Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Fold4 offers a larger screen when unfolded, and compact form when folded; the Poco X3 Pro is a traditional slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 155.1 × 130.1 × 6.3 mm (Unfolded) | Poco X3 Pro is taller, narrower, and thicker. Z Fold4 offers a larger overall screen area. |
| Weight | 215g | 263g | Poco X3 Pro is significantly lighter and more comfortable for extended holding. Z Fold4 is heavier due to its foldable design and materials. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 7.6" | Z Fold4's larger display offers more immersive viewing experience for videos, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1812x2176 | Z Fold4 provides a sharper image and more detail, due to more pixels. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 373 PPI | Poco X3 Pro is negligibly sharper, but most users will find both displays to be more than sufficient. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Unknown | Poco X3 Pro offers a color accurate display. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both devices offer smooth scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither brightness level is known, making practical comparison impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Fold4 has a much more powerful and efficient processor, for faster app loading, multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,232,800 | Z Fold4 significantly outperforms the Poco X3 Pro, indicating smoother operation and better performance under load. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 730 | Z Fold4 has a significantly more powerful GPU, enabling better graphics processing for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | Z Fold4 has a slightly higher resolution and larger sensor, likely capturing more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, 1/3.4" | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | Poco X3 Pro has higher resolution while Z Fold4 has a slightly larger sensor. Real-world performance can vary. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" | Z Fold4 can capture zoomed images without significant loss in quality. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | Z Fold4 captures wider scenes with more detail. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Poco X3 Pro offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | None | Poco X3 Pro allows for close-up photography of small objects. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Z Fold4 offers higher video resolution for professional-grade quality. |
| DxOMark Score | Not available | Mobile: 124 (Photo: 131, Video: 122) | Z Fold4's camera performance is rated excellent, while Poco X3 Pro lacks official scores. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera | Optical zoom, Triple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Laser AF, PDAF, LAF, Dual Front camera, Under display camera | Z Fold4 has advanced camera features for better image quality and versatility. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5160mAh | 4400mAh | Poco X3 Pro offers longer battery life due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Poco X3 Pro charges faster than the Z Fold4. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass charging, Reverse charging, Wireless charging, Reverse wireless charging | Z Fold4 offers more battery feature options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | Z Fold4 has a more modern OS and longer support, offering access to latest features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Z Fold4 has a newer standard for faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Z Fold4 has a newer standard for faster and more stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Z Fold4 has enhanced GPS for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Z Fold4 supports eSIM for more flexibility in carrier selection. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Z Fold4 offers significantly higher storage options for users with extensive media. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB | Z Fold4 has more RAM for improved multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Both offer stereo speakers. Poco X3 Pro has Hi-Res audio, while Z Fold4 has Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Z Fold4 has better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Z Fold4 offers more sensors, enhancing its functionality for diverse applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Lower Price: Significantly more affordable, offering a great balance of features for the budget-conscious consumer.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life due to its larger capacity, ideal for users who need extended usage without frequent charging.
- Faster Charging: Charges faster compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, minimizing charging downtime.
- Headphone Jack: It provides the convenience of a headphone jack for wired audio.
Practical Implications for Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize performance and battery life without needing top-tier features.
- Suitable for users who prefer a traditional, lighter, and less bulky phone design.
- A good choice for those who often need all-day battery life without needing to worry about finding charging stations.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster processor and GPU, suitable for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
- Foldable Display: The unique foldable design offers a larger screen area, ideal for multitasking, content consumption, and productivity.
- Premium Camera System: Offers more versatile and higher-quality cameras, including optical zoom, for superior photos and videos.
- Advanced Features: Supports wireless charging, reverse charging, and a newer Bluetooth version with more codecs.
- More Storage Options: Offers larger internal storage options for users with extensive media libraries.
- Latest Android OS: More up-to-date OS and longer software support.
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and enhanced GPS systems for better performance.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for improved durability.
Practical Implications for Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Perfect for users who require top-tier performance and cutting-edge technology.
- Ideal for multitaskers who can benefit from the larger screen real estate for productivity.
- Best choice for users who value excellent camera quality and advanced features for photography and videography.
- A good choice for users who require higher levels of connectivity, better GPS, and the latest in wireless tech.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Poco X3 Pro: Less premium build, lacks advanced camera features, and has older software support.
- Galaxy Z Fold4: High price, bulkier and heavier design, and a smaller battery compared to the Poco X3 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Budget-Conscious Gamers: Users looking for good gaming performance without spending a fortune.
- Students: Need a reliable and affordable phone for daily use and entertainment.
- Everyday Users: Want a reliable phone with good battery life, without needing cutting edge features.
- Users who prefer a traditional form factor and light weight: Those who dislike foldable or large format phones.
Ideal Use Cases for Poco X3 Pro:
- Playing mobile games with good performance on a budget.
- Streaming videos and browsing the web with a large screen.
- All-day battery life for social media, messaging, and calling.
- Capturing casual photos with a reliable camera system.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Mobile Professionals: Need a powerful phone for multitasking, productivity, and on-the-go work.
- Content Creators: Require advanced camera features and excellent video capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Want the latest in smartphone technology with a unique foldable design.
- Heavy Media Consumers: Enjoy watching videos, gaming, and browsing with a large, immersive display.
Ideal Use Cases for Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Multitasking with multiple apps side-by-side.
- Creating and editing high-quality videos on the go.
- Playing graphically intensive games with excellent performance.
- Enjoying a truly immersive viewing experience for movies and TV shows.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Poco X3 Pro: Offers excellent value for its price, providing good performance and features for budget-conscious users.
- Galaxy Z Fold4: Premium price justifies cutting-edge technology, a unique form factor, and advanced features, but may not be the best value for all users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers to Consider:
- What is your budget? The price difference between these two phones is substantial.
- Do you prefer a traditional smartphone or a foldable device? The form factor is a major differentiating factor.
- How important are camera quality, performance, and the latest software features? The Z Fold4 excels in these areas.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Tight Budget, All-Day Battery is Key - Choose Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro. You get good performance, a large battery, and fast charging at a fraction of the price of the Z Fold4.
Scenario 2: Top Performance and a Premium Mobile Experience Required - Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. Its high-end processor, excellent cameras, and unique form factor make it a powerful and versatile tool.
Scenario 3: Balanced Budget, Need for Good Features - The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the better value option. It delivers good performance and battery life for the price.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, despite its premium price.
Here's why:
- I value cutting-edge technology and innovative design: The foldable form factor is something I find very appealing and it provides utility with its large screen. The unique form factor isn't just a gimmick, but a practical way to improve productivity.
- Performance is key for my typical tasks: I multitask heavily, play graphically demanding games, and occasionally edit video. The superior processing power and RAM of the Z Fold4 would significantly improve my user experience.
- The camera system offers greater flexibility and higher quality: I use my phone camera frequently. The telephoto lens, along with the higher-quality primary sensor, would give me greater versatility.
- I prefer longer software support: The Z Fold4's newer operating system and extended software support are essential for long-term use.
While the Poco X3 Pro is a fantastic phone for its price and battery life is great, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 delivers a superior mobile experience that is more suitable for my needs, and I am willing to pay the premium for it.
