Smartphone Comparison: Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications, grouped by category, along with their practical impact:
Design & Build
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Fold5 offers a unique foldable design with a larger screen that can be used when needed, while the X3 Pro is a standard, more compact phone. |
| Dimensions | 165.3 × 76.8 × 9.4 mm | 154.9 × 129.9 × 6.1 mm (Unfolded) | X3 Pro is taller and thicker, while the Fold5 is wider when unfolded and thinner. Fold5 offers a tablet-like experience when unfolded but is more cumbersome when folded. |
| Weight | 215g | 253g | X3 Pro is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use, while the Fold5 feels heavier. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The Fold5 has a newer and more durable glass, providing better protection against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.67" | 7.6" (Unfolded) | The Fold5 provides a significantly larger display when unfolded, better for media consumption, multitasking and viewing documents, while the X3 Pro has a standard screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1812 x 2176 | The Fold5 has a noticeably sharper and more detailed display with higher resolution, while the X3 Pro is adequate for everyday usage. |
| Pixel Density | 395 PPI | 373 PPI | X3 Pro has a slightly higher pixel density, meaning slightly sharper image on a smaller screen, but the difference is not significant in daily usage. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Unknown | X3 Pro offers an LCD display. The Fold5's panel is not specified, which is a limitation of this comparison, but is typically AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both have a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for a fluid visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness. It is likely that the peak brightness for both is higher than 0 nits, and this value is inaccurate. |
Performance
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The Fold5 has a much newer and more powerful chipset, leading to significantly better performance in demanding applications and gaming. The X3 Pro's chip is still capable, but slower and less power-efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 627,869 | 1,538,914 | The Fold5 offers significantly better performance, including faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming experiences. |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 740 | The Fold5's GPU is substantially more powerful, resulting in better graphics rendering, which is important for gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 50MP | Both have high-resolution main cameras, but the Fold5 likely produces slightly more detailed images and better low-light performance due to its larger sensor. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.57" | The Fold5 has a physically larger sensor for better light capture, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | The Fold5 has larger pixels, which capture more light, enhancing low light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 10MP | The X3 Pro has a higher resolution front camera, but the Fold5 likely offers better overall image quality because of sensor size and processing. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/3.4" | 1/3.2" | The Fold5 has a slightly larger sensor and bigger pixels on the selfie camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 10MP | The Fold5 offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing users to zoom without losing image quality, while the X3 Pro lacks this functionality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 12MP | The Fold5 has a higher resolution ultrawide camera for more detailed shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP Depth Sensor | No | The X3 Pro has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, while the Fold5 relies on its other cameras and software algorithms for bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | No | The X3 Pro has a dedicated macro camera while Fold 5 does not. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | The Fold5 offers significantly higher video recording resolution and additional features like HDR support, while the X3 Pro video recording capabilities are inferior in comparision. |
| Stabilization | EIS | EIS, OIS | Fold5 has both EIS and OIS for superior video stabilization, while X3 Pro only has EIS. |
| DXOMARK Score | Not Tested | Mobile: 128 | The Fold5 has a DXOMARK score that indicates its superior camera performance; the X3 Pro has not been tested |
Battery
| Feature | Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5160 mAh | 4400 mAh | The X3 Pro has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life, while Fold 5 may require more frequent charging. |
| Charging Speed | 33W | 25W | The X3 Pro charges faster than the Fold5. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Wireless Charging, Reverse Wireless Charging, Bypass Charging | Fold5 offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, in addition to bypass charging for better battery health, lacking on the X3 Pro. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Advantages:
- Lower price point: A more budget-friendly option.
- Longer battery life: Larger battery capacity, better for extended usage.
- Faster charging: Supports 33W fast charging.
- Lighter weight: More comfortable for long use.
- Dedicated Macro Camera: Offers a dedicated macro lens, while the Fold5 does not.
Practical Implications: The X3 Pro is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a decent performance for its price point. Ideal for users who prioritize battery life and don't need top-tier performance.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Advantages:
- Foldable design: Larger, more immersive display, also can be used folded for regular phone function.
- Superior Performance: Much more powerful processor and GPU for heavy usage.
- Significantly better cameras: Superior image quality and more versatile camera system with optical zoom.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and advanced video capabilities.
- Higher RAM: 12 GB vs. 6GB or 8GB, better for multitasking
- Better Wifi Support: WiFi 7 support for faster network speeds.
- More Internal Storage: up to 1TB storage compared to 256GB in the X3 Pro.
- eSIM: Ability to add an additional number using an eSIM card,
- More Advanced Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 vs Bluetooth 5.0 with more features.
Practical Implications: The Fold5 offers a premium, versatile, and powerful experience with its foldable design, superior cameras, and cutting-edge features. It is ideal for power users who need top performance, professional camera capabilities, and a large display for multitasking.
Trade-offs:
- Price: The Fold5 is significantly more expensive than the X3 Pro.
- Battery life: The X3 Pro offers better battery life due to its larger capacity.
- Weight and size: The Fold5 is heavier and bulkier than the X3 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users, casual gamers, students, users who prioritize battery life.
- Use Cases: Daily browsing, social media, watching videos, moderate gaming, photography in good lighting conditions, users who want a durable phone for everyday use.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent performance for its price point, making it a great value choice.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5:
- Ideal Users: Power users, professionals, content creators, mobile gamers, users who desire cutting-edge technology and a large screen experience.
- Use Cases: Multitasking, professional photo and video editing, high-end gaming, reading documents, media consumption, note-taking, users who require a highly versatile and powerful mobile device.
- Price-to-Value: Expensive but offers premium features and performance that justify the price for users with specific needs.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help buyers decide:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a phone?
- Recommendation: If you have a limited budget, the X3 Pro is the obvious choice. If budget is not a primary concern, then the Fold5 is the premium choice.
- Primary Use: What will be your primary use of the phone?
- Recommendation: For basic tasks, social media, and casual use, the X3 Pro is sufficient. If you need a high-performing device for heavy tasks, content creation, or professional use, the Fold5 is the better option.
- Form Factor: Do you need a standard phone or a foldable device?
- Recommendation: If you prefer a standard, compact phone with good battery life, the X3 Pro is the right choice. If you desire a unique experience with a large display for enhanced multitasking and media consumption, the Fold5 is worth the investment.
Conclusion:
Which would I choose and why? Considering my usage and budget, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. While the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is a very capable device, the features on the Fold 5 are far superior. The main difference is the use case of the two phones, and the Fold 5 caters more towards a power user, as the X3 Pro is a budget-oriented smartphone. I value performance, camera capabilities, and the multitasking potential of the larger screen. The Fold 5's foldable form factor offers a unique experience and allows me to get more out of my phone, and the additional features such as eSIM, and wireless charging and reverse charging make the phone more versatile. Although I acknowledge the Fold 5 is more expensive, the features that it offers are worth the premium.
