Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco M3 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco M3 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Galaxy Z Fold5 offers a unique, larger screen experience when unfolded, while the Poco M3 is a traditional smartphone. |
| Dimensions | 162.3 × 77.3 × 9.6 mm | 154.9 × 129.9 × 6.1 mm | Poco M3 is taller and thicker, while the Z Fold5 is wider when unfolded, making it less pocketable but more versatile. |
| Weight | 198g | 253g | Poco M3 is lighter and easier to handle for extended periods; the Z Fold5 is heavier due to its foldable design. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.53" | 7.6" | Z Fold5 provides a significantly larger screen, ideal for multitasking and media consumption; the Poco M3 has a more traditional size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1812x2176 | Z Fold5 offers sharper, more detailed visuals; noticeably clearer for reading text and viewing high-resolution content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 395 | 373 | Poco M3 is slightly sharper, but the difference is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Unspecified | Poco M3's LCD display provides good color accuracy, but the technology for the Z Fold5 is not specified, making it difficult to compare. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Z Fold5 provides a much smoother visual experience, especially noticeable when scrolling or gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. It's likely the value is missing or incorrect as phone screens cannot have brightness 0. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Z Fold5 has a significantly faster processor, leading to smoother performance in demanding apps and games, better multitasking, and more future proofing; the Poco M3 is slower and better suited to basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 185,028 | 1,538,914 | Z Fold5 offers a dramatically higher performance level, making it suitable for power users; the Poco M3 is for casual use. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 740 | Z Fold5 has a much more powerful graphics processor, which will give better gaming experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 6000mAh | 4400mAh | Poco M3 has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life; Z Fold5 is likely to need more frequent charging, especially with heavy use of the larger screen. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Z Fold5 charges faster; both utilize fast charging, but the Z Fold5 gains more charge in a shorter time. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 22.5W in-box charger | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless 4.5W, Bypass Charging | Z Fold5 offers more versatile charging options including wireless and bypass charging which will help with better battery health when gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm | Z Fold5 has better sensor size, capturing more light resulting in higher image quality; despite slightly lower pixel size it is likely to perform better. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", 1.12µm | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | Z Fold5's selfie camera is likely better due to larger pixel size; this means it will be better in low light settings. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1.0µm | Z Fold5 offers optical zoom for enhanced photography and better image quality than a digital zoom on the Poco M3; the Poco M3 has no telephoto capability. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Z Fold5 has a wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes; the Poco M3 does not. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | Z Fold5 records higher quality video, more detail and dynamic range, suitable for professional use, whereas the Poco M3 is limited to basic 1080p. |
| DxOMark Score | None | 128 | Z Fold5 has a mobile camera score which shows its camera capabilities and the Poco M3 does not. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, etc | Noise reduction, 4K, 8K, Optical zoom, OIS, etc | Z Fold5 offers much more advanced camera features, such as OIS, better low-light and video capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 13 | Z Fold5 has a newer OS, resulting in more updated features, better security and a more optimized user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) | Z Fold5 supports newer Wi-Fi standards, leading to faster and more stable connections; the Poco M3 supports older versions. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Z Fold5 has a more modern Bluetooth version with more codecs and features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NavIC System | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Z Fold5 offers more accurate and reliable GPS due to its support for more bands and signals. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Z Fold5 supports eSIM which is useful for travelers and those wanting multiple numbers, the Poco M3 supports dual physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Z Fold5 offers significantly more storage; the Poco M3 will require managing space more. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 12GB | Z Fold5 has substantially more RAM which is beneficial for heavy multitasking and demanding apps; Poco M3 will struggle when handling too much at once. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both have stereo speakers; Z Fold5 utilizes Dolby Atmos, and the Poco M3 utilizes Hi-Res Audio for quality sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones offer a basic, but effective fingerprint sensor for unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Z Fold5 has superior screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Z Fold5 offers more sensors, including a gyroscope and barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco M3 Advantages:
- Battery Life: Significantly larger battery provides longer usage, better for those with limited charging access.
- Affordability: Much lower price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable to hold and carry for extended periods.
- Hi-Res Audio: Potentially better quality for music.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Advantages:
- Foldable Display: Large, immersive screen for enhanced multitasking and media consumption.
- Performance: Significantly faster processor and more RAM for demanding tasks and future-proofing.
- Camera Quality: Superior camera system with better sensors, more features, and 8K video recording.
- Display Technology: 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and visuals.
- Latest Software and Connectivity: Newer OS version and faster Wi-Fi.
- Wireless and Faster Charging: More flexible charging options and quicker charging.
Trade-offs:
- Poco M3: Compromises on performance and camera quality for longer battery and a lower price.
- Z Fold5: Sacrifices portability and battery life for premium performance, camera capabilities, and a foldable display at a significantly higher cost.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco M3:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life over performance, occasional photographers and gamers.
- Use Cases:
- Daily browsing, social media, and communication.
- Longer usage periods without frequent charging.
- Basic gaming and media consumption.
- Users looking for a reliable and affordable device.
- Price-to-Value: Excellent value for its price, offering a large battery and a decent screen at a budget level.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5:
- Ideal User: Power users who need top-tier performance, a large display for multitasking, professional photographers and videographers.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy multitasking and productivity.
- Professional-grade photography and video recording.
- Immersive gaming experiences.
- Those who value the latest technology and features.
- Users willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge technology.
- Price-to-Value: High price point, but justifies the cost through superior performance, camera system, and innovative foldable design.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: What's your maximum budget and what compromises are you willing to make?
- Primary Use: What will you use your phone for most (gaming, photography, productivity, casual use)?
- Form Factor: Do you value a unique foldable experience or is a traditional phone form factor preferable?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Conscious: If your budget is tight and battery life is crucial, the Xiaomi Poco M3 is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Features: If you need top-tier performance, a superior camera system, and the versatility of a foldable display, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is worth the investment.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want a balance between price, performance and a very decent battery life look for devices in the mid-tier segment.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. Although it is significantly more expensive, its strengths align more with my needs and preferences. I value having a large, high-quality screen, and the foldable form factor is a unique innovation that greatly enhances multitasking and media consumption. As a power user, the increased performance, better camera capabilities and the inclusion of more modern features and better connectivity options are worth the extra investment, for both work and play. I wouldn't be able to benefit from the Poco M3 because its capabilities are very low for what I need and want. I also do not need to be budget conscious.
