Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a foldable phone with 2 separate screens, one of which the size of a tablet. You can now also use it with an S Pen stylus. The Fold3 is also Samsung's first foldable that is waterproof. A great achievement considering the amount of moving parts it houses. Of course, all of this comes at a price, and a hefty one. We will find out here if that is justifiable.

High expectations

Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Fold 3 along with the Z Flip 3 at the end of the summer of 2021. Normally, that period is reserved for a new Note model. The Note has been retired and this Z Fold3 should take over its role. That raises expectations. The Fold3 should be both a better Fold2 and Note20 (Ultra). The first he succeeds easily, the second somewhat less well.

New innovations

Samsung always innovated with the Note and thankfully so does this Z Fold3. It is the first Galaxy phone with a selfie camera under the screen. It is the first foldable with a waterproof casing and it is the first foldable with which you can use the S Pen. Moreover, this year both the inner and outer screen are capable of smooth 120Hz playback. This makes it a full-fledged successor to the Fold2 that is definitely worth your time. If you have the money, because despite a nice price drop, a copy still costs an awful lot. With sturdier aluminium, a more scratch-resistant screen and of course the waterproof casing, it should last longer.

Main Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Specifications

• Foldable and waterproof IPX8 housing with reenforced Armour Aluminium Frame
• 6.2 inch AMOLED display outside now also 120Hz
• 7,6-inch Infinity Flex Display inside with FHD+ resolution, 120Hz and 1200 nits peak brightness
• 12+12+12MP rear camera with wide angle, ultra-wide angle, 2x optical zoom and 4K video
• 10MP front selfie camera with f/2.2 lens
• Hidden 4MP Under Display Camera inside with f/1.8 lens
• 5nm octa-core processor at up to 2.84GHz with large 12GB of RAM
• Choose between 256 or 512GB of built-in storage
• Dual SIM (2x nano SIM card + eSIM)
• 4400 mAh battery with 25W fast charge and 10W wireless
• Suitable for dedicated S Pen (use of other pens may damage screen)

Choose between 5 different cameras

You will find most of the high-end specifications that you can expect in the Galaxy Z Fold3. Except maybe for the camera. On the back is a triple 12MP camera with a wide angle, 123° ultra-wide angle and a telephoto with only 2x zoom. The latter in particular doesn't feel immediately flagship-worthy, something a periscope lens does. On the front is a 10MP selfie camera behind a punch-hole. We recommend that one especially for your selfies. The inner camera, the new Under Display Camera, counts 4MP and also has to look thru the screen. This comes at the expense of quality, making it more suitable for video calls than razor-sharp selfies.

The future is foldable

Who is the Z Fold3 for? Certainly someone with a large bank account. But also someone who likes to be productive. Who wants to make notes or sketches. Who wants to read long texts on the large and foldable 7.6 inch screen. But also someone who is never far from a power outlet. The built-in battery has a capacity of 4400 mAh and that's not enough for a whole day of intensive use. Also if you are very focussed on photography the Fold3 should not be your first choice. And if you really want a foldable one, you'd better take a look at the Flip3. It's a lot more affordable and also offers a certain wow-factor. However, if you fall into that specific target group and you have the money, then this Fold3 gives you a glimpse of the future.