Fairphone 4 vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
Shop Android Smartphones
Fairphone 4
Starting at
£402.27
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
Starting at
£341.28What's the difference between the Fairphone 4 and Galaxy Z Fold3 5G?
Fairphone 4 vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G starts at £341.28, £60.99 less than the Fairphone 4.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Snapdragon 750G SM7225 on the Fairphone 4, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G.
- The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a bigger battery: 4400 mAh vs 3905 mAh.
Fairphone 4 vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G specs
The Fairphone 4 and Galaxy Z Fold3 5G both come from 2021 and run Android, but they suit different priorities. The Fairphone 4 offers a solid, straightforward experience with a 6.3 inch IPS LCD screen and moderate performance, ideal for everyday use and those who value a microSD card slot for extra storage. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G delivers a larger, foldable 7.6 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and higher specs like 12 GB RAM and a Snapdragon 888 chipset, making it better for multitasking and immersive viewing. It also has more storage options but no microSD slot. Weight and battery capacity differ too, which could affect comfort and usage time depending on your needs.
Fairphone 4 vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G price
Colour
- GreySold out
- BlackSold out
- GreenSold out
- SilverSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
Fairphone 4 vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size and operating system, which affect how long each device lasts during use and the general software experience. Both phones come from 2021 and run Android, but their battery capacities differ.
Battery Capacity
The Fairphone 4 has a 3905 mAh battery, offering reliable power for daily tasks. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a larger 4400 mAh battery, which can support its bigger screen and more demanding performance for longer between charges. If battery life during heavy use is important, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G may suit you better.
Operating System
This means it comes with a known Android version, while the Fairphone 4 uses Android without a specified version in the specs. Both provide a familiar Android experience.
Battery
Foldable
OS at launch
Software updates
Year of release
Fairphone 4 vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G performance
Performance is shaped by chipset, RAM and storage options. These determine how smoothly apps run and how much space you have for data and apps.
Processor Power
The Fairphone 4 uses a Snapdragon 750G SM7225 chipset, designed for everyday tasks and moderate performance. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G runs on the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm), a higher-end chipset that supports demanding apps and multitasking more comfortably. If you often use intensive apps, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is better suited.
Memory Capacity
With 6 GB RAM, the Fairphone 4 handles everyday apps smoothly. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G doubles this with 12 GB RAM, which helps keep more apps open at once and supports multitasking, ideal for power users or those who switch between apps frequently.
Storage Options
The Fairphone 4 is available with 128 GB or 256 GB of storage, suitable for users with moderate storage needs. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G offers larger storage options at 256 GB and 512 GB, which suits those storing more media, apps or documents without relying on external storage.
Chipset
RAM
Fairphone 4 vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution and type. These affect how much content you see, the clarity of images, and overall viewing experience.
Screen Size and Type
The Fairphone 4 has a 6.3 inch IPS LCD screen, providing good colour accuracy and brightness for everyday use. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G features a much larger 7.6 inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, offering a more immersive experience for watching videos, gaming and multitasking.
Resolution Differences
Fairphone 4's 1080 x 2340 resolution delivers sharp and clear visuals on its screen size. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G's 1768 x 2208 resolution on a larger screen allows for detailed images and more screen space, which benefits users keen on media consumption or productivity.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Fairphone 4 vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G camera
Front camera
Main camera
Fairphone 4 vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G size and design
Miscellaneous features include network compatibility, connectors, SIM options, weight and storage flexibility, which influence everyday convenience and adaptability.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, giving you freedom to choose your carrier and access to fast mobile data where available.
Expandable Storage
The Fairphone 4 includes a microSDXC card slot, allowing you to add extra storage easily. This is helpful if you want more space for photos, videos or files without upgrading internal storage.
SIM Card Options
Both devices support a physical SIM and eSIM, providing flexible options for managing mobile plans and dual numbers.
Weight Considerations
The Fairphone 4 weighs 225 g, which is lighter and may feel more comfortable for one-handed use. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G weighs 271 g, reflecting its larger size and foldable design, which might suit those prioritising screen space over weight.
Connector Type
Both devices use USB-C connectors, standard for charging and data transfer, ensuring compatibility with many accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Fairphone 4 or Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: which should you buy?
Buy the Fairphone 4 if
- you want a lighter build (225 g vs 271 g)
- you want a memory card slot
Buy the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £341.28, £60.99 less than the Fairphone 4
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4400 mAh vs 3905 mAh)
Fairphone 4 vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G FAQs
Fairphone 4 vs Galaxy Z Fold3 5G comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Snapdragon 750G SM7225 on the Fairphone 4, Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G. The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is cheaper refurbished, from £341.28 compared with £402.27 for the Fairphone 4.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has a bigger battery: 4400 mAh vs 3905 mAh.
We don't have published update dates for the Fairphone 4. Updates for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G ended in Sep 2026.
Refurbished, the Fairphone 4 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G in 256GB and 512GB.
