Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
The Verdict
Samsung's flagship S25 Ultra ($1299.99) significantly outpaces the aging Z Fold 3 ($1799) across nearly every performance metric. With the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, superior 200MP main camera with OIS, and a brighter 2600-nit AMOLED display, the S25 Ultra delivers cutting-edge performance in a traditional form factor. Battery capacity favors the S25 Ultra (5000mAh vs 4400mAh), while charging speeds nearly double (45W vs 25W). The Z Fold 3's unique foldable design and larger unfolded screen remain its only advantages, but its 2022-era processor, dimmer 1200-nit display, and inferior camera system make it outdated at a premium price. For mainstream users prioritizing performance and value, the S25 Ultra is the clear choice. Only specialized users who genuinely need a foldable form factor should consider the aging Z Fold 3.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if…
- →Class-leading 200 MP main camera with 5x periscope zoom
- →Built-in S Pen for note-taking and productivity
- →Bright 2600-nit display with Gorilla Glass Armor 2
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 if…
- →First foldable with IPX8 water resistance
- →S Pen support on inner display
- →120Hz on both inner and cover screens
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Pros
- Class-leading 200 MP main camera with 5x periscope zoom
- Built-in S Pen for note-taking and productivity
- Bright 2600-nit display with Gorilla Glass Armor 2
- Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers top-tier performance
- 7 years of OS and security updates
Cons
- Very expensive at $1299 starting price
- S Pen lost Bluetooth remote features
- Charging speed still capped at 45W
- Large and heavy for one-handed use
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Pros
- First foldable with IPX8 water resistance
- S Pen support on inner display
- 120Hz on both inner and cover screens
- Under-display camera for seamless inner screen
- Multi-window multitasking
Cons
- $1799 is prohibitively expensive
- Heavy at 271 g
- Under-display camera quality is poor
- Same cameras as Fold 2
- S Pen not included and no storage silo
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 15, One UI 7 | Android 11, One UI 3.1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 218 g | 271 g |
| Material | Titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Armor 2 | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm | 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm (unfolded) |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 200 MP, f/1.7, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP (cover), 4 MP under-display (inner) |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 50 MP 5x periscope + 10 MP 3x | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | 50 MP, f/1.9 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4400 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W Qi2 | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.9 inches | 7.6 inches (inner), 6.2 inches (cover) |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable |
| Resolution | 3120 x 1440 | 2208 x 1768 (inner), 2268 x 832 (cover) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz (both) |
| Brightness (nits) | 2600 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (2x4.47 GHz + 6x3.53 GHz) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 830 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 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 Samsung products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3.