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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
...


8.3/10
Informr score
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 currently has an Informr score of 8.3 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 65 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The "1-Minute" Review

Verdict

If you don't mind the price, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 offers a taste of what could be the future of mobile technology. It's one of the first foldable phones reviewers seem to actually trust and the large display and S-Pen support give it huge potential for productivity and serious work.

What's good

  • S-pen support
  • Water-resistant
  • Unsurpassed multi-tasking

What's bad

  • Still expensive
  • Bulky
  • Lackluster camera
  • S-pen not included

Samsung’s going all-in on the future of mobile technology, releasing two phones -- the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 -- with a noticeably different shape and design at the same time. While both are released around the same time, they each have differences that appeal to different people. Let’s take a look at the Z Fold and see if it lives up to the hype.

Design

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 folds in half from side to side -- more like a book or magazine than a make-up compact or clamshell phone. Reviewers note that the phone is massive and you’ll feel the weight of its three screens in your pocket.

The phone’s chassis features aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus for added protection and durability. It’s also available in three colors -- Phantom Black, Phantom Green, and Phantom Silver. Reviewers liked silver the best.

Display

Featuring a whopping three screens coated with Gorilla Glass Victus, the displays are definitely the star of the show. The phone features one outward display while folded and two on the inner chassis when unfolded which created a segmented 7.6-inch screen.

Reviewers noted that the crease between the two screens when unfolded is still noticeable, especially in direct or outdoor lighting. The phone’s bulk also makes it less than ideal for one-handed use.

However, as expected from Samsung’s displays, colors were sharp and details were crisp. The display is also much brighter than its predecessor.

Performance

The design offers obvious perks for multitasking and reviews indicate the phone can keep up with no issues as you bounce between apps. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate helps to keep things moving buttery smooth.

If you’d prefer the entertainment side of things, the displays are crisp enough for video content and the processor is plenty snappy for the occasional bit of gaming -- though with all those displays you’ll want to mind the battery life.

Software & Storage

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 uses Android 11 and comes in two different storage sizes: 256GB or 512GB. There’s no option for storage expansion.

Reviewers loved the software tweaks Samsung made, including a tiny taskbar present on the side of the right screen making it easy to switch between multiple apps. You can also tell apps to launch on specific displays to help make managing three screens more predictable.

Cameras

The reviewers weren’t exactly thrilled with the state of the cameras as it has had no changes from the previous version of the phone. Nothing was particularly disappointing in terms of quality per se, and it just seemed like an opportunity missed by reviewers.

While Samsung has built a reputation around challenging the top of the charts in photography performance, this phone falls a bit short. So you’ll need to decide if photo quality or an innovative design with smoother multitasking is more important to you.

Battery Life

With three different displays, you would assume the battery would be beefier than most phones. But that’s not the case.

Worse still, reviewers were only able to squeeze around seven hours on a single charge with regular browsing on 60Hz. Switching to the 120Hz adaptive shrunk that number even smaller and the phone doesn’t come with a charger out of the box.

This definitely isn’t an all-day phone for power users and you’ll want to make sure you keep a charger nearby for anything more than light use throughout the day.

Audio

Reviewers had little to nothing to say about the audio with the phone, though you’ll probably want to use wireless headphones or pick up an adapter for your wired ones because the phone lacks a headphone jack.

Accessories

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is one of the first phones outside of Samsung’s Galaxy Note line-up to offer full support for the S-Pen. This takes the multitasking and productivity potential of the phone even further still.

However, it’s not included with the phone. And with the phone’s already sizable price tag, you’ll want to make sure the costs are worth it before you commit to picking up both the phone and Samsung’s popular S-Pen stylus.

Specs at a Glance

  • Aluminum chassis
  • 7.6-inch segmented display, outer display
  • Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G processor
  • 12GB of RAM
  • Android 11
  • 256GB/512GB of storage
  • 12+MP camera
  • 4400mAh battery
  • Support for S-pen

Bottom Line

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is by far the best folding smartphone yet. Multitasking is fluid and easy, with a PC-like taskbar and an outer display for on-the-fly use. However, with a very hefty price tag, it is still a niche phone that skirts the line between innovative phone and luxury product.

Tech Radar says, “Those fence-sitters will be swayed by the new Z Fold 3’s S Pen support, greater durability and water-resistance in an otherwise familiar-looking foldable design with unchanged cameras. It’s still mighty expensive, and therefore not for the average consumer.”

Android Central states, “Samsung made all the right changes with the Z Fold 3, finally giving people a good reason to consider a foldable phone without making serious concessions.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.84 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.84 GHz
7.6"
Screen Size
Screen Size
7.6"
12+ MP, f/1.8
Camera
Camera
12+ MP, f/1.8
4400 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


DxOMark
DxOMark

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G’s global battery performance was at the low end of our database, brought down by poor autonomy, long charging time, and weak efficiency.

- DxOMark
Know Your Mobile
Know Your Mobile

After three generations and plenty of mistakes, Samsung has really hit its stride with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. The design issues have been worked out, the software is now fully optimized for its display, and the phone now even has an official IP rating for water and dust resistance. Add in thin...

- Richard Goodwin, Know Your Mobile
CGM
CGM

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is a sleek looking, premium-priced device without premium-quality features. The 7.6” foldable screen is excellent, and the style, but it's the only part of the smartphone that really meets or exceeds expectations.

- Dayna Eileen, CGM
G Style Magazine
G Style Magazine

So 6-months after release, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is still quite an interesting proposition. You’re looking at a device that can take the place of two devices with little compromise. Both outside and inside displays are very usable and both look very good in terms of color, clarity, and respons...

- Samuel Huang, G Style Magazine
TechENT
TechENT

You can consider this as your replacement to the Samsung Galaxy Note series, if you do not mind the step-down in camera technology. Yes, the Galaxy Z Fold3 is a good device. If you are coming from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 though, you might want to hold it off for a while and wait for the next iter...

- Darwin Sucipto, TechENT


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Samsung's suggested retail price is $1799.99. You can compare Galaxy Z Fold3 prices from around the web here on The Informr.


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 user manual here.


Samsung backs up the Galaxy Z Fold3 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Galaxy Z Fold3 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Quick view

Screen Size
7.6"

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3's screen size is 7.6 inches with 1768 x 2208 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.84 GHz

There is a Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Octa-core 2.84 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 11 (Update Available: 12) operating system (OS).

Camera
12+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 12+ MP, f/1.8 camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 10+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
256/512 GB

Internal memory is 256/512 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

Battery
4400mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 4400 mAh battery. Samsung's performance ratings are 2040 minutes, 720 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Galaxy Z Fold3 Specs

Overview
Release Date August 27, 2021
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 11 (Update Available: 12)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Octa-core 2.84 GHz
Internal Storage 256/512 GB
RAM 12 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.73 W/kg
Body: 1.22 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included Manual, Data Cable
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE, 5G
Mobile / Cellular Data
5G, 4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Yes
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Yes
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB USB Type-C
USB OTG Support Yes
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 5.2
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HID, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX HD
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot No
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
12+ Megapixels, f/1.8
Zoom
2x optical, 10x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, ISO, Multi-shot, Night mode, Panorama, Self-timer, 2nd camera feature (12 MP, F2.4, Telephoto), 2nd camera feature (12 MP, F2.2, Ultrawide), HDR
Video Recording Formats
MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 60 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
10+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Aperture F1.8 on cover, Plus camera under the main display (4 MP, F1.8)
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels), 30 fps
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology AMOLED
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1768 x 2208 pixels
Pixel Density 374 pixels
Size 7.6 inches
Secondary Display Color AMOLED, 832 x 2268 pixels, 6.2 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touchscreen, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 4400 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging Yes
Fast Charging Yes
Video Playback Time Up to 1080 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 720 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Up to 720 minutes
Talk Time Up to 2040 minutes
Standby Time Unknown
Mixed Usage Unknown
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Flip
Material Aluminium
Colors Phantom Black, Phantom Green, Phantom Silver
Dimensions [H x W x D] 15.82 x 6.71 x 1.6 cm (6.2 x 2.6 x 0.6 in)
Weight 271 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Water Resistant
Rugged design No
IP Rating IP X8
Headset Jack No
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor Yes
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 Reviews
Where to buy Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
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