In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore two of the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship foldable phones: the Samsung Z Fold 6 and the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro. From build quality to battery life, and everything in between, let's dive into the features and capabilities of these cutting-edge devices to help you decide which one is right for you.
Build Quality and Design
Samsung Z Fold 6:
Outer Screen: 6.3 inches
Inner Screen: 8.03 inches
Weight: 239 grams
Thickness (folded): 12.1 mm
Stylus Support: Yes (S Pen)
Hinges: Slightly revised from previous models
Protection:
Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on front and back
Water Resistance: IPX8
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro:
Outer Screen: 6.53 inches
Inner Screen: 8.03 inches
Weight: 236 grams
Thickness (folded): 11.2 mm
Stylus Support: No
Hinges: Carbon fiber, lighter weight
Protection: Chinese brand shatter-resistant glass
Water Resistance: IPX8
Both phones have narrow outer screens, making typing slightly challenging but manageable. The Z Fold 6 offers a stylus option, which the Vivo lacks. Build quality is excellent on both, with the Vivo having a lighter and slightly thinner design.
Display and Screen Quality
Samsung Z Fold 6:
Outer Screen: 6.3 inches AMOLED, 1600 nits brightness
Inner Screen: 8.03 inches AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Camera: Under-display (4 MP)
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro:
Outer Screen: 6.53 inches AMOLED, 4500 nits brightness (claimed)
Inner Screen: 8.03 inches AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
Camera: Punch-hole (32 MP)
Both devices feature high-quality AMOLED displays with smooth 120Hz refresh rates. Vivo claims higher brightness levels, though real-world testing shows similar performance in direct sunlight. The Z Fold 6 has an under-display camera for a cleaner look, while the Vivo’s punch-hole camera offers better quality.
Camera Performance
Samsung Z Fold 6:
Rear Cameras: 50 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide, 10 MP telephoto (3x optical zoom)
Front Camera: 10 MP
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro:
Rear Cameras: 50 MP main, 50 MP ultra-wide, 64 MP periscopic telephoto (3x optical zoom)
Front Camera: 32 MP
The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro excels in camera hardware with Zeiss branding and a dedicated V3 chip for image processing. It offers superior image quality, especially with its higher
resolution telephoto camera. The Z Fold 6 holds its own but falls slightly short in camera comparison.
Battery Life and Charging
Samsung Z Fold 6:
Battery: 4400 mAh
Charging: 25W wired, wireless charging supported
Battery Life: Around 1 hour and 16 minutes for a full charge
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro:
Battery: 5700 mAh
Charging: 120W wired, wireless charging supported
Battery Life: Around 26 minutes for a full charge
The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro has a significantly larger battery and faster charging speeds. Despite its larger battery, the Vivo is lighter than the Samsung. For heavy users, the Vivo’s battery performance is a clear advantage.
Software and Features
Samsung Z Fold 6:
Operating System: One UI with Samsung DeX
Multitasking: Advanced with desktop mode, multiple window options
Bloatware: Minimal, but some pre-installed apps
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro:
Operating System: Funtouch OS
Multitasking: Good, but lacks desktop mode
Bloatware: Minimal, mainly system apps
Samsung's software experience is more refined, especially with features like Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience. Vivo's software is improving but still lacks some of the advanced features that Samsung offers.
Performance
Samsung Z Fold 6:
Processor:
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM: 12 GB
Storage: 512 GB (UFS 4.0)
Benchmark Scores: Lower compared to Vivo
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro:
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 512 GB (UFS 4.0)
Benchmark Scores: Higher, especially in GPU performance
The Vivo X Fold 3 Pro outperforms the Samsung Z Fold 6 in benchmarks, particularly in GPU performance and random access speeds. This translates to smoother gaming and overall better performance in demanding applications.
Additional Features
Samsung Z Fold 6:
USB Type-C (3.2), Samsung DeX
Audio: Stereo speakers
Connectivity:
Gorilla Glass 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro:
USB Type-C (3.2), IR transmitter
Audio: Stereo speakers
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
Both phones offer excellent connectivity options and stereo speakers. Samsung’s DeX provides a superior desktop experience, while the Vivo includes an IR transmitter for additional functionality.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Samsung Z Fold 6 and Vivo X Fold 3 Pro depends on your priorities:
Samsung Z Fold 6: Best for those who need stylus support, a refined software experience with Samsung DeX, and good overall performance.
Vivo X Fold 3 Pro: Ideal for users who prioritize camera quality, battery life, fast charging, and slightly better overall performance.
Both devices are top-tier foldables with their own strengths. Evaluate your needs and choose the one that best aligns with your preferences.
