Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+. This isn't just a spec-sheet showdown; we're going to break down what these numbers actually mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison, focusing on how these specs impact your daily use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Z Fold3 offers a unique tablet-like experience when unfolded, while the Redmi is a traditional, more pocketable phone. |
| Dimensions | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 mm (unfolded) | 162.9 × 76 × 8.9 mm | Z Fold3 is significantly wider when unfolded but thinner, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is taller and thicker; Fold is less pocketable when folded. |
| Weight | 271g | 208.4g | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" (main), 6.2"(cover) | 6.67" | The Fold3 offers a significantly larger screen for immersive media consumption and multitasking (main), and an external screen for on the go. |
| Resolution | 1768x2208 | 1080x2400 | The Fold3 has higher pixel count, but real-world sharpness is nuanced |
| PPI | 374 | 395 | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has slightly sharper details on paper, but both look very good |
| Technology | Dynamic AMOLED | OLED | OLED tech on both phones for vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ excels in outdoor visibility, making it usable even in bright sunlight, while the Fold 3 doesn't publish brightness figures. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Dimensity 1080 (6nm) | The Snapdragon 888 offers higher raw power for intensive tasks and gaming, while the Dimensity 1080 provides good all-around performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 573,100 | Z Fold3 offers significantly faster performance for smoother multitasking and demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G68 MC4 | High-performance gaming will feel better on the Fold3 |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 5000mAh | The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast, 15W wireless | 120W fast charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ charges significantly faster, while the Fold3 offers wireless charging capabilities. |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | Non-removable | The Fold 3 has features like Bypass Charging and Reverse charging |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 200MP (f/1.65, 1/1.4") | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ captures much higher detail with its 200MP sensor, but raw pixel count doesn't always mean better quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2") | 16MP (f/2.45) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a higher resolution selfie camera, but the Fold 3 has a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Camera | 12MP (f/2.4) | None | Z Fold3 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06") | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | Z Fold3 has a higher resolution wide-angle camera but smaller sensor, the Redmi has a slightly larger sensor and lower resolution. |
| Macro Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5") | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720@960fps | Z Fold3 offers 4k60, 1080p240 while Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Offers up to 4k30, both offer slow motion features. |
| DXOMark Main Camera | 120 | 113 | Z Fold3 scored higher in photo tests while Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ scored higher in video tests. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Both phones are running on different Android Versions. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 LE with advanced codecs | 5.2 LE with LDAC, SBC, AAC | Both support Bluetooth 5.2 LE, The Fold3 offers additional protocols. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has additional satellite system (L1) for better GPS |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Fold 3 has a eSIM slot for easier carrier switching |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 256/512GB | 128/256GB | Z Fold3 has higher maximum internal storage capacity, both have no expandable storage. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8/12GB | Both offer good RAM options for smooth multitasking, 12 GB for demanding games. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has higher quality audio features for a better listening experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors for quick access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | Z Fold3 offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Proximity, Motion | Z Fold3 has additional environmental sensors, offering advanced features for environmental awareness. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Strengths:
- Unique Form Factor: The foldable design is its biggest draw, offering a tablet-sized display for immersive experiences and a smaller cover screen for on-the-go tasks.
- Raw Performance: The Snapdragon 888 delivers significantly higher processing power, making it better for heavy multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Versatile Cameras: The triple camera setup, including a telephoto lens, offers more versatility for different shooting scenarios, coupled with Dual Front Camera and Under display camera.
- Additional Features The phone also offers additional features like Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging and eSIM.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Exceptional Value: The Redmi offers impressive features at a competitive price point, making it a great all-around performer for the money.
- Superior Display Brightness: Its 900 nits of brightness ensure excellent outdoor visibility, a key advantage for many users.
- Blazing Fast Charging: The 120W fast charging is significantly quicker than the Fold3, a great addition for people on the go.
- High-Resolution Camera: The 200MP main sensor allows for capturing incredible detail.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio and Stereo Speakers offer better sound quality.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: The Z Fold3 is heavy and bulky, especially when folded, its more expensive, has a low brightness, a moderate battery capacity, and lacks the latest chipset.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+: The Redmi’s performance doesn’t match the Fold3 for demanding tasks and lacks advanced features such as wireless charging or telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Professionals and multitaskers who need a large screen for work, creative apps, and running multiple applications simultaneously.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of video content, enjoy immersive gaming, and appreciate the unique foldable design.
- Technology Aficionados: Early adopters who want to experience the latest in smartphone innovation and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is ideal for:
- Value-Conscious Users: Individuals who want a phone with great features but don’t want to break the bank.
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable phone for daily tasks, social media, casual gaming, and photography without requiring top-tier performance.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who need a bright display for outdoor use and great battery life for their travels.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- What is your primary need – productivity or everyday use? If you need a powerhouse with a big screen for multitasking, go for the Z Fold3. If you need a reliable phone for daily tasks, choose the Redmi.
- Do you prioritize innovative design or practicality and value? If you want a cutting-edge, foldable device, pick the Z Fold3. If you want a dependable, feature-packed phone with excellent value, choose the Redmi.
- Is camera versatility or raw imaging detail more important to you? If you need a telephoto lens and versatile shooting options, the Z Fold3 is your pick. If you need to capture highly detailed images and exceptional video performance at a lower cost, the Redmi is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the On-The-Go Professional: Z Fold3 if you need to work from your phone.
- For the Casual User: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for a great experience at a great price.
- For the Aspiring Photographer: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for high-resolution pictures.
- For the Media Binger: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G for large immersive screen.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally lean towards the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I value innovation and the ability to test cutting-edge technology firsthand. The Z Fold3's foldable design is not only a technological marvel but also offers a different and unique user experience that I find incredibly compelling for my workflow (research, writing, editing and more). While its battery life and brightness are weak points, the increased screen real estate for multitasking and the power of the Snapdragon 888 makes the Fold 3 a better fit for my needs and it would be very useful for my job.
While the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ is an excellent phone and a great value for everyday users, my work and personal preferences align more with the innovative and high-performance nature of the Z Fold3. The ability to use it as both a phone and a mini-tablet is a game-changer for me, making it easier to review documents, edit content, and keep up with all aspects of work.
