The foldable phone market is heating up, with established players like Samsung facing new challengers like Vivo. Both the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 offer cutting-edge technology and a glimpse into the future of mobile devices. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Design & Build: Slim vs. Sturdy
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro – Lightweight Champion
The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro boasts the title of India’s slimmest foldable phone. At 11.2mm folded and 5.2mm unfolded, it feels noticeably thinner than the Galaxy Z Fold 5 (13.4mm folded, 6.1mm unfolded). This slimness is partly attributed to its carbon fiber hinge, contributing to a weight of just 236 grams compared to the Z Fold 5’s 253 grams. Both phones utilize an aluminum frame and glass protection, with Samsung employing the latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for added scratch resistance.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 – Familiar Durability
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 retains the familiar, sturdy build Samsung is known for. While thicker than the X Fold 3 Pro, it might feel more reassuring to some users. Both phones boast an IPX8 water resistance rating, offering peace of mind against accidental splashes. Fingerprint security differs, though. The Z Fold 5 utilizes a side-mounted reader, while the X Fold 3 Pro incorporates two in-display 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensors.
Display: Bigger, Brighter, and Sharper on Vivo
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro – Unfolding a Larger Canvas
Despite its slimmer profile, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro offers a larger main display (8.03-inch) compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 (7.6-inch). The X Fold 3 Pro also boasts a higher resolution (2200 x 2480 pixels) for sharper visuals and a more immersive viewing experience. The cover display on the X Fold 3 Pro is larger and features a more comfortable 21:9 aspect ratio compared to the Z Fold 5’s narrower 23.1:9. The X Fold 3 Pro takes the lead in display technology as well, offering Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support on both the main and cover displays, while the Z Fold 5 is limited to HDR10+.
Performance: The Edge of Speed Goes to Vivo
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro – Blazing-Fast Performance
The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro packs the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, offering a significant performance advantage over the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and enhanced graphical fidelity for games. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 also unlocks advanced on-device AI capabilities, potentially leading to more innovative features in the future.
Cameras: Megapixels and More on Vivo
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro – Packed with Powerful Cameras
The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro boasts a superior camera system on paper. Its 50MP primary sensor with f/1.68 aperture and OIS offers a clear advantage over the Z Fold 5’s 50MP sensor with f/1.8 aperture. The X Fold 3 Pro also features a more versatile zoom setup with a 64MP periscope lens offering 3x optical zoom, compared to the Z Fold 5’s 10MP sensor with 3x zoom. Additionally, the X Fold 3 Pro boasts a higher resolution 50MP ultrawide lens compared to the Z Fold 5’s 12MP offering.
However, megapixels aren’t everything. Samsung has a proven track record of delivering excellent image quality through software optimization. Vivo, however, is no slouch, co-developing its camera sensors with ZEISS for potentially impressive results. Ultimately, real-world camera testing is needed to determine the true winner.
Battery & Charging: Vivo Charges Ahead
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro – Longer Life and Faster Refueling
The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro packs a significantly larger 5,700mAh battery compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s 4,400mAh battery. This translates to potentially longer battery life on the X Fold 3 Pro, especially for users who heavily utilize the large foldable display. Vivo maintains its lead in the charging department as well.
FAQs
Q: Which foldable phone is thinner?
A: The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro is the thinner phone at 11.2mm folded compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s 13.4mm.
Q: Which foldable phone has a larger display?
A: The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro features a larger main display (8.03-inch) compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 (7.6-inch).
Q: Which foldable phone has a better camera?
A: On paper, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro boasts a superior camera system with higher megapixel counts and a more versatile zoom lens. However, real-world testing is needed to determine the true winner in terms of image quality.
Q: Which foldable phone has a longer battery life?
A: The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro packs a larger battery (5,700mAh) compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 (4,400mAh), potentially offering longer life on a single charge.
Q: Does the Galaxy Z Fold 5 support S Pen?
A: Yes, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 likely supports S Pen functionality (sold separately) like previous Z Fold models.
