Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G

First ReleaseReleased 2021, August
NameSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G
Available ColorsPhantom Black, Green, Lavender, Cream, White, Pink, Gray
CategorySmartphone
Price1,30,999.00 BDT (approx)

 Body

StyleVertical Foldable Smartphone
MaterialPlastic front, Gorilla Glass Victus back, aluminum frame
Body Weight183 g
DimensionsUnfolded: 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm | Folded: 86.4 x 72.2 x 15.9-17.1 mm
Water ResistanceIPX8 water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)

 Connectivity

Network Type2G, 3G, 4G, 5G
Network SimNano-SIM, Electronic SIM card (eSIM)
WLANDual-band, Wi-Fi direct, Wi-Fi hotspot
GPRSYes
EDGEYes
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE
USBYes
OTGYes
USB Type-CUSB v3.1

Platform

Operating SystemAndroid 11 (One UI 3.1.1)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
CPUOcta core, up to 2.84 GHz
GPUAdreno 660
RAM8GB
ProcessorOcta core

Display

Display TypeFoldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X Touchscreen, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
1.9″ Super AMOLED, 260 x 512 pixels, Corning Gorilla Glass 6, Always-on display
Display Size6.7 inches, 101.5 cm2
Resolution1080 x 2640 pixels
260 x 512 pixels (Cover Display)
Protection(Scratch-resistant)
Display MultitouchYes
Display Density426 ppi

Camera

Front Camera10 Megapixel, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1.22µm
Rear Camera12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55″, 1.4µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Camera FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panorama
VideoUltra HD 4K (2160p), gyro-EIS

Memory

ROM128GB, 256GB
Ram8GB
MicroSD SlotNo

Sound

AudioYes
3.5mm JackNo
Features

 Battery

Battery TypeNon-removable Li-Po Battery
Capacity3300 mAh
Fast ChargingFast charging 25W
Wireless charging 11W
Reverse wireless charging 4.5W

Features & Security

SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)
MessagingYes
FingerprintFingerprint (side-mounted)
Face UnlockYes
RadioNo

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is the latest iteration in Samsung’s line of foldable smartphones.

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is the latest iteration in Samsung’s line of foldable smartphones. Building on the successes and lessons learned from its predecessors, the Z Flip 3 aims to offer a refined user experience and address some of the issues that plagued earlier foldable devices. With a unique clamshell design, impressive specifications, and the promise of 5G connectivity, the Z Flip 3 enters a competitive market where innovation is key. In this review, we will dive deep into the design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and overall user experience to help you determine whether the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is worth its premium price tag.

Design

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G boasts a sleek and stylish design that instantly catches the eye. The phone features a foldable design that sets it apart from traditional smartphones, with a flexible glass display that can be folded in half to make it more compact. This clamshell design not only enhances portability but also adds a nostalgic touch reminiscent of the flip phones of the past.

Samsung has made several improvements to the Z Flip 3’s design compared to its predecessor. The exterior of the device now has a more robust, durable build with a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus layer, offering improved resistance to scratches and drops. The new Armor Aluminum frame provides added rigidity and strength to the device, making it more resilient.

One significant design upgrade is the larger Cover Screen, which now spans the entire front of the phone. This 1.9-inch Super AMOLED display allows users to check notifications, answer calls, and access basic functions without unfolding the device, adding to the convenience and functionality of the phone.

Display

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels. The display is vibrant, sharp, and produces accurate colors, making it great for multimedia consumption and everyday use. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and transitions, improving the overall user experience.

The foldable nature of the Z Flip 3 does introduce a crease in the middle of the screen where the device folds. While Samsung has made efforts to reduce the visibility of the crease, it is still noticeable under certain lighting conditions and viewing angles. However, this is an inherent trade-off in foldable devices, and most users may find it tolerable considering the benefits of the foldable form factor.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM. This powerful combination ensures smooth multitasking and lag-free performance, even when running demanding apps or games. The 5G connectivity adds to the overall responsiveness and enables faster data speeds, enhancing the user experience for those in 5G-enabled regions.

Samsung’s One UI 3.1, based on Android 11, runs fluidly on the device, and the Z Flip 3 benefits from various software optimizations to make the most of the foldable form factor. The Flex Mode, for instance, allows users to split the screen into two halves when the phone is partially folded, making it easier to use certain apps in a more intuitive way.

Camera

The camera setup on the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is impressive, featuring a dual-camera system. The primary camera is a 12MP wide-angle sensor with Dual Pixel PDAF and Optical Image Stabilization, ensuring sharp and detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions. The secondary camera is a 12MP ultra-wide-angle sensor that allows users to capture a wider field of view.

In general, the camera performance on the Z Flip 3 is on par with other flagship smartphones from Samsung. The pictures taken in daylight are sharp, vibrant, and well-balanced. However, in low-light conditions, the camera struggles a bit, and noise can become apparent. The selfie camera, housed within a centered hole-punch cutout on the main display, is also satisfactory, capturing decent selfies with good color reproduction.

Battery Life

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G packs a 3,300mAh battery, which might seem relatively modest compared to other high-end smartphones on the market. However, considering the phone’s compact size and power-efficient Snapdragon 888 processor, the battery life is surprisingly adequate. Moderate users can expect to get through a full day on a single charge, while heavy users may need to top up mid-day.

The device supports 15W wired charging and 10W wireless charging, which is respectable but falls short of the fast-charging capabilities found on some competing smartphones. However, it is worth noting that charging times have improved compared to the previous generation Z Flip.

User Experience

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G offers a unique and enjoyable user experience, thanks to its foldable design and various software optimizations. The Flex Mode, as mentioned earlier, adds versatility to certain applications and provides a more immersive experience in multimedia consumption.

The larger Cover Screen is a welcome addition, enabling quick interactions without needing to unfold the device fully. This display also doubles as an always-on display, showing time, date, battery status, and notifications, enhancing the phone’s overall convenience.

However, the Z Flip 3 is not without its limitations. The phone lacks an IP rating for water and dust resistance, which might be a concern for some users. The absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack might also disappoint those who prefer wired audio accessories.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is undoubtedly a significant improvement over its predecessor and showcases Samsung’s commitment to foldable technology. With its unique clamshell design, robust specifications, and thoughtful software optimizations, the Z Flip 3 offers a compelling user experience.

The foldable form factor adds a level of novelty and practicality that sets the phone apart from traditional smartphones. However, it does come with some trade-offs, such as the visible crease on the display and concerns about long-term durability.

If you’re looking for a cutting-edge, premium device that offers a refreshing take on smartphone design, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is a great option to consider. However, with its premium price tag, it might not be the most cost-effective choice for all users, especially when compared to other non-foldable flagships in a similar price range.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is a remarkable device that showcases the potential of foldable smartphones. It combines innovative design, solid performance, and a versatile user experience to create a device that stands out in the crowded smartphone market. Whether it’s worth the premium price will depend on how much you value the unique foldable form factor and the convenience it brings to your daily life.