Okay, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Sony Xperia 1 IV. It's a fascinating matchup of different design philosophies and tech priorities. Here's the deep dive:
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Fold3 offers a large screen experience when unfolded, but it's bulkier and heavier. The Xperia 1 IV is a more traditional, sleek, and pocketable design. |
| Dimensions | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 mm (unfolded) | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | Fold3: Wider when unfolded, compact when folded. Xperia 1 IV: Taller, thinner profile for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 271g | 185g | Xperia 1 IV is much lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" | 6.5" | Fold3 has a significantly larger screen for immersive media consumption and multitasking; the Xperia 1 IV is better for comfortable single-hand use and video viewing. |
| Resolution | 1768x2208 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 IV offers a much sharper display with higher pixel density, providing a crisper visual experience. |
| Pixel Density | 374 ppi | 643 ppi | Xperia 1 IV has much crisper detail in text, images, and video. |
| Technology | OLED | Xperia 1 IV provides richer colors, deep blacks, and better contrast due to OLED technology. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, providing a fluid visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: These specs are placeholders, we need actual brightness numbers for a useful comparison. However both can achieve high brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Xperia 1 IV has a newer, more powerful, and efficient chip, potentially providing better overall performance and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV delivers better overall benchmark performance, indicating quicker app loading and smoother gameplay. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV has better GPU performance, leading to superior gaming and graphics rendering capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.8µm | Both offer similar main lens specifications. Xperia 1 IV has a slightly wider aperture, which might improve low-light performance marginally. |
| Selfie Lens | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 12MP, f/2.0 | Xperia 1 IV features a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture for selfies, which will result in slightly better image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | Xperia 1 IV has a slightly wider aperture and smaller sensor, but a newer sensor; may result in a different low-light and zoom performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | 12MP, f/2.2 | Fold3 has a higher resolution for the wide-angle lens, potentially capturing more detail, however, sensor quality matters a great deal here, and isn't available. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | Present | Xperia 1 IV has ToF 3D sensor that can improve AR/VR performance and aid in portrait depth mapping. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xperia 1 IV offers significantly more advanced video capture modes and stabilization. |
| Camera DXOMark Score | Mobile: 120, Photo: 129, Video: 105; Selfie: 83, Photo: 79, Video: 89 | Mobile: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | Fold3 has an higher mobile score from DXOMark and a much better selfie performance |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, Dual Front, Under Display Camera | Quadruple, Ultra Stable Video | Fold3 has a greater focus on unique camera tech and front camera innovation, while the Xperia prioritizes high-quality, stable video capture. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 1 IV has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xperia 1 IV charges a bit faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Reverse/Wireless Charging | Bypass Charging | Fold3 offers more charging versatility with wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | Xperia 1 IV has a more updated OS out of the box but will not be supported as long as the Fold3 from the looks of it. Fold3 has 4 full Android version upgrades while Xperia 1 IV has 2. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | Wi-Fi 6 | Fold3 supports MIMO, for a potentially better Wifi throughput. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, APT-x | 5.2, APT-x, LDAC | Xperia 1 IV offers a broader range of Bluetooth audio codecs for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Dual Band GPS | Xperia 1 IV offers much more precise GPS location thanks to dual band support and more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both support Dual SIM for managing two phone numbers. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 256/512 GB | Both provide ample storage options for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12/16 GB | Xperia 1 IV offers a greater RAM option, which is ideal for heavy multitasking and resource-intensive applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers SD card support for extra storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 1 IV offers enhanced audio experience with Hi-Res Audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both phones offer similar fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure unlocking |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus | Both have similar glass protection for screen scratch protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Gravity, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Fold3 has additional sensors such as gravity and geomagnetic for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Strengths: The standout feature is the transformative foldable design, offering a tablet-like screen experience that's great for multitasking, media consumption, and productivity. It has reverse and wireless charging, unique camera features, and a higher DXOMark mobile score. The under-display camera is cutting edge and has a large internal storage capacity, ensuring users have ample space for their apps and data. Additionally the phone has better software support, making it last longer from a security point of view.
- Competitive Advantages: The large foldable display is unmatched by any traditional smartphone, perfect for users who prioritize screen real estate. It’s the best option for serious multitaskers and creative users.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: It is significantly heavier and bulkier than the Xperia 1 IV, making it less pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. The camera performance, while good, is slightly less advanced than the Xperia in certain areas, specifically video. The high price is also a big hurdle for many.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Strengths: The Xperia 1 IV shines in its display quality, powered by an OLED screen with a significantly higher pixel density for incredible sharpness. It also has a more modern, powerful chipset (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1) providing better performance. This phone excels in media consumption and creation with exceptional video recording capabilities, high-resolution audio, and advanced Bluetooth codecs for superior audio quality. With its lighter weight, it’s more comfortable for daily use and portability.
- Competitive Advantages: It’s the superior choice for content creators and media enthusiasts due to its high-end audio and video features and camera system. The more portable design also makes it more convenient for everyday use.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: The Xperia lacks the innovative foldable display of the Z Fold3. It also has limited software support. The battery, while larger than the Fold3, might still be average. It also has a lower camera DXOMark mobile score.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: Best for users who:
- Want a large, immersive display for multitasking and media consumption.
- Prioritize productivity and creative tasks on the go.
- Enjoy having a unique, standout device.
- Don't mind a heavier, bulkier phone.
- Want a phone with 4 android upgrades
- Sony Xperia 1 IV: Ideal for users who:
- Value high-quality video and audio for content creation and consumption.
- Need a powerful, smooth, and portable phone.
- Prefer a sharp and vibrant display.
- Want a premium audio experience.
- Want a premium camera system
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How important is a large screen for productivity and media consumption? If it's critical, the Z Fold3 is the better option. If portability and comfort are more important, go with the Xperia.
- Do you value top-tier audio and video capabilities for content creation? If so, the Xperia 1 IV is the clear winner. If you prioritize a more diverse feature set, the Z Fold3 has more to offer in other aspects.
- How much does price weigh into your decision? The Z Fold3 is pricier due to its innovative tech. If budget is a big concern, the Xperia is potentially the more practical choice, offering excellent value for its performance and camera specs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The "Multimedia Maestro": If you primarily consume and create content, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the better pick due to its superior video recording capabilities, display sharpness, and audio quality.
- The "Power User": If you need a productivity powerhouse and enjoy multitasking on a large screen, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is the clear choice, despite its bulk.
- The "Everyday User": If you need a well-rounded phone that's powerful, portable, and has a great display and camera, the Sony Xperia 1 IV offers excellent value with better performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would personally pick the Sony Xperia 1 IV.
Here's why: While the foldable display of the Z Fold3 is undeniably innovative, my personal needs align more with the Xperia's strengths. I appreciate a lighter, more pocketable device that excels in media consumption and content creation. The Xperia 1 IV’s sharper screen, better video recording, and enhanced audio, along with its more powerful chipset and better low light capabilities, make it a more appealing daily driver for my use case. Although the Fold3 is amazing, the price and the extra size for me make the Xperia more appealing. Plus, as a tech journalist, I’m always keen to explore phones that push the boundaries in specific areas rather than just offering everything, and the Xperia's focus on camera and audio is incredibly compelling.
