The third generation of Samsung galaxy Fold focuses on durability, improved productivity and the best software experience, while featuring some bold features. When the smartphone industry is largely figuring out its focus on making folding phones, Samsung has introduced innovations like an under-screen camera and a backing pen on a flexible non-glass screen. Not to forget, the Double Z 3 it is also water resistant IPX8. The Z fold 3 is, of course, expensive, but it assures you that you’re using the most advanced smartphone of 2021 and that right now there’s no other device that can match it. After using the Galaxy Z Fold 3 for a couple of days, here are our initial impressions.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 design
Samsung has not made any drastic changes to the new Z Fold 3 in terms of design or display of the phone. Things are almost similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 2. 2020. But the whole experience has definitely improved. The device no longer looks bulky, as the main camera module on the back has been trimmed. The matte finish of the back panel, which is now Corning Gorilla Glass Victus glass, looks great. The hinge has become stronger and you will feel safer as you fold or unfold the device. When the device is folded, it fits well in the hands, has a sleek look and the build quality breathes confidence.
Once you deploy the device, you will notice that the cropped selfie on the screen is gone. You will get the full screen. Samsung uses an under-screen selfie camera that is subtly visible when using a light-colored wallpaper or any app that has a white background. The camera is built far below the screen and while you watch movies or games, you won’t even recognize it’s there.
Another aspect is that the edges around the flexible screen are slightly elevated so that it is protected from accidental drops. Samsung has managed the hinge area of the screen well and now the fold along the fold is less visible. That said, this fold will hold until Samsung replaces the flexible plastic screen with real glass. Now, bending the glass to make it flexible will take a while to pass. But in the new Z Fold 3, you’ll learn to live with the fold, as it doesn’t create any problems while consuming content.
The body of the device is quite similar to the Z Fold 3 with USB Type C port on the bottom, volume swings and alarm button (with integrated fingerprint scanner) on the right.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 screen
Needless to say, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 includes two screens: the outer cover screen and the folding main screen. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 comes with a 6.2-inch HD + Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate. Note that the cover screen is what you will see when the device is folded. You can perform all the tasks on this screen and it is made of glass. When you deploy the device, you get a 7.6-inch QOGA + Dynamic AMOLED main display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.
The screen dimensions haven’t changed, but now you get a refresh rate of 120Hz, which makes things look smoother. These are the best screens that can be obtained on a folding phone right now, but you will have to get used to the proportions. The folding screen is square while the cover screen has a 25: 9 aspect ratio. You can run all applications in full screen mode to cover the entire display area, but this can cause the content to be retalli. At the same time, if you run something about the original aspect ratio, you’ll notice black bands around the content. That’s why the Z Fold 3 isn’t meant for gaming. But the square ratio helps during multitasking, as you can manage up to four applications and run them simultaneously.
The transition from the home screen to the main screen is perfect, and overall you’ll love the quality.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Camera
The device includes a total of five cameras: three on the back, one below the main screen, and one on the cover screen. The triple module of the rear camera includes a 12MP ultra-wide sensor with F2.2 aperture, 12MP dual-pixel autofocus primary sensor with F1.8 aperture, OIS and another 12MP telephoto lens with F2.4 aperture and OIS . There is 2X optical zoom and 10X digital zoom along with HDR10 + video recording. When you fold the device, you will get a selfie camera on the cover screen with 10MP sensor and F2.2 aperture.
This is the first Samsung phone to come with an under-screen camera. The lower screen camera has a 4MP sensor and an F1.8 aperture.
Speaking of quality, there aren’t many changes and it still clicks on good photos like the Z Fold 2. But you’ll be disappointed with the quality of the lower camera. Learn more about camera quality in our full review.
Specifications of Samsung Galaxy Z 3 Fold
The device works with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G 5-bit 64-bit octa-core chipset with a maximum clock speed of 2.84 GHz. It is the fastest Android processor. The phone supports 5G connectivity. It comes with 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB internal storage options. There is no slot for a microSD card and it works with the Android 11 operating system ready.
The phone has a 4,400 mAh battery. For security, the device supports biometric locks such as Face or fingerprint and is a 5G compatible smartphone. In India, the phone will come with Phantom Black and Green color options.
First impressions of the Samsung Galaxy Z 3 Fold
The Galaxy Z 3 Fold is about refinement and allowing users to do more with the hardware. It has all the style along with the substance. Also, with the support of the S-Pen stylus, you can get the experience of the Galaxy Note series also if you decide to buy the stylus separately. There are a few things you might not like about the device; inside the box you will not get any charger or headphones or any other accessory. Only a charging cable is obtained.
The device does not support the older S-Pen, so you will need to purchase a new one in case you want to scribble something on the device. Although the device is durable and water resistant, you need to be careful with dust, as there is no IP rating for dust particles. You should use the Z Fold 3 with soft hands and not the way you use your phones in general.
Once you are used to the Z Fold 3, the experience you get is incomparable and it will be difficult to get back to the usual phones.
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