Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 3 (
USD $ 924 and in
MX $ 22,861;
on Amazon) is the company's latest attempt to make folding smartphones a big trend.
The compact device features a large screen, a modern processor, a reliable set of camera lenses, and a modern design.
In addition, Samsung set the price of the phone at a similar standard to high-end cell phones.
The who, what and how
Who's this for:
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is ideal for someone who has been considering buying a foldable but was hoping for a more robust and faster option that rivals the iPhone and Galaxy devices.
What you need to know:
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 battery performs below the competition of high-end devices.
But, from what we could glean from our tests, Samsung fixed the main issues with previous premium-built folding cartridges and a vibrant display.
How this compares:
In terms of direct competition to the Motorola Razr and previous Z Flip, the third generation is more durable with a stronger build and display.
While the previous folding didn't feel secure in the hand or creaked, the Z Flip 3 is ultimately a normal smartphone that just folds away.
Enhanced durability and a refined design
The third generation Z Flip features a refined design highlighted by an aluminum construction.
With that new build, Samsung also brought in more muted colors rather than the flashy ones we've seen on previous devices.
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The back of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 (
USD $ 924 and in
MX $ 22,861), at least the glass portions, is protected with a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which protects against drops and scratches.
We dropped the Z Flip multiple times on surfaces like pasta, carpet, and wood without any problem.
And the most important piece: the water resistance, specifically an IPX8 certified resistance that can handle being immersed in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
When unfolded, the Z Flip 3 feels as sturdy as any full-size smartphone, including the iPhone 12 or Galaxy S21.
It's a significantly reinforced design with stronger materials, but it still weighs 183 grams.
Samsung is still using its hidden hinge.
When it is closed, you will see it as a metal band with 'Samsung' engraved on the top of the device.
As you open the device, the hinge is covered by the two main halves of the Z Flip 3. The Z Flip 3 is still a bit more difficult to open with one hand.
A more useful deck screen
The cover screen of the original Z Flip measured 1.1 inches.
It is used to see your notifications or quickly show the time.
With the Z Flip 3 (
USD $ 924 and in
MX $ 22,861), Samsung made some improvements.
A swipe from left to right opens your notifications, which can now be scrolled open for reading, but it takes you opening the Z Flip to complete an action like replying to a message.
Swiping from right to left allows you to move through different widgets.
You can customize some of these, but only between Samsung functions since they are not opening it to third parties yet.
You can control media playback (and yes, this works with a service like Spotify), view the weather, start a timer, view quick health stats, and view your calendar, among others.
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While it allows you to view a notification with ease or without fully interacting with the phone, it's a bit irritating that you can't respond directly on that screen.
Opening the Z Flip 3 reveals the main 6.7-inch Infinity Flex display.
The Z Flip 3 5G features a 120Hz refresh rate display, which is pretty much the new standard.
The hinge creates a crease that sits right in the center of the screen and you will feel it as you scroll through it.
By no means the end of the world, but it is something to know when opting for a folding.
2 large chambers
These cameras work on par with the Pixel 5, iPhone 12, or Galaxy S21.
The lenses included are:
12 megapixel camera:
This lens is useful for portrait shots and does a good job of accurately capturing a scene.
We did not experience any significant color bias.
This lens also features optical image stabilization for less blurry shots.
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12 megapixel
ultra wide
angle camera:
The ultra wide allows you to capture more in any shot and is an entertaining way to frame a building or whatever you are capturing.
It worked quite well in our tests.
Overall, the Z Flip 3 captured some nice images.
In conclusion
Between the larger and more functional cover screen, the water resistance, the smooth inner screen and the more refined design, there is a lot to like about the Z Flip 3 (
USD $ 924 and in
MX $ 22,861;
on Amazon).
Has it become widespread?
Well yes, in the sense that we can safely recommend it for someone who wants a foldable smartphone.
But there is still no reason to rush out and switch to a foldable smartphone.
Yes, Flex mode is neat, but not all apps support it natively.
It is not essential either.
The compact nature of the device is more attractive, and if you are tired of these oversized smartphones not fitting in your pockets or being a difficult task to carry, know that you are not sacrificing much by opting for the Z Flip 3.
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You're missing out on a third camera lens and all-day battery life.
And that's the achievement here;
opting for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 doesn't mean you're sacrificing anything you'd expect in a smartphone.
You could even end up on top with more color options, two displays, and a conversation starter.
