Galaxy Z Flip3 5G Vs iPhone X

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

Refurbished price:290.88

Versus €1,299.00 new

See options
iPhone X
iPhone X
Starting at

Refurbished price:130.00

Versus €439.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, released in August 2021, and the Apple iPhone X, launched in November 2017, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the iPhone X introduced a significant design shift for Apple with its edge-to-edge display and Face ID, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G brought a modern foldable form factor to the mainstream, offering a compact design when closed and an expansive screen when unfolded. Both devices operate on different ecosystems, with the Z Flip3 running Android and the iPhone X running iOS, leading to varied user experiences and software support timelines.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support play a significant role.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone X, released in November 2017, is an older device compared to the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, which launched in August 2021. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support and overall longevity.
  • OS Support: The iPhone X originally shipped with iOS 11 and received major operating system updates up to iOS 16, but it no longer receives the latest iOS versions, though security updates may still be provided. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G launched with Android 11 and has received updates up to Android 14, with expectations for Android 15, and is guaranteed at least four years of OS updates and five years of security updates from its release.
  • Repairability: The iPhone X generally scores well for repairability, with its display and battery being relatively accessible for replacement. The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, while featuring an IPX8 water resistance rating, presents more challenges for repair due to its complex foldable design, particularly concerning the internal display.

Year of Release

2021

2017

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

Yes

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, and these two devices offer different capabilities based on their hardware and software optimization.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is equipped with a processor that was a top-tier performer at its release, allowing it to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone X, powered by its own custom-designed chip, delivered strong performance for its era, providing a responsive user experience for typical applications and gaming.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G can expect fluid navigation and efficient app switching, supported by its generous RAM configuration. While the iPhone X was highly responsive in its prime, its older hardware may show some limitations with the most recent and resource-intensive applications compared to newer devices.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G features a 3300 mAh battery, which some users report can lead to more frequent charging, especially with heavy use and the 120Hz display. The iPhone X has a 2716 mAh battery, and users have also noted that it may require charging before the end of a full day, particularly as the battery ages.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

3 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interaction point for any smartphone, and these two models offer distinct visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G features a 6.7-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, which can fold in half for portability, alongside a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover screen for quick interactions. The iPhone X sports a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, which was Apple's first OLED panel, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Z Flip3 5G's main display boasts a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone X has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a consistent visual experience but lacks the enhanced fluidity of higher refresh rate displays.
  • Clarity and Brightness: Both devices offer high-resolution displays, with the Z Flip3 at 1080 x 2640 pixels and the iPhone X at 1125 x 2436 pixels, resulting in sharp images and text. The Z Flip3's display can reach high peak brightness levels, aiding visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

Resolution

1080 x 2640

1125 x 2436

Screen type

Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina OLED

Audiovisual

Photography capabilities are a key consideration for many users, and both devices provide tools for capturing moments, albeit with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G includes a dual-camera setup on the rear, featuring a 12 MP wide-angle lens and a 12 MP ultrawide lens, with optical image stabilization on the main sensor. The iPhone X also has a dual 12 MP rear camera system, consisting of a wide-angle and a telephoto lens, both with optical image stabilization, allowing for optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Z Flip3 5G's cameras are generally considered capable for everyday photography, producing vibrant images, though some reviews note they may not match the performance of non-foldable flagship phones in all conditions, particularly in low light. The iPhone X was praised for its camera quality at launch, performing well in good lighting, but its low-light performance and advanced features like Night Mode are not on par with more recent devices.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video. The Z Flip3 5G features a 10 MP front camera, while the iPhone X has a 7 MP front-facing TrueDepth camera, which also enables its facial recognition system.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G supports 5G networks, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1, offering faster data speeds and more modern wireless connectivity options. The iPhone X supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0, providing reliable but older generation wireless standards.
  • Biometric Security and Ports: The Z Flip3 5G uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for authentication, along with facial recognition, and charges via a USB-C port. The iPhone X relies solely on Face ID for biometric security and uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer.
  • Design and Handling: The Z Flip3 5G's foldable design makes it exceptionally compact when closed, fitting easily into smaller pockets, and features an aluminum frame with Gorilla Glass Victus on the cover screen. The iPhone X has a traditional smartphone form factor with a stainless steel frame and glass front and back, offering a premium feel.

Weight

183 g

174 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

5.8

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and the iPhone X cater to different user preferences, largely due to their distinct designs and release timelines. Users often praise the Z Flip3 5G for its innovative foldable design, which offers a unique blend of a large screen experience and compact portability. Its modern processor and 120Hz display are also frequently highlighted as strong points. However, common concerns include its battery life, which some users find to be shorter than desired, and the long-term durability of the foldable screen and its visible crease.

The iPhone X, despite its age, is still appreciated by users for its premium build quality, the introduction of Face ID, and its OLED display, which was a significant upgrade at the time. Criticisms often revolve around its battery life, which can be a limiting factor for heavy users, and its camera performance in low-light conditions compared to newer devices. Its software support has also concluded for major iOS versions, meaning it will not receive new features.

Users prioritizing a cutting-edge, compact form factor with modern connectivity and a high refresh rate display may prefer the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. Its ability to fold makes it highly portable, suiting those who value convenience and a unique aesthetic. Conversely, users who prefer the iOS ecosystem, a traditional smartphone design, and a device that was once a flagship innovator might lean towards the iPhone X, understanding its limitations due to its age. For those seeking a more sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, offering an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new devices.

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