutting-edge performance to you? If you're a gamer or do heavy multitasking, the Z Fold4 is essential. If you are a casual user, the Z Fold3 is enough.
How much emphasis do you place on camera quality? The Z Fold4’s upgraded camera hardware is a significant step up, especially if you want the highest resolution main camera.
What is your budget? The Z Fold3 has become a more budget-friendly option in the last 2 years. If you’re on a tighter budget and don't need the latest and greatest, the Z Fold3 is a strong contender.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Casual User on a Budget: You'll be well-served by the Z Fold3. It's still a great device and the price point is significantly more palatable.
- Power User Who Needs Top Performance: The Z Fold4 is a no-brainer if you want the best possible performance, camera quality, and newest tech, even if it costs more.
- Mobile Photographer/Videographer: The Z Fold4 delivers more versatile camera options, especially with its new 8K video recording and upgraded main sensor.
- Tech Enthusiast Looking for a Good Deal: The Z Fold3 still provides a great introduction to the world of foldables.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. While the Z Fold3 is still a capable device, the upgrades in the chipset, camera, and design of the Fold4 make it worth the investment if the budget allows. For a tech journalist, having access to the most cutting-edge technologies is crucial, and the improvements in the Z Fold4 – particularly the camera and the power – would make a tangible difference in daily use. The faster processing speed also ensures that it will remain relevant for longer, making it the more future-proof option.
I like being at the bleeding edge of innovation, and the Fold4 delivers that without compromises.
