Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. It's a classic showdown between a foldable marvel and a spec-heavy standard smartphone. Buckle up, tech enthusiasts, because we're about to break down what these numbers really mean for your everyday life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table to get us started, focusing on the practical implications for you, the user:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Foldable | Standard | Foldable offers a tablet-like experience; standard is pocket-friendly |
| Dimensions | 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm | 163.9 x 76.3 x 8.3 mm | Fold is wider when open, Nubia is more compact when in pocket |
| Weight | 271g | 228g | Nubia is significantly lighter, better for one-handed and extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 7.6" | 6.8" | Fold has larger screen real estate, better for multitasking and media |
| Resolution | 1768 x 2208 | 1260 x 2800 | Fold has more pixels, but overall sharpness slightly lower |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 374 | 452 | Nubia has a noticeably sharper, more detailed display |
| Technology | AMOLED | Nubia's AMOLED offers better contrast, blacks, and power efficiency for dark mode users | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animation |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Nubia is significantly better for outdoor visibility on bright days |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4nm) | Nubia’s newer chip offers faster app loading, smoother performance and better efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 898,700 | 1,579,720 | Nubia has superior performance suitable for gaming and multitasking |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | Nubia's GPU is more capable for graphically intensive tasks and gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 54MP f/1.6, 1/1.49" | Nubia captures more detail with larger sensor and wider aperture |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP f/2.4 | None | Fold allows for optical zoom, Nubia uses digital zoom instead |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 50MP f/2.0, 1/2.88" | Nubia's wide-angle captures more detail and a wider field of view |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 16MP f/2.5, 1/3.06" | Nubia has a higher resolution sensor for selfies |
| Video | 4K@60fps with HDR | 8K@30fps with EIS | Nubia supports higher video resolutions and frame rates |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 120 | None | Fold is good, but we do not have Nubia's score |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | 83 | None | Fold is good, but we do not have Nubia's score |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4400 mAh | 5100 mAh | Nubia's larger battery offers potentially longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W | 80W | Nubia charges significantly faster, reducing downtime |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | Non-removable | Fold has more versatile battery management options |
| Software | |||
| OS Version | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 13 | Nubia has the newer OS, and Samsung's can be upgraded |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Nubia has the latest WiFi for best wireless speeds |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Nubia has the latest Bluetooth for best stability and features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Nubia is better suited for precise geolocation |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Fold provides more options for digital carrier switching |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 256 GB or 512 GB | 256 GB or 1024 GB | Nubia provides more internal storage |
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | Nubia offers more RAM for intense multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither provides expandable storage |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Strength: Unique foldable form factor providing a tablet-like experience.
- Advantage: Versatile multitasking, larger display for media consumption, reverse wireless charging.
- Trade-off: Heavier, bulkier design, older chipset.
- Limitation: Lower brightness display, older software.
- ZTE nubia Z50S Pro:
- Strength: High-performance chipset, faster charging, excellent camera, sharper display.
- Advantage: Significantly lighter, more compact, newer connectivity standards (WiFi 7).
- Trade-off: Standard form factor lacks foldable versatility, no wireless charging.
- Limitation: Limited data on camera performance vs. DXOmark score of Fold.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
For the "Multitasking Maven" (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G): If you're someone who loves having a large screen for productivity and media, and you're willing to trade some portability for that tablet-like experience, the Fold3 is your go-to. Perfect for professionals juggling multiple apps, avid readers, and those who frequently engage in video conferencing.
For the "Performance Seeker" (ZTE nubia Z50S Pro): If you demand the best possible performance, fast charging, and a top-tier camera system, the nubia Z50S Pro is a clear choice. Ideal for gamers, content creators, and anyone who needs their phone to keep up with a fast-paced lifestyle. This phone has the latest specs and standards.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- Do you need a large, tablet-like screen? If yes, the Fold3 is your only option here.
- Is top-tier performance and battery charging speed a priority? If yes, the nubia Z50S Pro wins.
- Is a brighter display needed and portability a factor? If yes, the nubia Z50S Pro wins.
Final Thoughts: My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. Here's why:
Despite the allure of the foldable screen on the Galaxy Z Fold3, the nubia Z50S Pro is the better phone for the performance I need. It has a newer chipset, significantly higher performance, a much faster charging speed, a sharper screen with better outdoor visibility, and is more compact. While the folding experience is certainly novel, the practical benefits of the nubia's superior performance, camera system, and battery far outweigh the cool factor of the Fold3 in my book.
I value the versatility of a good camera, and the nubia is a clear winner here in both photo and video recording. As a tech journalist, I would benefit from the brighter and sharper display, and the faster speeds for content consumption and editing.
The nubia Z50S Pro is the modern phone here, and for a journalist, that is what I would value most.
