Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. This is a clash of titans, each with its unique strengths and target audience. One is a foldable marvel from 2021, and the other, a cutting-edge powerhouse from 2024. Let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Xiaomi 14 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-27 | 2024-02-22 | Xiaomi is newer by over two years, benefiting from the latest tech. |
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Fold3 offers a unique tablet-like experience when unfolded; 14 Ultra is a conventional smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm (unfolded) | 161.4 x 75.3 x 9.2 mm | Fold3 is much wider when unfolded, 14 Ultra is taller and thicker but still easier to handle on the go. |
| Weight | 271g | 229.5g | 14 Ultra is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for daily use and longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" (main) | 6.73" | Fold3's large display offers an immersive experience, while 14 Ultra is great for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1768 x 2208 | 1440 x 3200 | 14 Ultra provides crisper text and images due to its higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density | 374 ppi | 522 ppi | 14 Ultra's screen will appear noticeably sharper, especially for detailed content and high-res graphics. |
| Technology | AMOLED | 14 Ultra has better contrast, colors and viewing angles thanks to AMOLED technology. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | 14 Ultra’s display is substantially more visible in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | 14 Ultra's chip is generations ahead, providing much faster processing and improved power efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 2,100,000 | 14 Ultra has much greater raw power for gaming, multitasking and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 750 | 14 Ultra's GPU offers better gaming performance and enhanced graphical processing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400 mAh | 5000 mAh | 14 Ultra has a larger battery, translating to potentially longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 90W fast charging | 14 Ultra charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | 15W | 80W | 14 Ultra has much faster wireless charging for greater convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP f/1.63, 1" | 14 Ultra captures more detailed images and handles low light better due to its larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 32MP f/2.0, 1/3" | 14 Ultra offers more detailed selfies with better light sensitivity. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.4 | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.51" | 14 Ultra's telephoto lens has higher resolution and better low light performance compared to the Fold 3. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.51" with Macro | 14 Ultra's wide angle lens has higher resolution and doubles as a macro camera. Fold 3 does not have a macro camera. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | 14 Ultra captures more detailed and smoother video. Both have various video recording options. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 120 | 149 | 14 Ultra has a significantly better camera system compared to the Fold 3 according to DxOMark scoring. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 14 (upgradable to 18) | 14 Ultra has a more recent OS, and will likely receive longer software support. |
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | 14 Ultra can access faster networks via newer WiFi technology. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.4 | 14 Ultra has the latest Bluetooth version which provides greater connectivity options, speed and efficiency. |
| GPS | Many Satellite Systems | More Satellite Systems | 14 Ultra offers better accuracy in tracking location with more satellite options. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Fold3 offers eSIM, which gives an option for a second plan with digital activation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | 14 Ultra offers a 1TB option for users needing more storage. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12/16 GB | 14 Ultra has a 16 GB option, providing better performance and speed in applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 4 Microphones | 14 Ultra has enhanced audio with hi-res audio and more microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Fold3 offers more secure sensor position. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | 14 Ultra has the most recent generation of Gorilla Glass which provides greater scratch and damage protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, RGB | Both phones offer a wide range of sensors but each offer additional features. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: Its primary advantage is the large, foldable display, offering a unique form factor for multitasking, entertainment, and productivity. However, it is older, heavier and has inferior performance compared to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra: This phone is a powerhouse, boasting superior processing power, a much better camera system, a brighter and sharper display, faster charging and a lighter build. It is the more modern device, offering significant improvements across most categories except for the foldable display.
Strengths:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: Unique foldable design, large screen for immersive experiences.
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Outstanding camera system, top-tier performance, superior display technology, faster charging, lighter and more modern build.
Trade-Offs:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: Older processor, heavier design, lower camera capabilities, slower charging and significantly smaller battery compared to the Xiaomi.
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Lacks the unique foldable design.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize a larger screen and the unique foldable design for multitasking, media consumption, and ebook reading. Also for those who want the novelty of a foldable phone at a (now) lower price.
- Use Case: Someone who loves to read on a bigger display, watch movies, and who regularly uses two apps side-by-side.
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra
- Ideal for: Photography enthusiasts, power users, and gamers who want the best performance and a cutting-edge camera.
- Use Case: Professional photographers, mobile gamers, users who watch a lot of video content, and anyone needing top performance and battery endurance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three practical questions to help users decide:
- Do you need a foldable display? If the larger screen and unique form factor are crucial, the Galaxy Z Fold3 might appeal. If not, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a better all-rounder.
- How important is camera quality? If top-tier photography and videography are essential, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is the clear winner.
- Do you value the latest technology and long-term support? If so, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra's modern features and updated OS make it more future-proof than the Galaxy Z Fold3.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- For the casual user looking for a smooth daily phone, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is much more capable, easier to use daily, offers better camera system and overall performance.
- For the professional photographer or videographer, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra provides an exceptional camera system and significantly better video performance as well as 8K video.
- For the mobile gamer or power user, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra offers a much more powerful processor, higher refresh rates and overall improved performance.
- For the user who wants the novelty of a foldable and is on a budget, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is a great choice as it would be cheaper than the 14 Ultra at this moment.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would go with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. While I appreciate the innovation of the foldable design, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra provides a vastly superior daily experience. Its newer processor, more capable camera system, much better screen, lighter build, and significantly faster charging would be much more practical for my usage. The advancements in mobile technology since the release of the Fold 3 are significant, making the 14 Ultra the obvious choice for me. The Fold 3 is an awesome device, but feels a little too old in comparison. I need the reliability, responsiveness, and photographic capabilities the Xiaomi 14 Ultra brings to the table.
