Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S23+ delivers a more refined flagship experience with its superior Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, brighter 1750-nit display, and comprehensive camera system featuring a 50MP main sensor with 3x optical zoom. Battery capacity of 4700 mAh with 45W charging substantially outpaces the Z Flip 3's 3300 mAh cell and 15W charging. Both phones share the same 8GB RAM baseline, but S23+ offers better storage scalability and more recent Android 13 software. Galaxy Z Flip 3 prioritizes novelty with its foldable form factor, weighs slightly less, and maintains acceptable performance for most tasks, though its Snapdragon 888 feels dated after multiple years and camera capabilities lag behind. For users prioritizing photography, everyday performance, and battery longevity, S23+ represents superior value. Z Flip 3 appeals primarily to those seeking a distinctive design over raw capability. At identical pricing, S23+ emerges as the stronger all-around choice.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23+ if…
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- →Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- →4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
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
Samsung Galaxy S23+
Pros
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy delivers top-tier performance
- Bright 1750-nit display is excellent in direct sunlight
- 4700 mAh battery provides strong all-day endurance
- Four years of OS updates and five years of security patches
- Versatile triple camera with 3x optical zoom
Cons
- Only 8 GB RAM at the $999 price point
- FHD+ resolution instead of QHD+ on the 6.6-inch display
- 45W charging is slower than Chinese competitors
- No expandable storage or microSD slot
- Design is very similar to S22+ with minimal visual changes
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 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) | Android 11, One UI 3.1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 195 g | 183 g |
| Material | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm (unfolded) |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS | — |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4700 mAh | 3300 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired | 15W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W, Wireless PowerShare | 10W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.6 inches | 6.7 inches (inner), 1.9 inches (cover) |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2640 x 1080 (inner), 512 x 260 (cover) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz (inner) |
| Brightness (nits) | 1750 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | 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.
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