Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. These are two very different phones, each with its own set of strengths and quirks. I'll break down the specs, analyze their real-world impact, and help you decide which might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a deep dive into the specs, presented in a way that highlights real-world impact:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Fold3: Unique, larger screen when unfolded. Axon: More traditional, ergonomic single-screen design. |
| Dimensions | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 mm (unfolded) | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | Fold3: Bulky when folded, but offers tablet-like display. Axon: Slimmer, easier to handle and pocket. |
| Weight | 271g | 204g | Fold3: Noticeably heavier, might fatigue over extended use. Axon: Lighter, more comfortable for daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" (unfolded) | 6.8" | Fold3: Massive screen for media, multitasking. Axon: More conventional, large screen for most tasks. |
| Resolution | 1768x2208 | 1116x2480 | Fold3: Sharper, more detailed visuals. Axon: Good, but slightly less crisp. |
| Pixel Density | 374 PPI | 400 PPI | Fold3: Good clarity. Axon: Sharper text, clearer images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Fold3: Display is good, but the Axon's AMOLED panel promises superior contrast and colors with better power efficiency, especially for dark mode enthusiasts. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer silky smooth scrolling and animations, and responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Fold3: Might struggle in bright sunlight. Axon: Excellent outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Fold3: Powerful, capable, but slightly older. Axon: Newer, faster, more power efficient chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 1,061,300 | Fold3: Can handle most tasks smoothly. Axon: Faster, handles demanding apps and gaming more smoothly. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 730 | Fold3: Great for gaming, but the older GPU. Axon: Improved graphics performance in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", Sony IMX555 | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787 | Fold3: Good, but the sensor is smaller. Axon: Significantly better low-light performance, more detail, larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sony IMX374 | 16MP, f/2.0, Omnivision | Fold3: Decent selfies. Axon: Better resolution and aperture for clear, bright selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B | Fold3: Good for telephoto. Axon: Higher resolution telephoto for detailed zoomed shots, smaller aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" Sony IMX258 | N/A | Fold3: Offers wide angle shots. Axon: Lacks a dedicated wide-angle camera, relying on its Macro mode. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | N/A | 0.3MP | Fold3: Lacks ToF sensor. Axon: Adds depth sensing for enhanced bokeh and AR applications. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72" Sony IMX787 | Fold3: Lacks macro capabilities. Axon: Versatile lens for close-up shots and ultrawide photography. |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | Fold3: Excellent video, but lacks 8K. Axon: Higher resolution video, better for serious video work, including 4k 120fps. |
| DxoMark Score | Mobile: 120, Selfie: 83 | N/A | Fold3: Good, but not top tier. Axon: Undocumented, difficult to gauge without specific numbers |
| Camera Features | Triple Cam, OIS, etc. | Quad Cam, OIS, etc. | Fold3: Decent and functional, but the Axon has more versatile lens setup and advanced video recording. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400mAh | 5000mAh | Fold3: Decent battery, may need a top-up during a heavy day. Axon: Better battery life for all-day use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Fold3: Slower charging. Axon: Much faster charging, quick top-ups when needed. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | Non-removable | Fold3: Wireless and reverse charging features for added convenience. Axon: Lacks wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Fold3: Longer software support. Axon: More recent software out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both offer great wifi speeds, dual band, hotspot, direct features |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (with more features) | 5.2 (basic features) | Both support Bluetooth 5.2 but Fold3 offers more profiles to enhance its functionality |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, etc (BeiDou) | GPS, GLONASS, etc (L1+L5) | Fold3: Good location accuracy. Axon: More accurate GPS due to more satellite system support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Fold3: Option for eSIM. Axon: Dual physical nano SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256GB/512GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1024GB | Fold3: Generous storage. Axon: Wider range of storage options, including a massive 1TB variant. |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB | Fold3: Ample RAM for multitasking. Axon: More options including a whopping 18GB RAM for super users. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage, which might be a concern for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | DTS/DTS X, 3 microphones | Fold3: Good audio with Dolby Atmos enhancement. Axon: Enhanced Surround Sound & Audio separation with better voice capture from 3 dedicated microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Fold3: Convenient, fast access. Axon: Lacks quick access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus (Screen) | Unknown | Fold3: Durable, scratch-resistant. Axon: Unknown durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Barometer | No Compass, Barometer | Fold3: More comprehensive sensor suite for specific applications and gaming. Axon: Basic sensor. |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Strengths:
- Unique Foldable Design: The large, foldable screen provides an immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking.
- Good Display: Sharp resolution, smooth refresh rate, though not as bright outdoors compared to Axon 40 Ultra.
- Wireless & Reverse Charging: These features offer convenient ways to charge the phone and other devices.
- More comprehensive sensor suite: Includes barometers and compass, which is ideal for gaming and specific app usage.
- eSIM Support: Adds flexibility for international travelers and digital carrier switching.
- Longer Software Support: Android 15 compatible, indicating good long-term support.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Strengths:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher brightness, better color and contrast, making it excellent for outdoor use.
- Faster Performance: Newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides significantly better performance.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution, wider apertures, and more versatile lenses for photos.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster charging makes it convenient for top-ups.
- Massive Storage Options: Up to 1TB of internal storage, great for users with large media libraries and many apps.
- More RAM Options: Can go up to 18GB RAM, making it suitable for superusers.
- Advanced Video Recording: 8K resolution and higher frame rates for video creation, including 4K at 120fps.
- Advanced Audio: Offers DTS/DTS X and superior voice recording from 3 microphones.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Galaxy Z Fold3: Heavy, bulky, expensive, older chipset, the battery is decent but lacks the faster charging speed, and its display is not as bright.
- Axon 40 Ultra: Lacks wireless charging, no expandable storage, less software support and lacks the unique foldable feature.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G User Profile:
- Tech enthusiasts who want a unique, foldable device with a large screen for multimedia and productivity.
- Users who enjoy the novelty of a foldable design and don’t mind the extra bulk.
- Those who value convenience with wireless charging and reverse charging features.
- Users who want a comprehensive sensor suite to make sure all functionalities are covered.
- Those that value long-term software updates for future-proofing.
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra User Profile:
- Power users who want the best performance, camera system and battery life in a standard form factor.
- Gamers who want smooth performance and a high refresh-rate display.
- Content creators who want the best video quality and a versatile camera.
- Users who need a very bright display for clear outdoor visibility.
- Those who need the maximum storage and RAM for heavy multitasking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these phones, consider these three questions:
- Do I value a foldable experience and the unique use cases of a tablet-sized screen? If so, the Z Fold3 is a solid choice.
- Do I need the best performance, camera and battery life and advanced video recording capabilities? The Axon 40 Ultra is ideal if that's the case.
- Do I prioritize long-term software support or is the latest technology the most important to me? The Fold3 has more support, but the Axon 40 Ultra has more cutting-edge technology.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Productivity Junkie: If you prioritize multitasking and a tablet-like experience, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G may be more suitable despite the weight, bulk and battery life.
- For the Mobile Photographer/Videographer: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a better camera system and video features, offering a higher resolution and greater versatility.
- For the Gamer/Power User: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers the best performance and RAM, ensuring a smoother gaming and multitasking experience.
- For the Average User: The ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers the best balance of performance, camera, battery and brightness and is more comfortable for everyday use.
- For the Travel Enthusiast: If a lightweight phone is needed, Axon 40 Ultra is preferable, but if eSIM is crucial and a tablet-like screen is needed, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G would be more suitable.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. Here's why:
Despite the allure of a foldable screen, as someone who prioritizes camera, battery, and performance, the Axon 40 Ultra simply offers better technology and overall value. The superior display is a clear win, providing a bright, vibrant experience whether I’m indoors or out. The faster charging and longer battery life are crucial for my busy days. The camera system is significantly better for both photography and videography, which is an important feature for me.
I also appreciate the performance boost from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and the option for up to 18 GB of RAM. While I do value a comprehensive sensor suite, the lack of compass and barometer is not a major drawback in my use case, while most other areas it surpasses the Fold3. Although it's not a foldable device, the enhanced user experience is more valuable to me than the unique design of the Fold 3.
This would not be the case for those that need a foldable device and the extra productivity they offer, but I would personally choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra for its cutting-edge tech and greater user-friendliness.
