Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: Most advanced folding smartphone presented so far

Samsung unveiled the new Galaxy Z Fold3 5G at the Galaxy Unpacked event, which is even more robust and innovative than its two direct predecessors. The features are more than impressive with an under-display camera, 120 Hz display and strong camera setup.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G features

While the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is aimed more at the masses, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G marks the flagship in Samsung’s folding smartphone catalog. In terms of design, the device is strongly based on the predecessor Galaxy Z Fold 2 (our review), but the build quality has been greatly improved. The new foldable is supposed to be much more robust.

Among other things, the back and the outer display are covered with particularly scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus. The foldable display, on the other hand, still relies on Samsung’s Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), which is supposed to be 80 percent more robust thanks to a PET protective film.

Samsung has also heavily revised the hinge: 200,000 folds are supposed to be possible with it without any problems, which is mainly due to the novel “Sweeper” technology. It is able to keep dust out of the hinge. At the same time, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G features the Flex Mode known from the Flip, thanks to which the device can be placed half-opened on the table.

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The frame is made of harder Armor aluminum. Thanks to IPX8 certification, dust and water cannot harm the premium smartphone either. The smartphone is 6.4 millimeters thin and comes to a depth of 16 mm with a weight of 271 grams when closed.

Strong display and flagship hardware

Samsung relies on an AMOLED panel with a size of 7.6 inches for the display, which comes up with a frame rate of 120 Hz and a resolution of 2,208 x 1,768 pixels. It is supposed to be 29 percent brighter than the predecessor’s and, according to the manufacturer, works much more energy-efficiently.

Inputs can also be made on Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold3 5G with the separately available S Pen Fold Edition or the S Pen Pro. The SoC is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 with an integrated 5G modem and dual-SIM.

12 GB of RAM, a fingerprint sensor, and a 4,400 mAh battery that can be charged via USB-C at 25 watts or wirelessly at 10 watts are also on offer.

The cameras of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

A highlight of the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is the invisible under-display camera on the front. Samsung uses a similar technology as ZTE or Xiaomi with the new Mi Mix 4. A 1/3.1-inch sensor with a resolution of 4 megapixels and an aperture of f/1.9 is installed on the inside. If you close the device, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G uses a 10 megapixel selfie camera with a 1/3.24-inch sensor in a punch hole.

The rear camera module has three cameras, each with a resolution of 12 megapixels. A wide-angle camera with an aperture of f/1.8 and a 1/1.76 inch sensor, an ultra-wide-angle camera with an aperture of f/2.2 and a 1/3.21 inch sensor and a telephoto camera (f/2.4, 1/3.6 inch sensor) are offered.

Samsung also promises some improvements in terms of software. Google and Microsoft apps in particular are said to have been better adapted to the foldable display.

Prices and availability

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G will be released on August 27, 2021 and will be available in Phantom Black, Phantom Green and Phantom Silver. The choice is a model with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, which starts at an MSRP of €1,799.00. The top-of-the-line model brings it up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, with an MSRP of €1,899.00.

Those who pre-order the Fold3 5G in the Samsung shop can look forward to a fat trade-in bonus in the period from August 11 – August 26, 2021. 200 € exchange bonus and up to 800 € credit for the old device are offered. Buyers will also receive one year of Samsung Care+. An insurance that covers repairs for accidental damage to the display or the back as well as water damage. In addition, the Note Package consisting of a Flip Cover with a pen and a quick-charging adapter worth €89.90 is included.