iQOO 12 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
The Verdict
iQOO 12 delivers superior value with cutting-edge specifications at nearly half the price of Galaxy Z Flip 3. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 144Hz LTPO AMOLED display with 3000 nits brightness, and 120W fast charging significantly outpace the older Snapdragon 888 and 15W charging in Samsung's foldable. Camera performance favors iQOO 12 with its 50MP Sony IMX920 main sensor and 64MP telephoto versus Z Flip 3's modest 12MP sensors. However, Z Flip 3 offers unique foldable form factor, IPX8 water resistance, and wireless charging. iQOO 12 provides measurably better performance, display quality, and battery technology for everyday users seeking flagship capabilities without premium pricing. Z Flip 3's novelty factor appeals only to those prioritizing innovation over raw specifications.
Who Should Buy
Buy the iQOO 12 if…
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier gaming and productivity performance
- →144Hz LTPO AMOLED with 3000-nit brightness is a display powerhouse
- →120W fast charging fills the 5000 mAh battery in around 25 minutes
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 if…
- →First mainstream affordable foldable at $999
- →IPX8 water resistance on a foldable
- →Much larger cover screen than Flip 5G
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
iQOO 12
Pros
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers top-tier gaming and productivity performance
- 144Hz LTPO AMOLED with 3000-nit brightness is a display powerhouse
- 120W fast charging fills the 5000 mAh battery in around 25 minutes
- 64 MP 3x telephoto periscope zoom is excellent for the price
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 for future-proof connectivity
Cons
- No IP rating for water or dust resistance
- No wireless charging despite flagship-level pricing
- Limited global availability and after-sales network
- 13 MP ultrawide is a weak point in the camera system
- OriginOS/Funtouch is heavily skinned
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Pros
- First mainstream affordable foldable at $999
- IPX8 water resistance on a foldable
- Much larger cover screen than Flip 5G
- Compact and stylish when folded
- 120Hz inner display
Cons
- Poor battery life with 3300 mAh
- Slow 15W charging
- Dual 12 MP cameras are basic
- Visible display crease
- Snapdragon 888 thermal issues
Full Specifications
| Spec | iQOO 12 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 (Funtouch OS 14 / OriginOS 4) | Android 11, One UI 3.1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 202 g | 183 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, glass back | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | None | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 162.7 x 75.8 x 8.1 mm | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm (unfolded) |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.88, OIS, Sony IMX920 | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 16 MP, f/2.45 | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@120fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 64 MP, f/2.57, 3x optical zoom, OIS | — |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 12 GB / 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 3300 mAh |
| Charging | 120W FlashCharge | 15W wired |
| Wireless charging | No | 10W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.78 inches | 6.7 inches (inner), 1.9 inches (cover) |
| Type | LTPO AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable |
| Resolution | 2800 x 1260 | 2640 x 1080 (inner), 512 x 260 (cover) |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz | 120Hz (inner) |
| Brightness (nits) | 3000 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz + 3x3.2 GHz + 2x3.0 GHz + 2x2.3 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 750 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in phones, see all iQOO products or all Samsung products. View full details for the iQOO 12 or the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3.
Press ? for keyboard shortcuts