Samsung has announced its flagship foldable device of 2021: the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The third iteration of the Galaxy Z Fold packs some major reliability and durability improvements over its predecessor, which brings its durability in line with regular smartphones.
Foldable devices so far have been associated with reliability issues. However, Samsung is aiming to fix that problem for good with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 this year.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Is the Foldable From the Future
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 packs some major design and build improvements over the Galaxy Z Fold 2 from last year to make it more reliable and durable. Samsung is using its "strongest aluminum frame" yet on the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The Armor Aluminum frame is up to 10 percent more durable.
For protecting the cover display and rear of the device, Samsung is using Gorilla Glass Victus that's more durable and less prone to scratches. As for the folding display, Samsung uses a panel layer and a protective film on top of the Ultra Thin Glass panel. Samsung claims this results in the main folding display being up to 80 percent more durable than before.
The reliability improvements don't end there. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the world's first foldable device to feature a water-resistant IPX8 certification. There's no dust resistance, but the water-resistance certification means the Galaxy Z Fold 3 can survive being dunked in up to 1m of water for up to 30 mins.
At the front, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 features a 6.2-inch AMOLED display. When unfolded, there's a 7.6-inch folding display. Both display panels support HDR10+ and 120Hz refresh rates. The size of the cover display and the folding display remain the same as on the Galaxy Z Fold 2.
Same Camera Setup as Last Year
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 packs five cameras in total. This consists of three 12MP cameras at the rear, including a 12MP primary and telephoto sensor. Then, the cover display features a 10MP selfie shooter. The real highlight, however, is the 4MP under-screen camera hidden beneath the folding display. The resolution is definitely on the lower side, but the camera is primarily meant for video calls and not for taking selfies.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 also supports S Pen. In fact, Samsung is offering two different S Pen styles for the device: the S Pen Fold Edition and S Pen Pro. They feature a "force limit" technology to ensure the main foldable display of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is not damaged. They will be available for purchase as a separate accessory for the device.
Other key specs of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 are as follows:
- Snapdragon 888 chipset
- 12GB RAM, 256/512GB storage
- Dual-SIM connectivity, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, and USB-C
- 4,400mAh battery with 25W fast charging support
- Wireless charging with reverse wireless charging support
- Android 11 with One UI 3.1
- 158.2x67.1x14.4mm when closed, 158.2x128.1x6.4mm when opened; 271gms
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
To take better advantage of all the real screen estate, Samsung is bringing some notable software improvements to the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The Settings menu has been revamped, and there's a Mini Menu that will easily let you switch between open apps without using gestures. Samsung has also worked with Spotify, TikTok, Microsoft, and others to ensure their apps can properly take advantage of the Galaxy Z Fold 3's display.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Colors and Pricing
What's impressive is that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 carries a lower price tag than its predecessor despite all the improvements. The base variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 with 256GB storage will retail for $1,799. That's $200 cheaper than the Galaxy Z Fold 2, which retailed for $1,999.
In Europe, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will retail for €1,799/£1,599. It will be available in Phantom Black, Phantom Green, and Phantom Silver colors.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 goes on pre-order from August 11, and it will be available in selected markets from August 27.