Galaxy S23 Vs Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:240.00

Versus €959.00 new

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Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:154.00

Versus €999.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23, released in February 2023, is a traditional slab-style smartphone, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, launched in August 2021, offers a distinct foldable clamshell design. These devices cater to different user preferences, primarily differing in their form factor, release timeline, and core processing capabilities. Both operate on the Android platform, featuring Samsung's One UI for a consistent software experience.

Scores

Durability

The durability and expected lifespan of these two Samsung devices vary due to their design and release dates.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 is a newer device, released in February 2023, giving it a longer runway for software updates and overall longevity compared to the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, which was released in August 2021.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, while also featuring an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus on its cover display and back, has a foldable main screen made of Ultra Thin Glass and an IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning it is water-resistant but lacks official dust resistance. The foldable display also inherently has a crease, which is a normal characteristic of the technology.
  • Software Longevity: As the S23 is a more recent model, it is expected to receive software and security updates for a longer period, extending its usable life in terms of software support.

Year of Release

2023

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

Yes

Performance

Performance aspects, including processing power and battery behavior, differ between the two models, influencing their suitability for various tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 is equipped with a custom-tuned processor, designed to deliver enhanced CPU and GPU performance for demanding applications and multitasking. This results in smoother operation and more efficient handling of intensive tasks. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G utilizes a previous-generation flagship processor, which provides capable performance for everyday use and most applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices typically come with 8GB of RAM, allowing for effective multitasking. Storage options are available in various capacities for both models.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 houses a 3900 mAh battery, with many users reporting that it comfortably lasts a full day with moderate use. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a smaller 3300 mAh battery, and some users have noted that its battery life may require more frequent charging, especially for heavy usage scenarios.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is a significant differentiator, particularly given the Z Flip3 5G's unique form factor.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display when unfolded, along with a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover screen for quick notifications and interactions when closed.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both main displays offer FHD+ resolutions, providing sharp and clear visuals for typical viewing distances.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: Both devices feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The Galaxy S23 can achieve higher peak brightness levels, up to 1750 nits, which enhances outdoor visibility. The Z Flip3 5G's main display reaches up to 1200 nits peak brightness.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2640

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two smartphones offer different capabilities and configurations for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration provides flexibility for various photographic situations, including zoomed shots. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has a dual-camera system on the rear, consisting of a 12MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It does not include a dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Photography Performance: The S23 offers improved low-light performance and enhanced video stabilization, benefiting from its newer processor and camera technology. While the Z Flip3 5G's cameras perform well in good lighting conditions, they may not match the advanced capabilities of more recent flagship devices, particularly in challenging lighting.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video, with the S23 supporting up to 8K resolution. For selfies and video calls, the S23 has a 12MP front camera, while the Z Flip3 5G features a 10MP front camera. The Z Flip3 5G's foldable design also allows for unique camera angles using its main cameras in Flex Mode.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of each device.

  • Connectivity: Both phones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S23 includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, offering more advanced wireless capabilities than the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both devices feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy S23 uses an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
  • Form Factor and Handling: The Galaxy S23 is a compact device with a 6.1-inch screen, making it comfortable for one-handed use and easy to carry. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G's foldable design allows it to become significantly more compact when closed, enhancing portability, though it is a larger device when unfolded.

Weight

167 g

183 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The choice between the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G largely depends on individual priorities and usage patterns. The Galaxy S23 is frequently praised for its compact size, robust performance, and capable camera system, offering a well-rounded traditional smartphone experience. Some users have noted occasional camera processing quirks or minor performance lags.

Conversely, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G stands out for its innovative foldable design, which provides a unique and highly portable form factor when closed. Its main display is generally well-regarded, and its cameras are considered decent for its category. However, common criticisms include its shorter battery life and the absence of a telephoto lens. The visible crease on the foldable screen is also a characteristic of the technology.

Users prioritizing a powerful, compact, and traditional smartphone with a versatile camera and longer software support may find the Galaxy S23 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a distinctive, highly portable design and the novelty of a foldable screen, and are comfortable with a potentially shorter battery life and a less advanced camera system, might lean towards the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. Both devices represent quality options within the Samsung ecosystem, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be a sustainable choice for either model.

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