Nothing Phone (3a) vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
Compare Nothing Phone (3a) vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 side by side: MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy, 50MP vs 200MP…
Nothing
Phone (3a)
$349
4categories won
Samsung
Galaxy Z Fold 9
$1,999
15categories won
2 categories tied · 21 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 takes the overall win
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9 proves superior overall against the Nothing Phone (3a), outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the Galaxy Z Fold 9 leads with superior optics, while battery life remains closely matched. Choose the Galaxy Z Fold 9 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Phone (3a) if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
Both phones deliver comparable battery performance with 5,200 mAh.
Galaxy Z Fold 9 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy and 24GB RAM.
Galaxy Z Fold 9 takes photography with 200MP optics and 5x optical telephoto capabilities.
Phone (3a) provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $349 vs $1999.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
Phone (3a) vs Galaxy Z Fold 9: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Phone (3a) | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.7" | 7.9" |
| Resolution | 1084 x 2412 | 2160 x 1856Winner |
| Pixel density | 395 ppiWinner | 360 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1800 nits | 3200 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | Phone (3a) | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Process node | 4 nm | 2 nmWinner |
| AnTuTu score | 2,400,000 | 3,200,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 8900 | 10800Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 12 GB | 24 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 2TBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | Phone (3a) | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 50 MP | 200 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3Winner |
| Optical zoom | — | 5x |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 50 MPWinner |
| Selfie camera | 16 MP | 16 MP |
| Max video | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Phone (3a) | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,200 mAhWinner | 5,000 mAh |
| Wired charging | 45 W | 65 WWinner |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 25 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | Phone (3a) | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 189 gWinner | 215 g |
| Thickness | 8.4 mm | 4.9 mmWinner |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP68 |
| Build | 100% recycled aluminum midframe, translucent polycarbonate rear panel with Glyph LEDs | Grade 5 Titanium frame, Ceramic Glass front and back |
Software and support
| Specification | Phone (3a) | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 15 | Android 17 |
| OS updates | 3 years | 7 yearsWinner |
| Security updates | 3 years | 7 yearsWinner |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Phone (3a) | Galaxy Z Fold 9 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $349Winner | $1,999 |
Nothing Phone (3a)
Nothing continues its mission to make smartphones fun again with the Phone (3a), pairing its translucent Glyph LED aesthetic with custom Dimensity 7350 Pro power and a bloatware-free Android 15 experience.
- Display
- 6.7"
- Chipset
- MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 5,200mAh
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 9
The Galaxy Z Fold 9 represents Samsung’s ultimate foldable breakthrough: under 5mm thickness when opened, 215g light weight, integrated 200MP camera sensor, and a massive 7.9-inch crease-free canvas.
- Display
- 7.9"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for Galaxy
- Main camera
- 200MP
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
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