In August 2021, we finally got up close with Samsung’s latest foldables—the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3. After months of rumors and teaser campaigns, the Unpacked event revealed how Samsung aimed to evolve the third generation of its foldable lineup. In this hands-on review, we dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3—from design and materials to the display, performance, battery, and camera—then put it side by side with the Z Flip3. We also take a look at the surrounding ecosystem, including the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Buds2, and lay out the major advantages and drawbacks you should know about before deciding if this family is right for you.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 – design and construction
Design and materials
- Armor Aluminum frame: Samsung claims this is 10% sturdier than the previous generation, positioning it as the most durable aluminum used in a flagship smartphone so far.
- Glassy exterior with strategic protection: Gorilla Glass Victus on the outside and a robust protective layer on the interior foldable panel, where flexible glass meets reinforced plastic for improved resilience.
- IPX8 rating, with caveats: the Fold3 is designed to survive immersion up to 1.5 meters, but it’s not officially dustproof. In real life, you’ll still want to treat it with care around sand, dust, and gritty environments.
- Weight and balance: at 271 grams, the Fold3 is the lightest Fold series device to date, with weight distributed to feel natural in the hand and stable on a desk when opened.
Compared to earlier foldables in Samsung’s lineup, the Fold3 brings tangible improvements to the hinge and chassis. The hinge system has been redesigned for smoother opening and closing, with less perceived wobble when you grab the phone mid-use. The result is a more confident, premium feel that makes daily use less awkward, particularly if you switch between the inner and outer displays frequently.
Handling and ergonomic feel
Despite its rugged ambitions, the Fold3 reads as surprisingly slender when opened flat (about 6.4 mm thick) and compact when folded (roughly 67.1 x 158.2 x 14.4 mm). The Flex Mode feature supports a working angle up to 75°, allowing hands-free video calls or a makeshift tabletop setup without a stand. A new non-slip coating helps you keep a secure grip, even if your hands are a touch damp after a workout or a spill near your desk. In everyday scenarios, the Fold3 manages to feel less top-heavy than you’d expect for such a large device, thanks to the careful weight distribution and refined hinge profile.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 – displays and protection
The Fold3’s standout feature set revolves around two Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels, both with 120 Hz adaptive refresh rates, HDR10+ support, and impressive brightness. Samsung also touts improved scratch resistance on both screens thanks to a combination of upgraded protective layers and software optimizations.
Main inner display
The 7.6-inch main display hides under a protective film that’s now more scratch resistant—Samsung quotes meaningful improvements in durability. It delivers a resolution of 1768 x 2208 with a density of about 374 ppi, which translates to text and images that stay razor-sharp in everyday usage, even when you’re multitasking with multiple apps. Peak brightness tops out around 1200 nits, making it easier to read in direct sunlight than many earlier foldables. The panel’s color accuracy and dynamic range feel reliable for media consumption, creative apps, and productive tasks on the go.
Outer cover display
The exterior cover display is a 6.2-inch panel with a native resolution of 832 x 2268 and an ultrawide 24.5:9 aspect ratio. It’s up to 29% brighter than the Flip2’s cover screen, which translates into considerably better usability for quick checks, notifications, or quick replies without unfolding. Samsung includes a refined color pipeline with Adaptive Tone Mapping that helps colors look natural in a wide range of lighting conditions. The cover screen also supports S Pen Fold Edition compatibility, provided you have the right protective case or sleeve to house the pen when not in use.
Protection and durability
Samsung put extra emphasis on sealing joints and connectors to protect against dust and moisture in day-to-day use. While the Fold3 isn’t rated IP68, the company notes that the internal mechanicals and seals are designed to withstand regular exposure to the elements—think poolside moments or a light drizzle—without catastrophic failure. In practice, that means you can confidently use the Fold3 around water and dusty environments, but you shouldn’t push it into extreme sandstorms or submerge it deliberately. In testing scenarios and Samsung’s own durability cycles, the hinge endured hundreds of thousands of open/close cycles without notable creaks or misalignment, which is a meaningful signal for longevity in a device that hinges so much of its experience on a flexible design.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 – performance, camera and software
Inside the chassis sits the core of a flagship experience. The Fold3 pairs top-tier silicon with ample memory and fast storage, delivering a multitasking-friendly, desktop-like feel when you open multiple apps side by side or run demanding media apps on the main display.
Hardware and battery
- Processor: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888, an eight-core chipset clocked up to 2.84 GHz, built on a 5 nm process for efficiency and speed.
- Memory: 12 GB RAM with 256 GB or 512 GB UFS 3.1 internal storage; note there’s no microSD expansion.
- Battery: 4400 mAh capacity with 25 W wired fast charging, 11 W wireless charging, and 4.5 W reverse wireless charging for accessories.
Charging from zero to half capacity takes around 30 minutes with a capable 25 W charger. A full charge on a wireless pad typically lands around an hour and 45 minutes. In daily use, you can realistically expect about a day and a half of moderate use—calls, email, streaming, and multitasking—though heavy gaming and bright, all-day use can shorten that window. For context, contemporary flagship devices around 2021 with similar battery sizes often delivered roughly a one-day battery life under heavy usage, so the Fold3 holds its own for a device that’s twice evaluative as a phone and a mini-tablet in one.
Camera and multimedia
The Fold3 ships with a five-camera setup that’s focused on versatility for both phone and tablet-like use:
- Rear Triple Camera: 12 MP main (f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF), 12 MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 123°), 12 MP telephoto (f/2.4, 2x optical zoom, OIS).
- Cover Camera: 10 MP (f/2.2, 26 mm).
- Under Display Camera: 16 MP (4-in-1 binning, hidden beneath the inner display).
Video recording goes up to 4K at 60 fps, with gyro-based electronic image stabilization. In real-world testing, color accuracy and dynamic range were pleasantly balanced across casual photography and more creative shoots. The under-display camera isn’t perfect in all lighting—there’s a slight reduction in detail and some noise in very bright or challenging lighting—but it’s a notable step toward a truly uninterrupted large-screen experience on a foldable device. The ability to capture selfies from the inner display while staying on a video call from the outer screen is a practical perk, and the flexible display enables better framing for group shots when you’re in a pinch.
Software and features
Running One UI on top of Android, the Fold3 emphasizes productivity with features like Multi-Active Window, drag-and-snap, and app continuity between displays. The software experience is tuned for Foldable usage, with adaptive resizable windows, easier copy/paste across apps, and a smarter notification management system that understands you’re often using two canvases at once. The S Pen Fold Edition (sold separately) works with Ultra-Thin Glass on the main display, enabling note-taking or sketching with minimal latency in appropriate apps. The device supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 or better, and robust Bluetooth options for accessories, which is especially valuable on a device intended for multitasking on the move.
Galaxy ecosystem and accessories
Samsung’s foldables are not island devices. They live best in an ecosystem that includes smartwatches and earbuds, along with apps and services designed for cross-device workflows. For the Fold3, a few pieces stand out:
- Galaxy Watch4: A natural partner for ecosystem-minded users who want seamless health, notifications, and app continuity across devices. The Watch4’s health metrics, combined with the Fold3’s bigger screen for quick readouts, create a compelling productivity-per-hour ratio when you’re away from a desk.
- Galaxy Buds2: Compact wireless earbuds with good ANC, delivering balanced sound for video calls, music, and podcasts on the go. The ability to pair quickly and switch between devices makes them convenient companions for the Fold3’s multitasking capabilities.
- S Pen Fold Edition: Samsung’s stylus designed for the Fold3’s screen; it offers precise writing and drawing and is supported on the outer display and inner screen with compatible software. Storage for the pen typically requires a compatible case with a dedicated slot or silo, as the device itself does not ship with an integrated pen holster.
In practice, these accessories aren’t just gimmicks; they enable real productivity gains. For example, you can use the outer screen to reply to a message while the inner display remains open on a video call, with the ability to jot notes or mark up documents with the S Pen in a posture that’s still comfortable. The ecosystem approach is one of the Fold3’s strongest arguments for buyers who want a single device that can replace a phone, a small laptop, and a planner all at once.
Put the Fold3 and Flip3 side by side: use cases and how they differ
The Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 are sisters in design language, but they serve different needs and preferences. The Fold3 is a productivity-first device that excels when you need a large canvas, multi-window multitasking, and the ability to run more demanding apps in a tablet-like mode. It’s the choice for professionals, creators, or power users who want true multi-tasking power in a portable form factor. The Z Flip3, on the other hand, borrows the same premium materials in a compact flip form, delivering a smaller, more pocketable device with a high-end camera system and snappy daily performance. If your daily rhythm includes a lot of spontaneous photo moments, social media, and the occasional video call on the go, the Flip3’s portability and quick-access cover screen can be compelling. The Fold3 remains the more capable device when you need to unfold to a larger workspace or use two apps side by side without compromise.
Who should buy the Fold3?
- People who frequently multitask across several apps and want a large immersive display for productivity on the go.
- Creatives and professionals who want a device that can substitute for a compact tablet and integrate with the S Pen ecosystem for note-taking, sketching, or editing on the fly.
- Users who value robust build quality and the confidence that comes with a more durable hinge and protective engineering on a foldable device.
Who should buy the Flip3?
- People who prioritize compactness and pocketability, with an emphasis on a premium camera system and everyday reliability.
- Users who want a foldable experience but don’t need the full multitasking capabilities on the inner display all the time.
- Those who want a more affordable entry point into the foldable world while enjoying the unique flip design.
Pros and cons at a glance
- Pros of Fold3: Large flexible display for productivity, improved hinge feel, durable chassis with Armor Aluminum, strong outer display, under-display camera for a near-seamless inner screen, S Pen support (Fold Edition) with suitable accessories, solid camera suite, good day-to-day performance, robust ecosystem with Watch4 and Buds2 compatibility.
- Cons of Fold3: Premium price point, still relatively thick and heavy for a daily driver in some pockets, no microSD expansion, IPX8 rating but not a complete dustproof solution, under-display camera quality varies in challenging lighting, S Pen needs a compatible case for storage, some can perceive crease visibility depending on viewing angle and brightness.
- Pros of Flip3: Ultra-compact form factor, striking design, strong display and camera performance for its size, a more pocketable foldable option, fast day-to-day performance, improved outer display usability, solid battery life for a smaller device.
- Cons of Flip3: Smaller overall display when unfolded, less multitasking flexibility, no built-in S Pen storage on the device itself, continued crease risk on the foldable screen, higher price for a “regular” phone with foldable capabilities than many non-foldables.
Temporal context and market reality
When the Fold3 and Flip3 landed in August 2021, the foldable category was just beginning to mature. Samsung’s emphasis was not just on novelty but on delivering a more durable hinge, better screen protection, and a software experience that genuinely leveraged the two-display concept. In the months that followed, competitors sharpened their hardware and software stories, but Samsung kept driving the foldable narrative forward with iterative hardware improvements and a focus on the ecosystem. Fast-forward to 2024 and beyond, foldables have carved out a niche in the premium segment, with several brands expanding foldable lineups and improving software stability, camera performance, and battery efficiency. For many buyers, the Fold3-era innovations laid the groundwork for a new category that’s now more mainstream than it was at launch, even if it remains a minority of overall smartphone sales.
Verdict: should you consider the Z Fold3 or Z Flip3 in 2025?
If your priorities are task-focused efficiency, larger on-screen real estate, and the thrill of a cutting-edge design, the Z Fold3 stands out as a compelling option in the foldable space. It still serves well as a productivity tool, especially for people who often find themselves juggling emails, documents, and media apps simultaneously. The Z Flip3, meanwhile, remains a superb portable companion that offers a premium experience in a pocket-friendly chassis, ideal for everyday carry and quick, stylish communications. Both phones represent a milestone in Samsung’s foldable journey, proving that a robust, consumer-friendly foldable experience can exist in two distinct shapes and use cases. For those deciding in 2025, the question isn’t only about a current feature set but also about ecosystem compatibility, long-term software support, and your own lifestyle as a user who benefits from a two-display workflow or a compact, fast daily driver with a wow factor.
FAQ
Are these devices still relevant in 2025?
Yes, especially for users who value a unique, productive form factor and are not strictly limited to the latest hardware in every category. The Fold3’s multitasking potential and the Flip3’s portability still offer distinct advantages, provided you’re comfortable with a premium price tag typical of foldables. Software updates from Samsung have continued to improve foldable performance and battery efficiency, which helps maintain relevance as apps and services adjust to multi-display workflows.
What is the biggest improvement of Fold3 over Fold2?
The Fold3 introduces a sturdier Armor Aluminum frame, a more durable hinge, improved outer and inner display protection, and S Pen Fold Edition compatibility with appropriate accessories. The under-display camera on the inner display is also a step toward a more seamless interior screen experience, although image quality varies with lighting. The overall user experience emphasizes reliability for long-term use and more confident daily handling.
Is the S Pen Fold Edition really worth it on the Fold3?
For creators, note-takers, and design-focused users, the S Pen Fold Edition can be transformative, enabling precise handwriting, drawing, and on-screen annotations. However, it requires a compatible case or storage solution on the Fold3, as the device itself doesn’t incorporate a dedicated storage slot. If you’re buying the Fold3 primarily for writing or sketching, it’s worth considering the S Pen bundle and a case that suits your carry style.
How does the under-display camera perform?
The 16 MP under-display camera allows for a more immersive inner display with fewer camera cutouts, but performance isn’t perfect in all lighting. In bright daylight or controlled settings, the camera remains serviceable for selfies and video calls, yet some noise and slight softening can still be noticeable in low light. It’s a trade-off Samsung opted for to maximize screen real estate, and for many users the trade-off is acceptable given the benefits of a larger uninterrupted display.
Which should I choose if I want a two-display workflow?
The Fold3 is the obvious pick when your workflow benefits from two distinct screens and flexible app usage. For example, you can have a document open on the main panel while keeping communications or research on the outer screen, then expand to the larger canvas to edit content. If you value a phone that’s easier to pocket and handle without sacrificing a premium camera and build quality, the Flip3 remains an excellent alternative, albeit without the same heavy multitasking emphasis.
How does battery life compare to other flagships?
On a typical day, the Fold3 can deliver solid performance with light-to-moderate usage. It’s not a full-day endurance beast in the same way as some traditional flagship phones with larger batteries, but the 4400 mAh pack provides a comfortable day for most users, especially if you leverage the cover display for quick tasks and reduce the main screen brightness when not in use. Real-world use depends heavily on how much you unfold and multitask, as well as network conditions and screen brightness in bright environments.
Is the Fold3 durable enough for daily life and travel?
Yes, but with the caveat that foldables always require gentle handling. Samsung’s engineering makes the Fold3 one of the most robust foldables to date, with a hinge design and materials aimed at resisting everyday bumps and micro-movements. For travelers and professionals who carry devices in bags or purses, the rugged design offers more confidence than earlier foldables, though the device still isn’t impervious to drops or severe dust exposure. Use a protective case and a careful approach around rough surfaces to maximize longevity.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 marks a meaningful milestone in the evolution of foldable smartphones. It blends a larger, more useful inner display with a refined hinge and stronger chassis, delivering a productivity-first experience that still feels like a premium consumer device. The Z Flip3, in contrast, is the more approachable, pocketable foldable that doesn’t force you to compromise on camera quality or daily performance. For early adopters and power users, the Fold3 remains a compelling choice, especially when paired with the S Pen Fold Edition and the wider Samsung ecosystem. For those who want the foldable “look” with a more compact daily driver, the Flip3 offers a striking balance of style, performance, and portability. Either way, Samsung’s third-generation foldables created a foundation that continues to influence the market and shape consumer expectations for what a two-display smartphone can be.
In the broader context of modern smartphones, foldables like the Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 helped shift conversations from “is a foldable too fragile or impractical?” to “how can I effectively integrate two displays into a daily workflow?” The answer is increasingly about software optimization, robust hardware, and thoughtful accessory ecosystems. If you’re ready to experiment with a device that doubles as a pocket-sized studio or a two-screen productivity tool, the Fold3 sits near the top of your shortlist. And if you want something more compact that still turns heads and handles busy days with ease, the Flip3 remains a compelling option that’s only gotten better with software refinements and a refined design language.
Note: The information here reflects the state of these devices around their initial release and subsequent ecosystem context. Backed by official specifications and real-user experiences, this review aims to provide a practical, human perspective on what it’s like to live with Samsung’s foldables day to day.
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