Samsung continues its success, following the recent release of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Fold3, which have attracted the interest of its consumers. Both phones are vastly different in many aspects but one thing for sure is both have foldable displays. If you are on the run for a foldable phone or just want to see what all the fuss is about, we are here to help you decide before you get to the physical store or start buying online.
Design and Display
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 boasts a large 7.6-inch AMOLED display on the inside and a 6.2-inch exterior display on the outside. This gives it the appearance of a tablet, and both panels have 120Hz refresh rates. Another perk is the new under-display camera that hides when not in use, so you do not have to stare at a punch hole. The three colours available on the Galaxy Z Fold3 are Phantom Silver, Phantom Green, and Phantom Black.
The Galaxy Z Flip3 features a 1.9-inch cover display and a 6.7-inch 120Hz main screen, which is four times larger than the original Z Flip. When closed, it folds up to 3.4 x 2.8 x 0.63-0.67 inches and weighs only 183gr. The Galaxy Z Flip3 is available in a wider range of colours like Green, Lavender, Cream and Phantom Black.
On top of the ultra-thin glass, Samsung is now utilising a new PET film (UTG) and introduce the IPX8 water resistance that should withstand splashes and rain. This implies they can be underwater for up to 30 minutes in up to three feet of water. In addition to that, Samsung improved the phone’s durability with a tougher Armor Aluminum chassis and claims this will deliver up to 80% more durability.
Performance
Expect a similar performance by both smartphones because the Snapdragon 888 CPU powers both the Galaxy Z Fold3 and the Galaxy Z Flip3. However, the Z Fold3 features higher RAM (Random Access Memory) with 12GB, but the Z Flip3 only has 8GB.
If you want to run many apps on your phone, the Z Fold 3 would be a better choice. The Z Fold3 is also equipped with two choices of storage, 256GB or 512GB. On the other hand, the Z Flip3 comes with 128GB of storage, with a 256GB variant available. Since neither smartphone has expandable storage, the trend will continue.
Software and Features
Apart from running Samsung’s One UI, both Galaxy phones can be paired with Samsung Galaxy watch via Galaxy Wearable (Samsung Gear), which can be accessed in Galaxy Apps. However, the user experience on both phones is not the same.
Starting with its 1.9-inch cover display, the Galaxy Z Flip3 boasts some distinct features of its own. Other than taking photos or videos with a single press on the power button, the Galaxy Z Flip3 offers flex mode that displays information on top and controls on the bottom for certain apps such as the Camera app and YouTube.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 enables Flex mode as well, making it the more adaptable phone in general. The Z Fold3 supports up to three apps on the screen at once, and Samsung is collaborating with third-party developers to ensure that their apps are optimised for the Fold3’s huge screen. Another huge selling point for the Z Fold3 is also that it is the first folding phone to support the S Pen, allowing you to take notes, draw, and more on the screen.
For years, this has been a clear fixture of the Galaxy Note series, but Samsung broadened its compatibility, and now it is available on the Z Fold3. The S Pen Fold Edition and the S Pen Pro are two new options from Samsung. Both have retractable tips that have been designed to function effortlessly with the Z Fold3’s distinctive display.
Camera
There are few differences between both smartphones in terms of camera. The Z Fold3 has three rear cameras: a 12MP wide lens, an ultra-wide lens, and a telephoto lens. The optical zoom on these sensors is 2x, and the digital zoom is 10x. It also has a 10MP selfie camera on the front, as well as a 4MP camera hidden beneath the display in the top right corner. It is worth noting that the video calling selfie sensor is not extremely clear or bright.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 has two 12MP cameras, one with a wide-angle lens and the other with a 123-degree field of view. A 10MP selfie camera is found on the front of the phone. However, the Z Flip3 lacks telephoto lenses, providing it with an advantage over the other Flip versions.
Battery Life
With a 4,400 mAh twin battery, the Galaxy Z Fold3 should last you all day. It can last for 14-16 hours if you are playing games. As for the Galaxy Z Flip3, it has a much smaller 3,300 mAh battery, therefore its uptime is inevitably reduced.
In terms of charging, the Galaxy Z Fold3 is at advantage with the capacity to handle 25W charging while the Z Flip3 can only handle 15W charging. Keep in mind that neither phone comes with a charger, so if you do not already have one, you will have to buy one. But both Galaxy phones include 10W Qi wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
Price & Availability
Samsung has reduced the price of the Galaxy Z Fold3 to $1,800, a $200 reduction over last year’s model. This is a small price drop but when you add in the S Pen and any other accessories, you will rapidly find yourself approaching the $2,000 threshold. At $999, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 are sold on at a lower price compared to previous models which sound reasonable for individuals who want to try the latest flip phones.
Verdict
The Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 are designed for distinct future buyers. The Z Fold3 is designed for users who want a phone and a tablet in one device and are ready to pay a premium for it. With S Pen support, a more durable design, and enhanced features and apps, Samsung is now rewarding your sticker shock.
On another side, the Galaxy Z Flip3 is all about style and surely its price tag will appeal to those who have been waiting for the foldable phone revolution to arrive. In terms of cameras and battery size, you will have to make some compromises compared to other flagship phones, but it might be worth it for you. Ultimately, it will come down to personal taste, as each phone has a distinct design and varied displays for different uses.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Specifications and Price in Kenya
