Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Fold4 can transform into a tablet-like device, offering a larger screen for media and multitasking. The Poco M3 is a traditional smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 155.1 × 130.1 × 6.3 mm (unfolded) | The Poco M3 is taller and thicker, while the unfolded Z Fold4 is much wider, impacting pocketability and single-handed use. |
| Weight | 198g | 263g | The Poco M3 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. The Z Fold4 is heavier, especially in folded form. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.53" | 7.6" (unfolded) | The Z Fold4 has a considerably larger screen, enhancing the viewing experience for videos, gaming, and productivity tasks. The Poco M3 has a standard screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1812x2176 | The Z Fold4 offers a sharper, more detailed display due to its higher resolution and significantly more pixels. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 373 PPI | The Poco M3 has a slightly sharper screen due to higher pixel density, but the difference may not be noticeable to the average user. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | | The Poco M3 has an IPS LCD screen, while the display technology for the Z Fold 4 is unspecified. This makes it difficult to determine practical implications without more data. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Z Fold4 offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming with its higher refresh rate, making the experience more fluid compared to the Poco M3's 60Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | The peak brightness of both devices is unknown, making it difficult to compare how they perform in various lighting conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | The Z Fold4 has a significantly more powerful processor, resulting in much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The Poco M3 is suitable for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 1,232,800 | The Z Fold4's score is vastly higher, indicating a much smoother and faster experience in all aspects. This shows the Z Fold 4 is much more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | The Z Fold4 has a more powerful GPU, providing superior graphics performance for gaming and other visually intensive tasks. The Poco M3's GPU is suitable for basic to mid-range games. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor | The Z Fold4 has a slightly higher resolution, a larger sensor and slightly narrower aperture which impacts low-light performance and image detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4" sensor | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor | The Z Fold4's selfie camera has a slightly higher resolution, a larger sensor, and a narrower aperture, which impacts low-light performance and detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" sensor | The Z Fold4 has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, allowing for closer shots without digital zoom artifacts. The Poco M3 lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor | The Z Fold4 has a wide-angle lens, allowing for broader shots. The Poco M3 lacks this feature. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60fps, slow-motion options | The Z Fold4 offers significantly better video recording capabilities, including 8K, 4K, and advanced slow-motion features. The Poco M3 is limited to 1080p. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Tested | Mobile: 124, Photo: 131, Video: 122 | The Z Fold4's scores reflect its capabilities as a much higher performance camera device. The Poco M3 lacks any DXOMark testing. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, etc | 4K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, Laser AF, etc | The Z Fold4 has more advanced features like OIS, optical zoom, and RAW capture, offering more control and versatility for photography and videography. The Poco M3 has more basic features. |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4400mAh | The Poco M3 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life between charges. Actual battery life is impacted by usage and other device characteristics. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 25W fast charging | The Z Fold4 supports slightly faster charging, meaning it will recharge faster. |
| Features | 22.5W fast charger in-box, Reverse charging | Bypass Charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, Reverse charging | The Z Fold4 offers wireless charging and bypass charging, which is helpful for sustained power usage. The Poco M3 includes a faster 22.5W charger. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery capacity allows for extended usage, a key benefit for users who are often away from a power source.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for prolonged use, especially for those who prefer a lighter phone.
- Lower Price: Significantly more affordable, making it accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Offers a unique, larger screen experience for media consumption, multitasking, and productivity.
- Superior Performance: A much more powerful chipset and GPU for demanding tasks and games.
- Advanced Camera System: Better quality images and videos, with features like optical zoom and OIS, which make it a better camera system overall.
- Higher Refresh Rate: A smoother and more fluid experience when browsing and gaming.
- Modern Software: Runs on a newer version of Android, offering more features and security updates.
- More Connectivity Features: Newer and more advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies.
- Faster Charging: Provides slightly faster charging, useful for topping off the battery in a pinch.
Trade-offs:
- Poco M3: Trades performance, camera quality, and screen technology for a lower price and longer battery life.
- Z Fold4: Trades pocketability, battery life, and price for a premium foldable experience and performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3: Ideal User
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable phone at an affordable price.
- Users with Basic Needs: Focus on calls, browsing, social media, and light media consumption.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last a full day or more on a single charge.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication and social media
- Web browsing and email
- Casual gaming
- Long battery life without frequent charging
- A reliable device without the need for high performance
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: Ideal User
- Power Users: Those who require top-tier performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Productivity Focused: Users who benefit from a larger screen for multitasking, document editing, and content creation.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate cutting-edge technology and a unique design.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Users looking for advanced camera capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Professional multitasking and productivity
- Mobile gaming
- High-quality photography and videography
- Large screen for media consumption
- Cutting edge technology and features
Price-to-Value Ratio
- Xiaomi Poco M3: Offers excellent value for its low price, providing essential smartphone features with strong battery life, suitable for users with basic needs and a tight budget.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4: Comes at a premium price, but provides high-end performance, cutting-edge technology, a unique form factor, and excellent camera capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The Poco M3 is a budget device, while the Z Fold4 is in a premium price range.
- How important is performance? If performance and multitasking are priorities, the Z Fold4 is the clear winner. If you need something for basic tasks only the Poco M3 can suffice.
- What do I value more: a unique foldable experience or long-lasting battery life? The Z Fold4 is a premium foldable while the Poco M3 provides a longer battery life in comparison.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Shopper: If you are looking for an affordable phone for daily tasks and prefer long battery life, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Power User: If you need a high-performance device with advanced features for multitasking, gaming, and photography, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the superior option.
- Scenario 3: Tech Enthusiast: If you want the latest cutting-edge technology and a unique foldable design, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the best option, regardless of the higher price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. While it's considerably more expensive, my priorities align with its strengths: top-tier performance, a large, high-quality display, and a superior camera system. I value the ability to multitask efficiently, enjoy high-end gaming, and capture high-quality photos and videos, which the Z Fold4 excels at. While the Poco M3's battery life is tempting, I find that the Z Fold4's overall capabilities and the unique foldable experience outweigh this single benefit. Its cutting-edge features and premium design also make it more future-proof and suited for my needs over the long term. The premium price is a trade-off I am willing to make for this level of performance and functionality.
