Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco F3 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Flip5 offers a unique, compact form when folded; Poco F3 is a typical slab phone. |
Dimensions | 163.7 × 76.4 × 7.8 mm | 165.1 × 71.9 × 6.9 mm | Z Flip5 is taller and thinner, Poco F3 is wider and thicker. Z Flip5 is more pocketable when folded. |
Weight | 196g | 187g | Z Flip5 is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.67" | 6.7" | Negligible difference in screen size for typical use. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | Z Flip5 has a slightly sharper display due to the higher pixel count. |
Pixel Density | 395 ppi | 425 ppi | Z Flip5 screen is slightly sharper, with a higher pixel density that may be noticeable to some users. |
Technology | AMOLED | Display Technology not specified, assumed AMOLED/OLED | Poco F3 has a vibrant AMOLED screen. Z Flip5 is expected to have an AMOLED display as well, but we can't confirm the specifics. |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
Brightness | 1300 nits | 1750 nits | Z Flip5 is much more viewable outdoors in bright sunlight due to higher brightness. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Z Flip5 offers significantly faster performance for demanding apps and games. |
AnTuTu Score | 800,216 | 1,531,700 | Z Flip5 has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating much faster performance in real-world scenarios. |
GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 740 | Z Flip5 has a newer and more powerful GPU, offering superior gaming performance. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 4520mAh | 3700mAh | Poco F3 has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life. |
Charging | 33W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Poco F3 charges slightly faster with the higher wattage. |
Battery Features | Non-removable, QC3+ / PD3.0 | Non-removable, Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 25W Fast Charging, 15W Fast Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless Charging | Z Flip5 offers more versatile charging options with wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | Poco F3 captures higher resolution photos with its main camera; Z Flip5 prioritizes larger pixel sizes and potentially better low-light performance. |
Main Camera Aperture | f/1.79 | f/1.8 | Poco F3 has a slightly wider aperture, which may allow more light in the sensor. |
Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.80 µm | Z Flip5 has much larger pixel sizes, potentially capturing more light and detail in low-light conditions. |
Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 10MP | Poco F3 captures higher resolution selfies; Z Flip5 has larger pixels on its selfie sensor. |
Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.45 | f/2.4 | Z Flip5 has a slightly wider selfie aperture, letting in slightly more light. |
Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.22 µm | Z Flip5 has larger pixel sizes, potentially capturing more light in low-light conditions. |
Wide Angle Lens | No | 12MP, f/2.2 | Z Flip5 offers versatility with a wide-angle lens, while the Poco F3 lacks this feature. |
Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p up to 960fps | 4K@60fps with HDR, 1080p up to 240fps | Z Flip5 has better HDR capabilities and shoots 4K video at 60fps vs 30fps on the Poco F3. Poco F3 offers higher fps in 1080p mode. |
Video Stabilization | EIS | HDR | Z Flip5 uses HDR instead of EIS for video stabilization |
DxoMark Score | N/A | Overall: 127, Photo: 132, Video: 128 | Z Flip5 has an officially scored camera, where the Poco F3 is unrated. |
Software | |||
Operating System | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 13, upgradable to 14 | Z Flip5 offers a more recent version of Android, meaning it will have more up to date features and security. |
Connectivity | |||
WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Both offer comparable WiFi standards |
Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Z Flip5 has a newer version with more features |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Poco F3 has slightly more support for various systems that can improve location accuracy. |
SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Z Flip5 supports eSIM, which allows more flexibility with carriers. Poco F3 supports 2 Nano SIM cards. |
Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB or 512GB | Z Flip5 offers higher storage options. |
RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB | Z Flip5 has a better RAM configuration. |
Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | Poco F3 provides richer audio features. |
Security | |||
Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer similar biometric authentication. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Z Flip5 has superior screen protection for increased durability. |
Sensors | |||
Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Z Flip5 has more comprehensive sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco F3 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers longer battery life due to a higher capacity battery.
- Faster Charging: Charges slightly faster due to 33W fast charging, compared to 25W on the Z Flip5
- Enhanced Audio Features: Includes Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res audio for enhanced audio quality.
- Potentially Lower Cost: As an older phone, the Poco F3 may be significantly more affordable.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Unique form factor makes it more portable when folded and offers different use cases.
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster performance due to the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.
- Brighter Display: Much better outdoor visibility due to higher brightness.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android, meaning longer software support.
- Better Camera: Larger pixels and extra wide-angle camera for more versatility. Also has a higher score on DxOMark.
- More Versatile Battery Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and bypass charging for more flexible power management.
- Better Build Quality: Superior screen protection and a more robust hinge design due to the newer materials used.
- More Sensors: More sensors offering a comprehensive feature set.
- More Storage Options: Comes in higher internal storage options.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco F3 sacrifices performance, a brighter display, a better camera system and a foldable design for a larger battery, faster charging, and potentially lower cost.
- The Z Flip5 sacrifices battery capacity and potentially some charging speed for a far more powerful chipset, better display, better camera, more premium features and a newer OS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco F3 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizes affordability and battery life over top-tier performance or features.
- Users needing long battery life: Requires a device that can last a full day with heavy use.
- Media consumers: Appreciates enhanced audio features like Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio.
- Users who don't prioritize the latest features: Happy with a solid phone that offers good value for money.
- Use Cases:
- Daily driver for browsing, social media, and streaming.
- Media consumption on-the-go.
- Long trips and travel, benefiting from the larger battery.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 Ideal User:
- Tech enthusiasts: Appreciates cutting-edge technology and innovative design.
- Users needing top-tier performance: Requires a powerful device for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Users who value premium build quality: Desires a more durable device with a unique design.
- Frequent travelers: Benefits from the pocketable form factor when folded and reverse wireless charging.
- Users who value camera versatility: A user that is always ready to capture a moment with good video and photo quality
- Use Cases:
* Mobile gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. * On-the-go content creation and social media. * Travel, with the convenience of a foldable design. * Photography in various scenarios using the wide-angle lens and other features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Poco F3 will likely be more affordable than the Z Flip5.
- How important is performance and the latest features? The Z Flip5 offers significant advantages in processing power and camera quality.
- Do you value a unique design and compact form factor? The Z Flip5 offers a foldable design, while the Poco F3 is a standard slab phone.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious user who prioritizes battery life and media consumption. Choose the Xiaomi Poco F3.
- Scenario 2: User wanting the best performance and innovative design. Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5.
- Scenario 3: User wanting a balance of performance and price. This scenario is more complex; the best option will depend on price difference and individual preferences (e.g. if budget allows then go for Z Flip 5, if not, the Poco F3 is still a solid option.)
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. Here's why:
While the Xiaomi Poco F3 offers a larger battery, faster charging, and potentially better audio, the advantages of the Z Flip5 are too compelling for my needs. I value the unique foldable design, which makes the phone highly pocketable. The performance difference is substantial, and as someone who uses demanding apps, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a clear winner for me. Additionally, the brighter display and improved camera system, especially the wide-angle lens, enhance my daily experience. The Z Flip 5's additional software features and longer software support also mean it will likely be useful for longer without upgrading.
While the Z Flip5 has a smaller battery than the Poco F3, the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is a trade-off I'm willing to make for the other benefits. The added versatility of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and better video recording quality are key factors for my usage. The added storage options, and better screen protection also make the phone more premium. Ultimately, the Z Flip5 better aligns with my priorities for performance, innovative design, and a superior user experience, despite the potential for a higher price.