Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs Galaxy S23: The Ultimate Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy S23 is the clear winner overall, boasting superior performance, a brighter display, and significantly better battery life. However, the Z Flip3 5G's unique foldable design and more accessible price point make it a compelling option for those prioritizing style and portability.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 78, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 66 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G | HSPA, LTE (up to 7CA), 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA | 1, 7, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 78, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 11 | 2023, February 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 27 | Available. Released 2023, February 17 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Plastic front, glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm Folded: 86.4 x 72.2 x 15.9-17.1 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm (5.76 x 2.79 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | · Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| IPX8 water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2640 pixels (~426 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~425 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 101.5 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.1 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (HBM), 1750 nits (peak) |
| Cover display: Super AMOLED, 1.9 inches, 260 x 512 pixels | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 - 128GB only UFS 4.0 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 10 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1.22µm | 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), Dual Pixel PDAF |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@60/240fps, HDR10+ | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, HDR10+ |
| Single | 10 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1.22µm | 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG | 32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.2, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) | Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired 10W wireless 4.5W reverse wireless | 25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 3300 mAh | Li-Ion 3900 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Green, Lavender, Cream, White, Pink, Gray, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition, Wooyoungmi Edition, Dream White | Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender, Graphite, Lime |
| Models | SM-F711B, SM-F711N, SM-F711U, SM-F711U1, SM-F711W, SM-F7110 | SM-S911B, SM-S911B/DS, SM-S911U, SM-S911U1, SM-S911W, SM-S911N, SM-S9110, SM-S911E, SM-S911E/DS |
| Price | € 279.00 / $ 208.04 / £ 215.00 | $ 237.95 / C$ 336.75 / £ 255.00 / € 322.41 / ₹ 49,990 |
| SAR | - | 0.95 W/kg (head) 0.88 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.86 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body) | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 69h | Endurance rating 101h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -25.8 LUFS (Very good) | -27.0 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 596866 (v8) | 682223 (v9) GeekBench: 3441 (v5.1) GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 1231075 (v9) GeekBench: 4950 (v5.1) GFXBench: 110fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Unique foldable design
- Compact and pocketable
- Stylish and eye-catching
- More affordable than the S23
- Reverse wireless charging
- Shorter battery life
- Less powerful performance
- Smaller display
- More fragile than traditional phones
- Slower charging speed
Samsung Galaxy S23
- Top-tier performance
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Excellent camera system
- Longer battery life
- Faster charging (wired)
- More durable design
- Higher price
- Less unique design
- Larger and heavier than the Z Flip3
Display Comparison
The Galaxy S23 takes a commanding lead in the display department. Its 1198 nits max brightness significantly outshines the Z Flip3's 935 nits, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. Both have excellent contrast ratios (Infinite nominal), but the S23's superior brightness and potentially slightly better color accuracy give it the edge. The Z Flip3's folding screen is a unique feature, but it's not as bright or robust as the S23's.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable cameras, the Galaxy S23's camera system is significantly more advanced. Expect better image quality, improved low-light performance, and more versatile shooting options. The S23's processing is also superior, resulting in more natural-looking photos. The Z Flip3's cameras are decent for everyday use, but they don't match the S23's capabilities.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Galaxy S23 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 888 5G in the Z Flip3. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. The S23's newer CPU architecture and fabrication process contribute to improved efficiency as well. The Z Flip3 is still capable, but the S23 is in a different league.
Battery Life
Battery life is a major differentiator. The Galaxy S23 boasts an endurance rating of 101h and an active use score of 11:27h, far exceeding the Z Flip3's 69h endurance rating. The S23's more efficient chipset and larger battery contribute to its superior longevity. The Z Flip3 requires more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G? Those seeking a stylish, compact, and conversation-starting foldable phone, and who are comfortable with a shorter battery life and less powerful performance. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S23? Users who prioritize top-tier performance, a stunning display, excellent camera capabilities, and all-day battery life in a more traditional smartphone form factor.