Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 and Flip 3: Features, News and Prices

Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 and Flip 3

What started as a concept has become something that is here to stay. Folding phones are now devices that, although not for everyone, improve the experience of those users who have decided to jump to the different concepts available. Samsung, the manufacturer that marketed the first model of this type of mobile, has decided to renew its family of folding phones (among other devices) in 2021 with the arrival of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 . Two teams of which today I want to tell you all their news , in addition to my first impressions after having been able to test them in an event prior to their launch.

Stronger folding, just what they needed

The evolution that took place between the “original” Galaxy Z Fold to the second-generation Fold was already quite large in finishes, design and durability. But even so, users who wanted a folding phone kept requesting certain features such as greater durability or, of course, water resistance. And more taking into account the prices that we are considering.

In this section we want to tell you about certain changes that have reached both families of folding phones, that is, both the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Z Flip 3.

As phones of the highest range that currently exists on the market, one of the main novelties that both models present is their water resistance. Both come with IPX8 protection , thus becoming the first folding smartphones capable of being submerged in water on the market.

On the other hand, these phones have focused on having greater resistance both external (through its body) and internal, in the folding screen itself. Both have been designed with an aluminum that is 10% more resistant to scratches and bumps. And, regarding the interior panel, it has Gorilla Glass Victus , which is 50% stronger than the previous generation, and a new protective layer that has 80% greater durability.

In summary, the novelties that come together with both models seek yes or yes to give a better user experience and greater durability and resistance to their products. Something that I can assure you, is transmitted when you have it in your hand.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3: everything new

Speaking now specifically of the folding that converts from a “normal” mobile to a tablet in our hand, it wants to enhance your productivity and use with its new features.

First of all, the Z Fold 3 is a thinner and less heavy phone. We can see this with the naked eye if we compare it directly with a Z Fold 2, for example, on its hinge. And, in terms of weight, it is only 11 grams which differentiates it from the previous generation.

The inner and outer panels still maintain their dimensions and aspect ratios, but implement some cool features. On the one hand, the front screen goes from having a refresh rate of 60 Hz to 120 Hz , matching the internal one. On the other hand, speaking of the internal screen, it comes with two striking features:

  • As for its internal camera , it is still with the hole on the screen. But what is new is that it is now hidden under the panel . That is, there is a layer of pixels on it that, when we move through the interface, adapt to what is being shown to hide the circle left by the camera. Later, when we need to use it to take a picture, these pixels stop “working” to allow us to shoot smoothly.
  • As many of us have been waiting for since the first generation of the Z Fold, this model is finally compatible with an S Pen . Of course, it is not the same model as previously, but it is one adapted to these screens and not to other Samsung phones. Specifically, it is called the S Pen Fold Edition , which we will have to buy as one more accessory apart from the phone. In the coming months there will also be a “Pro” model of this pen, with a switch that will allow us to switch between the compatibility of “older” models and those with a flexible screen.

In my opinion, it seems to me that the intention of hiding the camera under the screen pixels can give a better sense of continuity for the user, but the performance is not entirely correct . When the images, menus or whatever we are viewing are items with dark colors, the result is very correct. But, if the background is very clear, especially white, the “blur” of the camera is still visible and I find it more annoying than if I had the usual camera. This is because we can see some strange pixels that do not render the representation (in this case) in the most correct way possible. The good thing is that when taking photos those pixels on the lens are not noticeable, although well, we will talk about photography in a few moments.

However, what I am totally in favor and delighted with is the inclusion of the S Pen for this device. I believe that it is the element that it just lacked to increase its possibilities and provide its users with greater productivity . Something that I do want you to take into account about this accessory is that it cannot be inserted in any way into the body of the phone. This forces us either to carry it with us in our pocket or backpack, or to buy one of the new covers with the support for the Pen that the manufacturer will sell. This last option is perhaps the safest but of course, it will considerably increase the thickness of the mobile when it is folded. Keep that in mind.

Speaking of productivity with this phone, Samsung has also implemented certain new features to this that improve the use when using multitasking. Although this is something I will talk about in more detail in the analysis, this Z Fold 3 has a mode with which we can force the multi window mode even if the developer of the app we want to use does not program it.

As you can imagine, at the specification level, this phone comes with the latest of the latest: the Snapdragon 888 5G processor, 12 GB of RAM , a 4,400 mAh battery (100 mAh less than the previous generation) and 256 models. or 512 GB of internal storage .

In-depth performance is too early to talk. Although, during these first tests the sensations I had were very good, with absolute fluency in navigation and any type of use. But, as I was telling you, it will be necessary to put it to the test and squeeze it for a longer time to judge it definitively.

In the photographic section for this new folding of the family, we still have 4 cameras:

  • 12 megapixel main sensor and f / 1.8 aperture.
  • 12 megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor and f / 2.2 aperture.
  • 12 megapixel telephoto sensor and f / 2.4 aperture.
  • Sensor for «selfie» in the internal camera of 2 megapixels, but, in this case of a much larger size. Which will allow you to capture a greater amount of light.

In these first impressions it is very risky to judge a section such as the camera because, in 99% of the test scenes, the lighting conditions are not the most favorable. It is true that the results gave a good impression, it seemed that the colors were very correct and that the blur performed well. But of course, not being able to take the photos from the phone to see them on the big screen, we cannot assess this section (or show you the results) until we analyze it thoroughly.

As details I can tell you that, as with productivity, the camera is endowed with certain functionalities that take advantage of the folding screen and many others. One that I found very curious is “autoframing . ” This is in charge of reframing the plane to follow our movement, leaving the phone in a fixed place. Also, if it detects that more people appear in the image, it will zoom in to capture it as well.

We can buy this Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 in 3 different colors: green, black and silver . In addition to 2 different capacity options:

  • Model with 12 GB of RAM + 256 GB of storage for 1,809 euros .
  • Model with 12 GB of RAM + 512 GB of storage for 1,909 euros .

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3: novelties in style

Then, for those looking for a phone that takes up less space when stowed in their pocket, there’s the new Galaxy Z Flip 3 . The mobile for design lovers looking for something “different”, without preferences for productivity but rather for style.

This model has also seen its thickness and dimensions reduced, to leave us a thinner phone. Its internal screen also receives 120 Hz , thus improving fluidity and enhancing the experience of its users.

But the screen that has changed the most is the external one, you know, that little screen that allowed us to see certain “reference” data without having to display the internal screen. This now is almost 2 inches in size, and comes with more functionality at the level of usability such as: modify the brightness, pay with samsungpay, control the music or see more text in the messages among other things.

The internal specifications of the Z Flip 3 are very similar to those of the Z Fold 3, where we find: the Snapdragon 888 5G processor, 8 GB of RAM , a 3,300 mAh battery and models with 128 GB or 256 GB of internal storage . Once again, we will tell you more in depth details in their respective analysis but, in these first tests, the sensations using it were more than correct.

Regarding the photographic section, it has 3 cameras in total:

  • 12 megapixel main sensor and f / 1.8 aperture.
  • 12 megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor and f / 2.2 aperture.
  • 10 megapixel selfie sensor . In this it is not hidden under the panel, but is in the usual screen hole.

Finally, before talking to you about the price at which you can buy this Samsung phone, I want to tell you about a detail that has seemed like a success from the manufacturer. As the Galaxy Z Flip is a team aimed at a younger and lifestyle audience, they have created several cases that adapt to the phone and its foldable section. But, in addition, the aesthetics perfectly matches the demands made by this type of public, such as a model with a band on the back or a ring to better grip the equipment . A detail of 10 Samsung.

We can buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 in 4 different colors: green, lavender, cream and black . And, like the previous one, in 2 different capacity options:

  • Model with 8 GB of RAM + 128 GB of storage for 1,059 euros .
  • Model with 8 GB of RAM + 256 GB of storage for 1,109 euros .