Samsung has presented the third generation of its folding smartphones Galaxy Flip and Fold, and is now pushing into the mass market. The compact Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the mini-tablet Z Fold 3 are technically at the forefront again and are more robust and cheaper than their predecessors.
Samsung continues its Foldables with different designs on to the next gene ratio. We were able to take a hands-on look at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G. The model is presented as a tablet-phone combo, while the newly introduced successor to the Galaxy Z Flip 5G again imitates a classic flip phone.
Key Specification
|  | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 |
| Released | 2021, August 11 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) |
| Display | OLED with 6.67 inches and 2,640 x 1,080 pixels, refresh rate 120 Hertz |
| External Display | OLED with 1.9 inches and 260 x 512 pixels |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint (side-mounted) |
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It is the ultra-compact Z Flip 3, which, when folded, is only half the size of a normal smartphone. You can see a large 6.7-inch OLED that finally supports a fast refresh rate of 120 Hertz when you open it. Another new feature is the greatly enlarged external display, on which you can now read entire messages.
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Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 guarantees strong performance and comprehensive connectivity from 5G to Bluetooth 5.2. Samsung takes over the camera system from the Galaxy S21 +, but only the ultra-wide-angle and the wide-angle – there is not enough space for more. For space reasons, the manufacturer also keeps the battery capacity low: 3,300 mAh are barely calculated on this level of equipment and a possible weak point in an otherwise convincing overall package.
With the Flip 3, Samsung addresses a fashion-conscious target group that sees more than a technical object in the smartphone. Accordingly, there are 7 colors to choose from and special protective covers with ring handles and shoulder straps.
Design
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm Folded: 86.4 x 72.2 x 15.9-17.1 mm |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display Type | Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches |
| Pixel Density | 426 PPI |
| Screen Resolution | 1080 x 2640 pixels |
| Colors | Phantom Black, Green, Lavender, Cream, White, Pink, Gray |
Samsung retains the basic design of the predecessor with the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G. The model looks just like classic flip phones used to look. When folded, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is very compact and quite light, with 183 grams.
When unfolded, it has a diagonal of 6.7 inches, which is in no way inferior to that of large, modern phablets. The AMOLED has an FHD + resolution and – unlike the main display of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G with the under-display camera – has a punch-hole selfie camera with 10-megapixel resolution (aperture f / 2.4).
The clamshell phone design is practical. The display does not have to be opened to the maximum but can also function in an intermediate stage. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G can be set up at a right angle. The display content will then continue to be shown.
The picture shows the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G between two Galaxy Watch 4 Classic – a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 lingers out of focus in the background.
Protective case- Samsung also offers a suitable case for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G. It does not have to be removed if the smartphone is to be folded up. Ultimately, the case consists of two independent parts that cooperate through a flexible connector.
This is what it looks like when the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G has been clipped together in the case. Both backsides are protected, the hinge remains free, which does not restrict its functionality.
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is also protected with the help of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, an IPX8 certification designed to prevent water from entering, and an aluminum alloy on display.
There is a second external display in the compact state, which is used to display notifications and information such as time, date, and Co.
The diagonal has increased from 1.06 inches in the predecessor to 1.9 inches. This makes reading the notifications more convenient.
Setting up the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G at a right angle in combination with the external display enables another application scenario: The small display can be used to preview portrait photos taken with the main camera.
If you are not too far away from the smartphone, the size of the display is also sufficient to position yourself as desired for a snapshot.
Performance
| Processor | Octa-core (1×2.84 GHz Kryo 680 & 3×2.42 GHz Kryo 680 & 4×1.80 GHz Kryo 680) |
| GPU | Adreno 660 |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Storage expansion | No |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.5 |
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G supports appropriate gesture control so that the portrait from a distance also becomes something.
Camera
| Rear | 12 MP f/1.8 wide 12 MP f/2.2 123% ultra-wide |
| Front | 10 MP |
| Video recording | 4K@30fps |
The external display is just as AMOLED as the large main panel. The dual main camera appears next to the display when the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is folded. This offers two 12 megapixels: ultra-wide-angle camera (aperture: f / 2.2) and wide-angle camera (aperture: f / 1.8)
If you like taking selfies, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G camera app also has a well-divided display. The preview is big enough to get an idea of ​​what the result will look like afterward. In the lower area, triggers and other functions can be seen, as you are used to from the camera app on regular Samsung smartphones.
Multimedia
| Headphone jack 3.5 mm | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers |
Operating System
As expected, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G runs Android 11 in the guise of Samsung’s OneUI 3.1.1 user interface. Other devices such as the Buds 2 (picture) should fit seamlessly into the ecosystem. If you open the case and Bluetooth is activated on the foldable, the wireless ear studs are recognized.
Samsung is one of the smartphone manufacturers who give good update forecasts and are also behind on adhering to them by regularly delivering security updates and smartphones receiving OS updates promptly.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G has a good chance of getting Android 12, Android 13, and even Android 14.
Battery Life
| Capacity | 3300 mAh, non-removable |
| Type | Li-Po |
| User-Replaceable | No |
| Charging | Fast charging 25 W |
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
The battery of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G has a capacity of 3300 mAh. Fast charging is supported with 15 W; wireless is possible with 10 W.
Connectivity
| SIM | Nano-SIM, eSIM |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Wifi | Wi-Fi 802.11 |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, USB On-The-Go |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Samsung pay |
Price
Sources indicate the device will cost anywhere from $ 999 to $ 1099 and $ 1199 for the most powerful variant. Here, however, it is worth mentioning the reports on the Lite version. We don’t know much about it, but leaks say it is priced at $ 999. So perhaps the standard Galaxy Z Flip3 will cost $ 1099 or $ 1199, depending on your memory configuration. It sounds quite likely.Â
