Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Offers a larger screen when unfolded, enhancing media consumption and multitasking. The Mi 10T 5G is a traditional, familiar form factor. |
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 76.4 × 9.3 mm | 158.2 × 128.1 × 6.4 mm (Unfolded) | The Z Fold3 is significantly wider when unfolded, offering a tablet-like experience. The Mi 10T 5G is taller and thicker, potentially less pocketable. |
| Weight | 216g | 271g | The Mi 10T 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged single-handed use. |
| Build Quality (Screen Protection) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Z Fold3's Victus glass offers superior scratch and shatter resistance, increasing the phone's durability. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 7.6" (Main) | The Z Fold3's larger screen provides a more immersive experience for watching videos, playing games, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1768x2208 | The higher resolution on the Z Fold3 results in sharper images and text, especially noticeable on the larger screen. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 374 PPI | The Mi 10T 5G has slightly sharper image but it is not too noticeable. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | The IPS LCD of the Mi 10T 5G provides accurate color reproduction and good viewing angles. We don't have information about Z Fold3 5G's display technology. | |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Mi 10T 5G's higher refresh rate can provide slightly smoother scrolling and animations, although the difference may not be significant for all users. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unclear due to missing data. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | The Snapdragon 888 in the Z Fold3 offers improved CPU and GPU performance, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experiences. |
| AnTuTu Score | 742,400 | 898,700 | The Z Fold3's higher score indicates noticeably better overall performance, especially in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 660 | The Adreno 660 in the Z Fold3 provides better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and improved performance in graphically intensive applications. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 12 GB | The Z Fold3's 12GB of RAM allows for more apps to run simultaneously in the background without performance degradation, improving multitasking. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.89, 1/1.7" | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | The Mi 10T 5G's higher megapixel count could potentially capture more detail in good lighting. The Z Fold3 has a slightly wider aperture, which can result in better low-light performance. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 13MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | The Z Fold3's slightly wider aperture should result in better low-light ultrawide photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4 | The Z Fold3 has a dedicated telephoto lens, which is helpful for zoomed-in shots without significant loss of quality. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | The Mi 10T 5G has a dedicated macro camera for very close-up photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4" | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | The Mi 10T 5G has higher resolution, while the Z Fold3 has a slightly wider aperture and a larger sensor size, both contributing to better low light selfie performance. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | The Mi 10T 5G can record higher resolution video, but the Z Fold3 offers a higher frame rate at 4K, resulting in smoother video. |
| Features | 8K Video, Continuous autofocus, AF assist Beam | Optical zoom, OIS, PDAF, LAF, Dual front camera, Under display camera, Continuous shooting, Exposure compensation | The Z Fold3 has several advanced features like OIS and an under-display camera. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | N/A | 120 | The Z Fold3 has a good camera system according to DxOMark. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4400mAh | The Mi 10T 5G's larger battery should provide longer battery life, especially with similar usage patterns. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Mi 10T 5G charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, Non-removable | The Z Fold3 offers wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and bypass charging for gaming while plugged in. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Advantages:
- Lower Price: Significantly more affordable, offering excellent value for money.
- Larger Battery: Provides longer battery life for users who need all-day power.
- Slightly Higher Refresh Rate: 144Hz display offers slightly smoother scrolling.
- 8K Video Recording: Captures higher resolution videos.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Unique form factor with a large, immersive display for enhanced media consumption and multitasking.
- Superior Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and more RAM for smoother, faster performance.
- Better Camera System: Features like telephoto lens, OIS, and better selfie camera.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Provides convenient charging options.
- More Storage: Offers 256GB or 512GB internal storage options.
- Water Resistance: Offers better protection from the elements.
Trade-offs:
- Z Fold3: Higher price, heavier and bulkier design, shorter battery life compared to Mi 10T 5G.
- Mi 10T 5G: Standard design, less powerful processor and less RAM, lacks features like wireless charging and telephoto lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious consumers: Looking for a high-performance phone at an affordable price.
- Users prioritizing battery life: Need a phone that can last all day with heavy use.
- Users who value a smooth display: Appreciate the high refresh rate for gaming and scrolling.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use: Calling, texting, browsing, social media.
- Gaming: Capable performance for most games, with a high refresh rate display.
- Media consumption: Large display suitable for watching videos.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Ideal Users:
- Tech enthusiasts and early adopters: Wanting the latest innovative technology.
- Professionals and power users: Need a device for multitasking, productivity, and media creation.
- Users who value a premium experience: Appreciate the high-end design, performance, and features.
Use Cases:
- Multitasking: Running multiple apps simultaneously on the large screen.
- Productivity: Taking notes, editing documents, and managing emails on the go.
- Media consumption: Watching videos, playing games, and reading e-books on the immersive display.
- Photography: Capturing high-quality photos and videos with advanced camera features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Mi 10T 5G is significantly more affordable.
- Do you prioritize battery life or performance? The Mi 10T 5G has better battery life, while the Z Fold3 offers superior performance.
- Do you need a foldable phone for enhanced multitasking and media consumption? The Z Fold3 offers a unique foldable form factor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you have a limited budget and need a reliable phone with long battery life: Choose the Xiaomi Mi 10T 5G.
- If you want the latest innovative technology and need a powerful device for productivity and media consumption: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
- If you are a tech enthusiast who wants a foldable phone but wants to keep the costs down: Neither of these phones will work as the Z Fold is expensive, and the Mi 10T is not a foldable phone.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. While the price is a significant factor, the foldable design and enhanced multitasking capabilities of the Z Fold3 are simply too compelling. As someone who often works on the go and consumes a lot of media, the larger screen and more powerful performance would significantly improve my productivity and entertainment experience. Although the Mi 10T 5G is a great value phone, I would be willing to spend more to get these features, especially for productivity reasons.
