Galaxy Z Flip3 5G Vs iPhone 15 Pro

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

Refurbished price:154.00

Versus €999.00 new

See options
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:510.00

Versus €1,165.38 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, released in August 2021, introduced a foldable clamshell design to the smartphone market, offering a compact form factor when closed. In contrast, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro, launched in September 2023, represents a traditional slab-style smartphone with a focus on advanced performance and camera capabilities. These devices operate on different ecosystems, with the Z Flip3 running Android and the iPhone 15 Pro utilizing iOS, leading to distinct user experiences.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan and software support differ between these two devices, largely due to their release timelines and operating systems.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G was released in August 2021, making it an older device compared to the iPhone 15 Pro, which launched in September 2023. This age difference impacts the remaining period of software updates and overall longevity.
  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 15 Pro, running iOS, is expected to receive major software updates for a minimum of five years from its release, extending to at least 2028. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, initially on Android 11, has received updates to Android 14, but its update cycle is nearing its end compared to the newer iPhone model.
  • Physical Durability: The Z Flip3 features an IPX8 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in water but lacks official dust resistance due to its folding design. The iPhone 15 Pro offers IP68 dust and water resistance, providing more comprehensive protection against environmental elements. The iPhone 15 Pro also incorporates a Ceramic Shield front, designed for enhanced drop protection.

Year of Release

2021

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

Yes

No

Performance

Performance capabilities vary significantly between these two smartphones, primarily influenced by their respective processors and system optimizations.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 15 Pro is equipped with a current-generation processor, which delivers substantial performance for demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphics-intensive gaming. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, powered by a processor from 2021, handles everyday tasks smoothly but may show limitations with the most intensive applications or future software requirements compared to the iPhone 15 Pro.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 15 Pro can expect a highly responsive and fluid experience across the operating system and applications, benefiting from the optimized integration of hardware and software. The Z Flip3 5G provides a capable experience for general use, but the newer iPhone model offers a noticeable advantage in raw processing speed and efficiency.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 15 Pro offers a wider range of storage configurations, including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options, catering to users with extensive storage needs. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on these devices presents distinct characteristics, influenced by their form factors and display technologies.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G features a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. When folded, it reveals a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover screen for quick notifications and interactions. The iPhone 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology, providing an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both devices offer high brightness levels, with the iPhone 15 Pro reaching up to 2000 nits peak brightness for outdoor visibility, and the Z Flip3 5G reaching 1200 nits peak brightness. The iPhone 15 Pro's display resolution is 2556 x 1179 pixels at 460 ppi, while the Z Flip3 5G's main display is 2640 x 1080 pixels at 425 ppi, both delivering sharp visuals.
  • Viewing Experience: The Z Flip3's foldable design offers a unique compact form factor, while its main screen provides an immersive viewing experience when unfolded. The iPhone 15 Pro's traditional display offers consistent clarity and color accuracy, suitable for various media consumption and productivity tasks.

Resolution

1080 x 2640

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and iPhone 15 Pro cater to different photographic needs and offer varying capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G features a dual-camera setup with a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The iPhone 15 Pro boasts a more advanced triple-camera system, including a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 15 Pro's main camera captures 24MP photos by default, offering greater detail.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 15 Pro excels in detail capture, low-light performance, and offers advanced features like sensor-shift optical image stabilization and various photographic modes. The Z Flip3 5G's cameras are capable for everyday photography, with users reporting good performance in well-lit conditions, but it may not match the versatility or low-light capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro.
  • Video Recording: Both devices support 4K video recording. The iPhone 15 Pro offers more advanced video features, including ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60fps with external recording, and Cinematic mode. The Z Flip3 5G supports 4K video at 30 and 60 frames per second.

Main camera

12 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6. The iPhone 15 Pro features a USB-C port with USB 3 speeds, enabling faster data transfer and broader compatibility. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G also uses a USB-C port, but with USB 2.0 speeds.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 15 Pro relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The Z Flip3's foldable design allows it to be more compact when closed, fitting into smaller spaces. The iPhone 15 Pro features a titanium frame, contributing to a lighter and durable build. The iPhone 15 Pro weighs 187 grams, while the Z Flip3 5G weighs 183 grams.

Weight

183 g

171 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the iPhone 15 Pro cater to different user preferences and priorities. Users often praise the Z Flip3 for its unique foldable form factor, which offers a sense of novelty and portability, making it suitable for those who value a compact device that can easily fit into smaller pockets or bags. Its secondary cover screen is also frequently highlighted for providing quick access to notifications and widgets without needing to fully open the phone. However, some users have expressed concerns regarding its battery life compared to traditional slab phones and the durability of the foldable screen over extended use.

The iPhone 15 Pro, on the other hand, is generally lauded for its robust performance, advanced camera system, and consistent software experience. Users appreciate its powerful processing capabilities for demanding tasks and gaming, as well as the high quality of photos and videos it produces across various conditions. The device's overall build quality and the longevity of iOS updates are also common points of praise. Some discussions around the iPhone 15 Pro have centered on its incremental design changes compared to previous models, though the introduction of the Action button and USB-C port were well-received.

Users prioritizing a unique, compact design and the Android ecosystem may find the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G appealing. Its foldable nature offers a distinct interaction experience. Conversely, users who prioritize cutting-edge performance, a highly capable camera system, and a longer software support window within the iOS ecosystem will likely find the iPhone 15 Pro better suited to their needs. Both devices, when considering quality-assured refurbished options, present an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons