Here is everything you need to know about Samsung’s third-generation foldable phone.
Samsung has been leading the way on foldable phones for a couple of years now, and it doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.
At the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event today (11th August), the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 was revealed with a new, brighter display, the first-ever under-display camera from the brand and more comprehensive water resistance.
Has Samsung done enough to turn the foldable phone from a novelty into a practical premium offering? It’s hard to say, but we’re definitely moving in the right direction.
Samsung has clearly worked hard to make the phone more portable, practical and durable. Here is everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G, including its price, standout design features, and battery life.
Looking for more on Samsung? Read our Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 review and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review to get started. Or, head to our full list of Samsung Galaxy phones with prices to find out what’s on offer.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 rumoured release date
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is available to pre-order now. The foldable phone will be officially released on 27th August.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 price: how much does the smartphone cost?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the brand’s most premium, and therefore expensive, smartphone. The foldable Samsung phone will set you back £1,599.
Samsung’s other new and improved foldable phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, is marginally more affordable at £949.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 specs: what does the Samsung smartphone look like?
Design
!["Samsung]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2021/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-3-hands-on-4-42ab793.png?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"Samsung")
The basics of the Galaxy Z Fold 3’s design remain very similar to that of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2. It remains the same size and still folds out into a tablet-esque smartphone.
However, what Samsung has worked on is its durability. Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 have an IPX8 water resistance, which is the highest standard of any foldable phone, and a new hinge made from what Samsung is calling ‘Armor Aluminium’.
Samsung boasts that this material makes the phones 10% more durable than the previous generations and is the ‘strongest material ever used on a smartphone’. The Armor Aluminium hinge makes the phone lighter, too – all of which is very reassuring.
Away from improvements to durability, the brand has added S Pen support to the Z Fold 3 to help you make the most of its massive display. Users will have two S Pens to choose from; the S Pen Pro and the S Pen Fold Edition. There is nowhere to store the S Pen within the smartphone, but the S Pen Fold Edition will come with a case to keep it safe.
Display
The display is another area where Samsung has made some decent improvements to help make the smartphone feel more robust. The screen of both Galaxy Z Series 3 smartphones will have a new protective film that is 80% more durable to protect from scratches.
The cover displays have seen some upgrades, too, and are now made from Gorilla Glass Victus (50% stronger than Gorilla Glass 6).
However, the size of the displays remains the same as in its predecessor. The cover screen is a 6.2-inch Infinity Flex Display that unfolds to show the 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X. This main display has a 120Hz refresh rate matching the likes of the OnePlus 9 Pro to ensure scrolling feels super smooth. If that wasn’t enough, Samsung promises that this display is now 29% brighter than the Z Fold 2, too.
Camera
!["Samsung]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2021/08/Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold-3-hands-on-review-43e2605.png?quality=90&resize=620%2C413" "\"Samsung")
It is in the camera set-up where many hoped to see some good development. The camera on the main display has been switched out for Samsung’s first-ever under-display camera. Designed to ensure any video watching experience is not disrupted by a camera lens, it is a 4MP camera.
On the cover, you’ll find a 10MP camera followed by a triple-camera set-up on the rear of the phone. This includes a 12MP Ultra Wide, 12MP Wide and 12MP Telephoto lens.
Looking to upgrade? Check out our pick of the best SIM-only deals this month, or compare models in our iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Plus vs Ultra and OnePlus 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 guides.