samsung Z Fold 6 Vs Vivo X Fold 3 Pro Comparison: Which Should You Buy?

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: 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.