Thin. Thinner. Thinnest. The relentless pursuit of ultra-slim smartphones has consumed the industry lately. But does this race for the title of the thinnest phone actually matter to users? Probably not. It sure does make for catchy advertising and playful banter on social media, though.
The excitement surrounding thin devices escalated sharply with the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7. Is it truly the thinnest? Honor has a differing perspective. While the sleek design holds ergonomic advantages for foldable phones, things become questionable when emphasizing thinness overshadows practical usability.
During the buzz around the Galaxy Z Fold 7, I tested the Vivo X Fold 5. After spending time with it, I found it to offer a more user-centric folding experience than Samsung’s sleek counterpart.
Is Thinness Everything?
Let’s dive into how these devices feel in hand. Both have flat sides, but the Vivo X Fold 5 features slightly rounded corners, making it more comfortable to grip than the sharp edges of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. When comparing thickness, you’d barely notice any difference. Look at these specs:
| Unfolded (mm) | Folded (mm) | |
| Vivo X Fold 5 | 159.68 x 72.60 x 9.2 | 72.8 x 158.4 x 8.9 |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | 159.68 x 142.29 x 4.3 | 143.2 x 158.4 x 4.2 |
The thickness difference while unfolded is just 0.1 millimeters. When closed with only the outer display in use, they differ by only 0.3mm. This is negligible, and the weight gap is merely two grams.
But where the Vivo triumphs in usability, it also boasts better sturdiness. With premium foldable phones, added protection is crucial compared to conventional flat devices. Here, Vivo excels.
The Galaxy Z Fold holds an IP48 rating, meaning it survives liquid immersion at 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. In contrast, the Vivo offers IPX8, IPX9, IPX9+, and IP5X classifications, showcasing far greater resilience against dust and liquids.
Vivo can resist jets of water, ensuring it stands up to everyday wear, while Samsung has faced issues with foldable durability that lead to costly repairs.
What Really Matters?
Battery life is a vital aspect for any phone, yet foldable models are notorious for compromising battery size for design. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 includes a 4,400mAh battery, which struggles to power extensive content consumption throughout the day.
Conversely, the Vivo X Fold 5 houses a substantial 6,000mAh battery, designed to deliver over a week of standby and extended usage throughout the day. This battery tech helps boost productivity without frequent recharges.
The Vivo supports an impressive 80W wired charging, getting the battery from 15% to full in about 45 minutes, while Samsung’s 25W wired and 15W wireless speeds prove lackluster for a device priced around $2,000 (€1,880).
Plus, Vivo’s charger comes included, while Samsung requires you to purchase one separately, adding to your total costs.
Additional Considerations
Although Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 features a 200-megapixel main camera, its ultrawide and zoom lenses are less impressive at 12-megapixel and 10-megapixel, respectively. The Vivo X Fold 5, however, impressively packs three 50-megapixel rear cameras, including a periscope zoom lens, enabling superior long-range photography.
The front-facing camera situation is also more favorable for Vivo, which includes two 20-megapixel sensors, compared to Samsung’s dual 10-megapixel offerings. This is another area where Vivo has gained respect for its high-quality image processing and video performance.
Display-wise, Samsung’s main OLED panel peaks at 2,600 nits brightness, while Vivo’s dual screens reach a staggering 4,500 nits. Vivo has also adapted features that resemble Apple’s Stage Manager for enhanced multitasking experiences.
In conclusion, while Samsung’s latest foldable pushes boundaries, the Vivo X Fold 5 emerges as a more impactful solution, offering better usability and features that matter. Coupled with its lower price point than Samsung, it sweetens the deal.
Are you considering a foldable smartphone? Explore more at Moyens I/O.