Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 smartphone

Photo: Jakub CA via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

August 27, 2021 9/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a groundbreaking foldable smartphone released in 2021, offering a unique tablet-like experience when unfolded and a conventional smartphone form factor when closed. It features a durable design with IPX8 water resistance and was the first foldable to support the S Pen, enhancing productivity.
Display7.6-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz refresh rate.
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G.
Main CameraTriple 12MP setup (wide, ultrawide, telephoto).
Battery4400 mAh with 25W fast charging.
Starting from $899

💰 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Price

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 lowest price is $899, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeFoldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (peak)
Main Display Size7.6 inches
Main Display Resolution1768 x 2208 pixels
Cover Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
Cover Display Size6.2 inches
Cover Display Resolution832 x 2268 pixels
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus (Cover Display and Back)

Platform

OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPUAdreno 660

Memory

RAM12GB
Internal Storage256GB, 512GB
Card slotNo

Main Camera

Triple12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS; 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom; 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, 12mm (ultrawide)
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps (gyro-EIS), HDR10+

Selfie Camera

Cover Camera10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide)
Under-display Camera4 MP, f/1.8, 2.0µm (under display)
FeaturesHDR
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS

Battery

TypeLi-Po
Capacity4400 mAh
Charging25W wired, 11W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless

Body

Dimensions Unfolded158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm
Dimensions Folded158.2 x 67.1 x 14.4-16 mm
Weight271 g
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus) (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame, IPX8 water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
SIMDual SIM (Nano-SIM and eSIM)

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
NFCYes
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Launch

Announced2021, August 11
StatusDiscontinued, August 10, 2022

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Innovative foldable design
  • IPX8 water resistance
  • S Pen support for productivity
  • Large, vibrant 120Hz displays
  • Powerful performance with Snapdragon 888
  • Excellent multitasking capabilities

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Battery life could be better
  • Cameras are good but not top-tier compared to some flagships
  • No charger or headphones in the box
  • No built-in S Pen slot
  • Bulky when folded
  • Inner screen protector can peel over time
  • Lacks dust resistance
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 offers a highly innovative and polished foldable experience with significant durability improvements and S Pen support, though its high price and some compromises in battery and camera prevent a perfect score.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is an excellent choice for early adopters and power users seeking a device that seamlessly transitions between a premium smartphone and a compact tablet. Its IPX8 water resistance and S Pen compatibility were significant upgrades, making it more durable and versatile than its predecessors. However, be prepared for a substantial investment, as the phone remains expensive, and you'll need to purchase a charger and S Pen separately. Consider your usage habits: if you frequently multitask, consume media, or take notes on a larger screen, the Fold 3's unique form factor and productivity features will be highly beneficial. If camera performance and battery life are your absolute top priorities, or if budget is a major concern, traditional slab flagships might offer better value.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 handset
  • USB-C to USB-C cable
  • SIM ejector tool
  • Quick Start Guide/Documentation

Samsung provides a standard 12-month limited warranty covering manufacturing defects from the date of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the release date of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 was officially released on August 27, 2021.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 water resistant?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 features an IPX8 rating, meaning it is water resistant and can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

Does the Galaxy Z Fold 3 support the S Pen?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 was the first foldable smartphone to support the S Pen, though the stylus is sold separately and does not have a dedicated storage slot within the phone.

What comes in the box with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3?

The box typically includes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 smartphone, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and a quick start guide. A wall charger and headphones are not included.

What are the main camera specifications of the Galaxy Z Fold 3?

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 features a triple 12MP camera system on the rear, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens with OIS, a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens.

What is the battery capacity of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is equipped with a 4400 mAh battery that supports 25W wired fast charging, 11W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.