Description
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Design and Build
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a stunning foldable smartphone that redefines mobile innovation. Samsung’s use of foldable screen technology allows this device to seamlessly blend a large display into a compact form factor. The clamshell design is sleek, stylish, and practical, featuring a secondary screen that enhances usability. With color options like Phantom Black, Green, Lavender, Cream, White, Pink, Gray, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition, Wooyoungmi Edition, and Dream White, there is a variant to suit every preference.
Durability is a key highlight of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. Samsung has reinforced the hinge mechanism and used Gorilla Glass Victus for superior protection. While the inner screen has a plastic covering, a new protective film improves scratch resistance. The frame is built from armor aluminum, making it sturdier than previous models. Additionally, the IPX8 water resistance rating ensures that the phone can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, dust resistance is not included.
Another improvement in the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the stereo speaker setup. It features a speaker at the bottom and another that doubles as an earpiece, delivering a more immersive audio experience. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner provides a fast and secure unlocking method, integrated into the power button for easy access.
Foldable Display
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 sports a 6.7-inch foldable AMOLED display with a 1080p resolution. Unlike its predecessor, it now supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, making interactions smoother and more responsive. This refresh rate intelligently adjusts based on content to conserve battery life.
Despite the advancements, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 still has a noticeable crease in the middle of the display where it folds. However, it is only visible at certain angles and does not impact usability. The display quality is impressive, featuring HDR10+ support and a brighter panel for enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions.
Performance and Platform
Powering the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the flagship Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, built on a 5nm process. Unlike other Samsung flagships, which often have different chipsets depending on the region, this model exclusively features the Snapdragon 888 5G for all markets. This ensures uniform performance across all devices.
The phone runs Samsung’s One UI 3.1 on top of Android 11, with exclusive software enhancements tailored for its unique folding design. When fully unfolded, the user interface remains similar to other Samsung smartphones. However, special features become available when the screen is partially folded, such as placing the phone on a desk for hands-free video watching or using Flex Mode in the camera app for easier photo and video capture.
Camera Capabilities
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 retains the same camera setup as its predecessor, featuring a 12 MP wide sensor with f/1.8 aperture, Dual Pixel PDAF, and OIS. It also has a 12 MP ultra-wide sensor with a 123-degree field of view.
Photos captured on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 are rich in detail, vibrant in color, and high in contrast. The ultra-wide camera maintains impressive quality with minimal distortion. The main camera supports 4K video recording at 30/60fps, offering excellent dynamic range and sharpness. Electronic stabilization (EIS) works efficiently, ensuring smooth footage even at high resolutions.
For selfies, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 features a 10 MP front camera with f/2.4 aperture. Users can also take advantage of the rear cameras for selfies by using the cover display as a viewfinder. This provides superior image quality compared to the standard front-facing camera.
Battery and Charging
A notable drawback of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is its 3,300mAh battery, which remains the same as its predecessor. Given the high-refresh-rate display and power-intensive Snapdragon 888 chipset, battery life is average at best.
The phone supports 15W wired charging, 10W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. However, Samsung does not include a charger in the box. Charging speeds are relatively slow compared to other flagships, reaching 40% in 30 minutes. While this may not be a dealbreaker, users accustomed to faster-charging speeds may find it inconvenient.
Additional Features
Apart from its impressive design and performance, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 offers several notable features:
- Side-mounted fingerprint scanner for easy unlocking.
- Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) for secure mobile payments.
- USB Type-C 3.1 for fast data transfer.
- Samsung Wireless DeX, enabling a desktop-like experience when connected to an external monitor.
- Bixby voice assistant for hands-free commands.
- Flex Mode, optimizing app layouts when the device is partially folded.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is an innovative smartphone that refines foldable technology, making it more practical and stylish. With its compact design, improved durability, 120Hz display, and powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset, it stands out as one of the best foldable smartphones available.
However, it does have a few drawbacks, including average battery life and slow charging speeds. Additionally, while the camera system produces great results, it remains unchanged from the previous model.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is an excellent choice for users looking for a foldable phone with cutting-edge technology and premium build quality. It offers a unique blend of portability, performance, and innovation, making it a compelling option in the high-end smartphone market.
