MobileSyrup
News

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 vs Galaxy Z Fold 3: What foldable is for you?

The tech giant's latest foldable smartphones have arrived

By Dean Daley
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 vs Galaxy Z Fold 3: What foldable is for you?

Following weeks of rumours, Samsung has finally unveiled its foldable Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Z Fold, its two flagship-level foldable smartphones that offer a Snapdragon 888 processor, 120Hz refresh rate screens and more.

If you’re unsure what foldable is for you, it’s worth considering that the Z Fold 3 folds like a book, which means it starts out as a relatively normal smartphone and when you unfold it, it becomes a sizable tablet. The Z Flip 3, on the other hand, is a rather tall smartphone that changes into a small clamshell compact.

Ahead of the reveal of both the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, MobileSyrup’s Patrick O’Rourke took a look at the various advantages and disadvantages of both folding methods.

Specs
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Display
7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex, 2,208 x 1,768 pixels + 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2,268 x 832 pixels - 120Hz
6.7-inch Foldable FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2,640 x 1,080 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate | Cover display 1.9-inch Super AMOLED 260 x 512 pixels
Processor
Snapdragon 888
Snapdragon 888
RAM
12GB of RAM
8GB of RAM
Storage
256GB/512GB of storage
128GB/256GB of storage
Dimensions
Unfolded: 158.2 x 128.2 x 6.4 mm | Folded: 158.2. x 67.1 x 16 mm
Unfolded: 166 x 72.2 x 6.9mm | Folded: 86.4 x 72.2 x 17.1 mm
Weight
271g
183g
Rear Facing Camera
12-megapixel (wide, f/1.8) + 12-megapixel (Ultra wide, f/2.2) + 12-megapixel (telephoto, f/2.4)
12-megapixel (f/1.8) + 12-megapixel (f/2.2)
Front Facing Camera
10-megapixel (f/2.2) + 4-megapixel (f/1.8)
10-megapixel (f/2.4)
OS
Android 11
Android 11
Battery
4,400mAh
3,300mAh
Network Connectivity
LTE/ 5G
LTE/ 5G
Sensors
Fingerprint sensor (side mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer
Fingerprint sensor (side mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer
SIM Type
Nano SIM
Nano SIM
Launch Date
August 11, 2021
August 11, 2021
Misc
Colours: Phantom Black, Phantom Green, Phantom Silver
Colours: Cream, Green, Lavendar, Phantom Black, Gray (Samsung.com Exclusive), White (Samsung.com Exclusive), Pink (Samsung.com Exclusive)

Something else worth considering is that the Z Flip 3 maxes out at 256GB of storage, while the Z Fold 3 goes up to 512GB. Moreover, the Z Fold 3 offers 12GB of RAM and the Z Flip 3 only goes up to 8GB of RAM.

Additionally, the Z Fold 3 also works with the S Pen, so if you’re missing Samsung’s Note series, the Z Fold 3 might be the option you want (we’re still not sure how much it will cost, however).

However, what’s probably the most important thing to consider is pricing.

The 128GB Z Flip 3 costs $1,259.99 and the 256GB variant (‘Phantom Black’ only) costs $1,329.99. Meanwhile, the 256GB Z Fold 3 costs $2,269.99 and the 512GB variant costs $2,409 (Phantom Black only).

This means that this year’s Z Flip 3 is cheaper than Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro Max and even Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra.

If you want more on the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 4, check out my hands-on with both foldable smartphones.

The top technology news, delivered to your inbox every Friday.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive electronic communications from MobileSyrup, containing news, updates and promotions regarding MobileSyrup's products. You may withdraw your consent at any time.

Antenna. Get the signal.