vivo X Fold+ vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5: A Deep Dive into Foldable Supremacy

The foldable phone market is maturing, and the vivo X Fold+ enters the arena as a direct competitor to Samsung’s established Galaxy Z Fold5. While the Z Fold5 refines Samsung’s formula with incremental improvements, the X Fold+ aims to disrupt with a focus on charging speed and a slightly different approach to internal hardware. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which foldable best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity and a polished software experience, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is the safer bet. However, the vivo X Fold+ delivers significantly faster 80W charging and a comparable processor, making it a compelling option for power users who value speed and don't mind a potentially less refined software experience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo X Fold+ Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 66, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, September 262023, July 26
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 29Available. Released 2023, August 11
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 162 x 144.9 x 6.3 mm Folded: 162 x 74.5 x 14.6 mmUnfolded: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mmFolded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4 mm
SIMNano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight311 g (10.97 oz)253 g (8.92 oz)
Display
Resolution1916 x 2160 pixels (~360 ppi density)1812 x 2176 pixels (~373 ppi density)
Size8.03 inches, 206.5 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio)7.6 inches, 183.2 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 740
OSAndroid 12, OriginOS OceanAndroid 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1.1
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, Zeiss optics, Zeiss T* lens coating, Dual-LED flash, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.0, 47mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom 48 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 114˚ (ultrawide)-
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 66mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 12mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps (gyro-EIS), HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide) Cover camera: 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide)4 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 2.0µm, under display Cover camera: 10 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging80W wired, 100% in 35 min 50W wireless 10W reverse wireless25W wired, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless 4.5W reverse wireless
Type4730 mAhLi-Po 4400 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, RedIcy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream, Gray, Blue
ModelsV2229ASM-F946B, SM-F946B/DS, SM-F946U, SM-F946U1, SM-F946N, SM-F946W, SM-F9460
PriceAbout 1450 EUR€ 660.00 / $ 607.00 / £ 520.69 / ₹ 86,000
SAR-1.16 W/kg (head)
SAR EU-1.24 W/kg (head)     1.19 W/kg (body)

vivo X Fold+

  • Significantly faster 80W wired charging
  • Powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor
  • Potentially more aggressive pricing (depending on region)

  • Software experience may be less refined than Samsung’s One UI
  • Camera system details are currently limited

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

  • Brighter and more refined display
  • More powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
  • Mature software ecosystem with long-term support

  • Slower 25W wired charging
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 boasts a peak brightness of 1257 nits, offering superior visibility in direct sunlight compared to the X Fold+, whose brightness is not specified but is likely lower given the focus on other features. Both utilize foldable LTPO displays, enabling adaptive refresh rates for power efficiency. However, Samsung’s display benefits from years of refinement in hinge technology and crease reduction, potentially offering a more seamless viewing experience. The Z Fold5’s cover display also benefits from a narrower bezel, maximizing screen real estate.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specs for the vivo X Fold+ are unavailable, making a direct comparison challenging. However, Samsung typically prioritizes image processing and versatility in its flagship devices. The Z Fold5 likely features a more sophisticated camera system with advanced computational photography features. While the X Fold+ may offer competitive hardware, Samsung’s software optimization and multi-camera setup (including telephoto lenses) likely provide a wider range of shooting options and superior image quality in various conditions. We can assume the X Fold+ will have a capable camera, but the Z Fold5 likely has the edge.

Performance

The Galaxy Z Fold5’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) represents a significant leap in performance and efficiency over the X Fold+'s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm). The Gen 2 features a newer Cortex-X3 prime core clocked at 3.36 GHz versus the X Fold+'s 3.19 GHz Cortex-X2, alongside improved Cortex-A715 and A710 cores. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better sustained performance during demanding tasks like gaming. While both utilize a 4nm process, the architectural improvements in the Gen 2 provide a clear advantage. The Z Fold5’s LPDDR5x RAM further enhances memory bandwidth, contributing to overall system responsiveness.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 demonstrates impressive battery endurance, achieving an active use score of 12:01h and an endurance rating of 95h. While the X Fold+'s battery capacity is unknown, its 80W wired charging is a standout feature, achieving a 100% charge in just 35 minutes. In contrast, the Z Fold5’s 25W charging takes 30 minutes to reach 50%. This difference is substantial for users who prioritize quick top-ups. The Z Fold5’s longer endurance rating suggests better overall efficiency, but the X Fold+'s charging speed mitigates range anxiety.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo X Fold+ if you need blazing-fast charging – its 80W wired charging is a game-changer compared to the Z Fold5’s 25W. It’s ideal for users who frequently top up their phones and dislike waiting. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 if you prefer a more mature software ecosystem, a brighter display, and a proven track record of durability and long-term software support. It’s the better choice for those seeking a premium, refined foldable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How does the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the vivo X Fold+ handle sustained gaming compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Z Fold5?
While the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a capable chip, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Z Fold5 offers superior thermal efficiency and sustained performance. The Gen 2’s architectural improvements and optimized power management allow it to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods during demanding gaming sessions, reducing the risk of throttling.
❓ Is the 80W charging on the vivo X Fold+ compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
It's likely the vivo X Fold+ utilizes a proprietary 80W charging protocol, but it should also support Power Delivery (PD) for slower charging speeds with standard USB-C PD chargers. However, to achieve the full 80W charging speed, you'll need to use the charger included in the box or a compatible vivo-branded charger.
❓ What are the potential downsides of choosing the vivo X Fold+ over the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 in terms of software updates?
Samsung has a strong track record of providing long-term software support for its flagship devices, typically offering four years of OS updates and five years of security patches. vivo’s software update commitment is generally shorter, meaning the X Fold+ may not receive updates for as long as the Z Fold5, potentially impacting security and feature availability over time.