Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. We have a fascinating matchup here: a cutting-edge foldable battling it out with a solid mid-range contender. Buckle up, tech enthusiasts, because we're about to get granular.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on the real-world implications of each specification.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-27 | 2023-04-11 | The Note 12 Pro 4G is significantly newer, meaning updated software and potentially better component availability. |
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | The Z Fold3 offers a unique tablet-like experience when unfolded; The Note 12 Pro 4G is a typical, comfortable-to-hold smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm (open) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm | Z Fold3 is wider when unfolded, great for multitasking, and Note 12 Pro 4G is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 271g | 201.8g | The Note 12 Pro 4G is much lighter, more comfortable for extended use. Z Fold 3's weight reflects its complex folding design. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" (main) | 6.67" | Z Fold3's larger screen transforms how you consume content and multitask. Note 12 Pro 4G has a standard display size. |
| Resolution | 1768 x 2208 | 1080 x 2400 | Z Fold3 provides sharper visuals with more detail due to its higher resolution, while Note 12 Pro 4G has a respectable but lower resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 374 ppi | 395 ppi | Note 12 Pro 4G has a slightly sharper screen due to slightly higher pixel density. |
| Display Technology | AMOLED | Note 12 Pro 4G offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better energy efficiency with its AMOLED display. Z Fold 3 lacks display technology details. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Note 12 Pro 4G offers much better visibility in bright sunlight. Z Fold 3 has no specified display brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Snapdragon 732G (8nm) | The Z Fold3 boasts a much more powerful processor; smoother app loading, superior multitasking, and handles demanding games much better. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 397,200 | The Z Fold3 offers a significantly higher benchmark performance, making it better for demanding tasks and gaming |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 618 | Z Fold3's GPU is better for graphically intense games and apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.9 | Note 12 Pro 4G captures more detailed images, while the Z Fold 3 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Note 12 Pro 4G has a higher resolution for clearer selfies, while the Z Fold3 has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | None | Z Fold 3 has a dedicated telephoto lens allowing for better optical zoom. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Z Fold 3 captures more detailed wide-angle shots, but Note 12 Pro 4G has a slightly larger sensor. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | Note 12 Pro 4G is equipped with a dedicated macro lens for close up shots |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Note 12 Pro 4G has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, HDR | 4K@30fps | The Z Fold3 offers higher frame rate 4K recording and HDR support. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400 mAh | 5020 mAh | Note 12 Pro 4G has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging Speed | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Note 12 Pro 4G charges much faster, a huge convenience. |
| Additional Features | Wireless, reverse wireless and bypass charging | Reverse charging | Z Fold 3 is equipped with additional convenient charging options such as wireless, reverse wireless and bypass charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 11 | Z Fold3 provides newer software and longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | Z Fold 3 provides better WiFi performance and speed with its support of WiFi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE | 5.1 LE | Z Fold 3 has a newer version of Bluetooth |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | Z Fold3 provides eSIM, a feature not available in Note 12 Pro 4G. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB or 512GB | 128GB or 256GB | Z Fold3 has an option for more storage. |
| RAM | 12GB | 6GB or 8GB | Z Fold3 has a significant RAM advantage, enabling smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers the option for additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio | Different audio enhancement technologies with both phones having stereo speakers |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Standard biometric protection method shared by both devices. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Strengths: The Z Fold3 is a technological marvel with its foldable design and expansive 7.6" display, making it a powerhouse for multitasking, content consumption, and unique user experiences. Its powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset, paired with a generous 12 GB of RAM, delivers top-tier performance. Also, the versatile camera system with a telephoto lens and superior video recording capabilities make it a great device for content creation. It also has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Competitive Advantages: Its folding screen is the obvious standout. The sheer size of the unfolded display creates a tablet-like experience in your pocket. This, combined with the premium processing power and high-end build quality, positions it as a device for those who demand the best.
- Trade-offs: The Z Fold3 comes with a significantly higher price tag and is heavier and bulkier than the Note 12 Pro 4G. The battery capacity is smaller and has slower charging speeds compared to Note 12 Pro 4G. There's also no mention of the display technology, which is a major omission considering this is a major selling point of the phone.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G:
- Strengths: The Note 12 Pro 4G shines in practicality and value for money. It offers a vibrant AMOLED display, a large battery with incredibly fast 67W charging, and a high-resolution 108MP main camera, all within a lightweight and comfortable design. It is also equipped with macro and depth lenses adding versatility to its camera features.
- Competitive Advantages: The standout feature is its exceptional battery life and charging speed. The Note 12 Pro 4G's AMOLED display, while smaller than the Z Fold3, still provides rich and vibrant colors, and the 1200 nits of brightness is great for outdoor use.
- Trade-offs: Performance is notably weaker than the Z Fold3, with a less powerful processor and half of the ram. The camera capabilities are not as robust as the Z Fold3, lacking features like optical zoom and OIS.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is best for:
- Power Users: Those who need to multitask, run demanding applications, and engage in resource-intensive tasks.
- Content Creators: Individuals who want a versatile camera system and a large screen for editing and content creation.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who crave cutting-edge technology and are willing to pay for a truly unique and premium experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a reliable and feature-rich device without breaking the bank.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize long battery life, fast charging, and a good multimedia experience.
- Photo Enthusiasts: Users who want a high-resolution main camera and good overall photography performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions that will help you decide between these phones:
- Do you value cutting-edge technology and a unique form factor, even at a premium price? If yes, the Z Fold3 is the obvious choice. If not, the Note 12 Pro 4G is more practical.
- Is battery life and fast charging a top priority? If so, the Note 12 Pro 4G has a clear advantage. If not, the Z Fold3 may be sufficient with its extra features.
- How do you prioritize camera performance? If you require optical zoom, advanced stabilization, and versatility, the Z Fold3 is better. If high resolution and additional camera features is what you're looking for, then Note 12 Pro 4G is a better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Mobile Professional: If you need a device that can handle heavy multitasking, video calls, and on-the-go document editing, the Z Fold3's large screen and processing power make it the ideal work companion.
- For the Casual User: If you primarily use your phone for browsing, social media, watching videos, and taking everyday photos, the Note 12 Pro 4G offers a more balanced and budget-friendly experience.
- For the Gaming Enthusiast: If you want top performance for gaming, the Z Fold3's Snapdragon 888 and Adreno 660 will deliver a significantly smoother and more enjoyable experience, though the Note 12 Pro 4G can still handle games at lower settings.
- For the Photographer: If versatility and quality is what you seek in a camera the Z Fold3 would be a better choice, while if you like having higher resolution and macro capabilities, the Note 12 Pro 4G would be better.
The choice for me
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
Although the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G presents a great value for its price range with its strong battery life and fast charging, I am a big fan of pushing boundaries when it comes to technology. The foldable nature of the Z Fold3 is such a revolutionary concept in phone design that I find it impossible to resist. The engineering behind the display and folding mechanism is astonishing, and being able to use it as a tablet and then fold it up into a phone adds more versatility to it. The performance metrics are also significantly higher making it a better long term investment, even though it has a higher price tag. In the end, I'd sacrifice battery life and faster charging for this premium, innovative device.
