The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G stands as a monumental leap in foldable smartphone technology, offering a robust, refined, and genuinely practical experience for those ready to embrace the future of mobile computing. It’s not just a phone.

It’s a productivity powerhouse and a media consumption device seamlessly integrated into one sleek package.

While its price point places it in the premium segment, the Z Fold3 justifies its cost with groundbreaking features like IPX8 water resistance, S Pen support, and a dramatically improved hinge and display durability, making it a viable daily driver for tech enthusiasts and power users alike.

It’s a testament to Samsung’s commitment to pushing boundaries, providing a compelling argument for why foldables are more than just a novelty—they’re here to stay and evolve.

Here’s a quick rundown of some complementary products:

Apple iPad Pro M2
- Key Features: M2 chip, Liquid Retina XDR display 12.9-inch, ProMotion technology, Apple Pencil 2 support, Thunderbolt/USB 4 port, LiDAR Scanner.
- Average Price: Starting around $1,099 for the 11-inch model, $1,499 for the 12.9-inch.
- Pros: Unmatched performance for a tablet, excellent display, robust app ecosystem, seamless integration with Apple devices.
- Cons: High price, iPadOS can still feel limiting compared to a full desktop OS, accessories Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil add significant cost.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
- Key Features: Unique dynamic woven hinge, 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop GPU option, Intel Core H-series processors, Surface Slim Pen 2 support.
- Average Price: Starting around $1,599.
- Pros: Versatile form factors laptop, stage, studio, powerful performance for creative tasks, excellent build quality, great for digital art and design.
- Cons: Heavier than typical laptops, premium pricing, battery life can be inconsistent with discrete GPU.
Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones
- Key Features: World-class noise cancellation Quiet and Aware modes, comfortable over-ear design, up to 24 hours battery life, USB-C charging, multipoint Bluetooth.
- Average Price: Around $279.
- Pros: Exceptional noise cancellation, incredibly comfortable for long sessions, clear audio quality, reliable Bluetooth connectivity.
- Cons: Sound profile can be a bit flat for some audiophiles, limited customization options via app compared to competitors.
Anker PowerCore III Elite 25600mAh
- Key Features: 25600mAh capacity, 87W USB-C PD output, two USB-A ports, rapid recharging, trickle-charging mode for low-power devices.
- Average Price: Around $119.
- Pros: Huge capacity for multiple charges, fast charging for laptops and phones, durable build, ideal for travel and extended use.
- Cons: Relatively heavy and bulky, higher price point for a power bank.
Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse
- Key Features: MagSpeed electromagnetic scrolling, 8000 DPI optical sensor, Quiet Click buttons, ergonomic design, USB-C fast charging, multi-device connectivity.
- Average Price: Around $99.
- Pros: Incredibly precise and smooth scrolling, very comfortable for long-term use, customizable buttons, excellent battery life.
- Cons: Not ideal for left-handed users, premium price for a mouse.
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE Monitor
- Key Features: 27-inch 4K UHD 3840×2160 IPS Black panel, 98% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB, 90W Power Delivery via USB-C, built-in Ethernet, multiple USB-A and USB-C ports.
- Average Price: Around $699.
- Pros: Stunning image quality with deep blacks and vibrant colors, extensive connectivity options, excellent ergonomics, acts as a USB-C hub.
- Cons: No high refresh rate, relatively expensive for a non-gaming monitor.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 20L
- Key Features: FlexFold dividers for customizable storage, external carry straps, multiple access points top, side, padded laptop sleeve, weather-resistant shell.
- Pros: Extremely well-designed for tech and daily carry, durable and weather-resistant, comfortable to wear, stylish and versatile.
- Cons: Premium price, can feel a bit rigid when fully packed, magnetic clasp can take some getting used to.

Table of Contents

Unpacking the Durability Revolution: IPX8 Water Resistance and Armor Aluminum

When the Galaxy Z Fold3 launched, one of the first questions on everyone’s mind was, “How tough is it really?” Previous foldables, while innovative, often raised eyebrows regarding their long-term resilience. Samsung tackled this head-on with two major engineering feats: IPX8 water resistance and the introduction of Armor Aluminum. This isn’t just marketing fluff. it’s a fundamental shift in what we can expect from a foldable device, pushing it closer to the everyday robustness of traditional flagships.

The Game-Changing IPX8 Water Resistance

This is a big deal, folks. Before the Z Fold3, the idea of a foldable phone surviving a dunk in water was purely hypothetical. With an IPX8 rating, the Z Fold3 can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Think about that for a second. You can take a call in the rain, check directions in a sudden downpour, or even accidentally drop it in the sink without immediately panicking.

What does IPX8 mean? The “IP” stands for Ingress Protection. The first digit X indicates protection against solids dust, where ‘X’ means it hasn’t been tested or rated for dust. The second digit 8 is the highest rating for water immersion, signifying protection against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.
Engineering Marvel: Achieving this on a foldable phone with a complex hinge mechanism is nothing short of incredible. It requires intricate sealing around the hinge, display, and ports, while still allowing the device to fold and unfold smoothly. This involved developing new internal structures and sealing compounds.
Real-world impact: This feature significantly reduces the anxiety associated with owning a high-value foldable. It expands the environments where you can comfortably use your device, from poolside to a busy kitchen. It’s not designed for scuba diving, but it handles common water exposure scenarios with aplomb.

Armor Aluminum: A New Standard for Foldable Frames

Beyond water resistance, Samsung bolstered the Z Fold3’s physical integrity with Armor Aluminum. This new material, applied to the phone’s frame and hinge cover, is a significant upgrade from the aerospace-grade aluminum used in previous generations.

Enhanced Strength: Samsung claims Armor Aluminum is 10% stronger than the aluminum used in the Z Fold2. This increased rigidity contributes directly to the device’s overall durability, making it more resistant to bending and twisting forces.
Scratch Resistance: While not impervious, the harder alloy also provides a better defense against minor scratches and dings from everyday use.
Synergy with IPX8: The stronger frame works in tandem with the water resistance. A more rigid chassis provides a better foundation for the internal seals, ensuring they maintain their integrity even under minor stresses.
Feel in Hand: Despite the enhanced strength, the Z Fold3 feels incredibly premium. The Armor Aluminum provides a substantial, yet not overly heavy, feel in the hand, contributing to a sense of quality and robustness.

Gorilla Glass Victus and the New Protective Film

While Armor Aluminum protects the frame, the displays also received a significant upgrade. The Z Fold3 features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on its exterior cover screen, offering 2x better scratch resistance than Gorilla Glass 6. More crucially, the main inner display, while still foldable, benefits from a new protective film.

Main Display Improvements: This new film is made of a more resilient PET polyethylene terephthalate material, making it 80% more durable than the previous generation’s film. It’s designed to withstand more pressure from touch and S Pen input, and it’s less prone to forming creases over time.
Still Not Glass: It’s important to remember that the main foldable display is not glass in the traditional sense. it still has a flexible, protective layer. While much improved, users should still exercise caution to avoid sharp objects or excessive pressure.
Overall Durability Picture: The combination of IPX8, Armor Aluminum, Gorilla Glass Victus, and the improved inner display film presents a comprehensive durability package. The Z Fold3 is the toughest foldable yet, significantly mitigating many of the common concerns users had about earlier foldable devices.

The S Pen Experience: A New Dimension of Productivity

The integration of S Pen support on the Galaxy Z Fold3 was, for many, the missing piece of the puzzle. This feature transforms the Z Fold3 from a large smartphone into a truly versatile mobile workstation, bridging the gap between phone, tablet, and digital notebook. It opens up a new world of interaction, especially on that expansive 7.6-inch inner display.

Two Dedicated S Pens: Fold Edition and S Pen Pro

To ensure the safety of the delicate foldable display, Samsung introduced two new S Pen models specifically designed for the Z Fold3:

S Pen Fold Edition: This is the more compact option, roughly the size of a regular pen, and it’s designed to be easily carried alongside the Z Fold3. It’s tailored exclusively for the Z Fold3 and features a specially designed retractible tip that applies less pressure to the screen, preventing damage.
S Pen Pro: This is a larger, more feature-rich S Pen. It not only works with the Z Fold3 but also with other compatible Samsung Galaxy devices smartphones, tablets, PCs. It offers Bluetooth LE connectivity, enabling gestures, remote camera control, and other advanced functions, similar to the S Pen that comes with the Galaxy S Ultra series or Tab S series. It also charges via USB-C.
Crucial Difference: Both S Pens use a softer tip than standard S Pens to protect the Z Fold3’s flexible display. This is a critical safety measure, and using an older, stiffer S Pen on the Z Fold3 is highly discouraged as it could damage the screen.

Unlocking Productivity on the Main Display

The true magic of the S Pen unfolds pun intended on the Z Fold3’s main internal screen.

Note-Taking and Sketching: This is where the S Pen truly shines. The vast canvas of the 7.6-inch display makes note-taking feel natural, whether you’re jotting down meeting notes, brainstorming ideas, or sketching out designs. The latency is impressively low, making the experience feel fluid and responsive.
Split-Screen Multitasking: The S Pen enhances multitasking. You can drag and drop content between apps with precision, make quick annotations on documents while referencing information in another app, or easily select text across different windows.
Air Command Menu: Just like on other S Pen-enabled devices, hovering the S Pen over the screen brings up the Air Command menu, offering quick access to functions like Create Note, Smart Select, Screen Write, Live Message, and Translate.
Enhanced Navigation: For users who prefer precision over finger input, the S Pen offers fine-tuned control for navigating menus, selecting small icons, or editing spreadsheets. It’s particularly useful for professional applications.
No Built-in Storage: A key point to remember is that neither S Pen model stores inside the Z Fold3 itself. Users will need to carry them separately, often in a dedicated case, which adds a layer of convenience planning.

The S Pen as a Creative Tool

While the Z Fold3 isn’t a dedicated drawing tablet, the S Pen’s capabilities allow for surprisingly robust creative expression.

Digital Art and Design: Apps like PENUP, Clip Studio Paint, and even basic drawing apps become much more enjoyable and precise with the S Pen. The large display provides ample space for sketching and detailed work.
Photo Editing: Fine-tune adjustments in photo editing apps with greater accuracy than using a finger. Select specific areas for edits, brush on effects, or draw masks with ease.
Signature Capture: For business professionals, the ability to digitally sign documents directly on the large screen is a significant advantage, streamlining workflows and reducing reliance on printing and scanning.

The S Pen on the Z Fold3 isn’t just a gimmick. it’s a transformative tool that elevates the device’s utility, making it a serious contender for users who need a device that can truly do it all. It represents Samsung’s vision of a foldable future where hardware adaptability meets software versatility.

Display Innovation: Brighter, Smoother, and Under-Display Camera

The displays on a foldable phone are arguably its most critical components, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 brought substantial improvements to both its cover screen and its main foldable display.

These enhancements not only make the device more enjoyable to use but also lay the groundwork for future foldable iterations.

Dynamic AMOLED 2X: A Visual Feast

Both the 6.2-inch cover display and the expansive 7.6-inch main display on the Z Fold3 feature Samsung’s excellent Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology.

Vibrant Colors and Deep Blacks: AMOLED panels are renowned for their ability to produce incredibly vibrant colors and true blacks, thanks to individual pixel illumination. This translates to stunning visuals for movies, photos, and games.
High Brightness: The Z Fold3’s displays are significantly brighter than previous generations. The main display boasts a peak brightness of around 1,200 nits, making it much more usable outdoors, even under direct sunlight. This is a crucial improvement for a device designed for productivity and content consumption.
HDR10+ Support: Both displays support HDR10+, ensuring that HDR content from streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube looks as intended, with enhanced contrast and detail in both bright and dark areas.

120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate on Both Screens

A major quality-of-life upgrade for the Z Fold3 is the inclusion of a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate on both the cover and main displays. This makes for an incredibly fluid and responsive user experience.

Silky Smooth Scrolling: Whether you’re swiping through social media feeds, scrolling web pages, or navigating menus, the 120Hz refresh rate makes everything feel incredibly smooth and instantaneous.
Enhanced Gaming: Games that support high refresh rates will look and feel significantly better, offering a more immersive and competitive edge.
Adaptive for Efficiency: The “adaptive” aspect means the refresh rate can scale down to as low as 10Hz for static content like reading an e-book or viewing a photo to conserve battery life. This intelligent optimization ensures you get the benefit of smoothness without unnecessarily draining power.
Consistency Across Displays: Having 120Hz on both screens provides a seamless transition between the cover and main displays. There’s no jarring difference in fluidity when you open or close the phone, contributing to a more cohesive user experience.

The Under-Display Camera UDC: A Glimpse into the Future

Perhaps the most talked-about display innovation on the Z Fold3 is the Under-Display Camera UDC located beneath the main 7.6-inch display. This technology aims to provide a truly uninterrupted, full-screen experience by making the selfie camera virtually invisible when not in use.

How it Works: The UDC utilizes a small area of the display where the camera is located that has a lower pixel density. This allows more light to pass through to the camera sensor when needed. When the camera is not active, these pixels light up, making the camera largely disappear.
Immersive Experience: The primary benefit is aesthetic. It eliminates the need for a notch or punch-hole cutout, resulting in an unbroken canvas for media consumption, gaming, and productivity. This creates a highly immersive viewing experience, especially when watching movies or playing full-screen games.
Compromise on Image Quality: It’s important to acknowledge that the UDC is a first-generation technology. The 4MP sensor, coupled with the light diffusion from the pixels above it, means that image quality is noticeably compromised compared to traditional punch-hole cameras. Photos taken with the UDC can appear softer, with less detail and dynamic range.
Practicality: For most video calls or quick selfies, it’s perfectly adequate. However, for serious photography, the Z Fold3’s excellent external cover screen camera or the main rear cameras are far superior. The UDC is more about achieving an uninterrupted display than it is about delivering top-tier selfie performance.
Future Potential: The UDC on the Z Fold3 is a significant step forward, demonstrating the viability of the technology. We can expect future iterations to improve significantly in terms of image quality and pixel density, eventually making punch-holes obsolete on premium devices.

In essence, the Z Fold3’s displays are a testament to Samsung’s engineering prowess.

They offer a premium visual experience with class-leading brightness and smoothness, while the UDC points towards an exciting, truly full-screen future for mobile devices.

Performance Powerhouse: Snapdragon 888 and RAM Management

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 isn’t just about its novel form factor. it’s a flagship device under the hood, packing top-tier performance to handle anything you throw at it. Powering this foldable marvel is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform, coupled with generous RAM, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience across both its screens.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 888: The Engine Room

At the time of its release, the Snapdragon 888 was Qualcomm’s most powerful mobile processor, designed for leading-edge flagship smartphones.

CPU Architecture: The Snapdragon 888 features an octa-core CPU configuration, built on a 5nm process node. This includes a prime Cortex-X1 core clocked at up to 2.84 GHz for peak performance, three Cortex-A78 performance cores, and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. This hybrid architecture allows for excellent multi-core performance while maintaining power efficiency for everyday tasks.
Adreno 660 GPU: Graphics processing is handled by the integrated Adreno 660 GPU, which delivers a significant boost in gaming performance and graphics rendering compared to its predecessors. This is crucial for running demanding games smoothly on the Z Fold3’s large, high-refresh-rate display.
Integrated 5G Modem: The Snapdragon 888 features an integrated Snapdragon X60 5G Modem-RF system, supporting both sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G networks. This ensures blazing-fast connectivity where 5G infrastructure is available, crucial for streaming high-res content or rapid data transfers.
AI Engine: The 6th generation Qualcomm AI Engine significantly improves AI capabilities, benefiting everything from camera processing and voice recognition to on-device security and app optimization.
Performance Benchmarks: In synthetic benchmarks, the Z Fold3 consistently scored among the top-tier Android devices, demonstrating its raw processing power. For example, Geekbench 5 single-core scores typically ranged from 1,100-1,150, and multi-core scores from 3,500-3,800, while 3DMark Wild Life Extreme scores were often around 1,500-1,600. These numbers translate directly to real-world snappiness.

Ample RAM for Seamless Multitasking

The Z Fold3 is equipped with a generous amount of RAM, which is absolutely essential for a device designed for heavy multitasking.

12GB of LPDDR5 RAM: All configurations of the Z Fold3 come with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM. This high-speed, low-power memory allows the device to keep numerous applications open in the background without needing to constantly reload them.
Multitasking Maestro: With 12GB of RAM, you can comfortably run three apps simultaneously on the main display, switch between dozens of open browser tabs, and jump between demanding games without experiencing significant slowdowns or app crashes. This is where the Z Fold3 truly excels as a productivity machine.
Future-Proofing: While 8GB of RAM might be sufficient for many traditional smartphones, 12GB future-proofs the Z Fold3, ensuring it can handle increasingly demanding applications and operating system updates for years to come.

Storage Options: UFS 3.1

The Z Fold3 comes with fast internal storage options:

256GB or 512GB UFS 3.1: Users can choose between 256GB and 512GB of internal storage. Both use UFS Universal Flash Storage 3.1 technology, which provides incredibly fast read and write speeds. This translates to quick app loading times, rapid file transfers, and smooth video recording at high resolutions.
No Expandable Storage: Like many modern flagships, the Z Fold3 does not offer a microSD card slot for expandable storage. This means users should choose their storage capacity wisely based on their needs for apps, photos, videos, and large files.

The combination of the powerful Snapdragon 888, ample 12GB RAM, and fast UFS 3.1 storage ensures that the Galaxy Z Fold3 delivers a truly premium and uncompromised performance experience.

Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a multitasking professional, or a casual user, the Z Fold3 handles everything with remarkable ease and efficiency.

Software Optimization: One UI 3.1.1 and Beyond

The hardware of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is impressive, but it’s the software that truly unlocks its potential, especially with its unique foldable form factor. The Z Fold3 launched with One UI 3.1.1 based on Android 11, and has since received updates to Android 12, 13, and beyond, with One UI 4, 5, and 6 respectively. Samsung has meticulously optimized its software to leverage the dual-screen setup and introduce powerful multitasking capabilities.

One UI’s Foldable Enhancements

Samsung’s One UI is known for its feature richness and customization options.

For the Z Fold3, Samsung went the extra mile to make the foldable experience intuitive and productive.

Continuity Across Screens: One of the most critical aspects is app continuity. You can start an app on the smaller cover screen, unfold the device, and the app seamlessly transitions to the larger main display, picking up exactly where you left off. The reverse also works, though some apps might reload if they’re not optimized for the transition.
Improved Multitasking Layouts: This is where the Z Fold3 truly shines.
- Multi-Active Window: You can run up to three apps simultaneously on the main screen, arranged in various split-screen and pop-up window configurations. You can easily drag and drop content between these windows.
- Edge Panel: A familiar One UI feature, the Edge Panel on the Z Fold3 becomes even more useful. It allows for quick access to your favorite app pairs or groups of three apps that can launch directly into a split-screen layout. This is a massive time-saver for common workflows.
- Taskbar One UI 4.1.1 and later: With One UI 4.1.1, Samsung introduced a persistent taskbar at the bottom of the main display, similar to a desktop OS. This allows for incredibly fast switching between frequently used apps and quick access to recent apps. It significantly enhances the desktop-like feel of the device.
Flex Mode: When the device is partially folded like a laptop, Flex Mode automatically adjusts the UI for optimized use. For example, in YouTube, the video might appear on the top half, with comments or controls on the bottom. In the camera app, the viewfinder might be on the top, and controls on the bottom. This is particularly useful for hands-free video calls, content consumption, or even propped-up photography.
Labs Features: Samsung often includes “Labs” in its One UI settings, allowing users to experiment with experimental features not yet fully integrated. For the Z Fold3, this included forcing apps that aren’t natively optimized for foldable displays into full-screen mode or enabling multi-window for all apps.
S Pen Integration: As discussed, the software is finely tuned to recognize the S Pen input, with features like Air Command, Screen Off Memo, and various annotation tools fully functional on the main display.

Android 12L and Beyond: Designed for Large Screens

While the Z Fold3 launched with Android 11, its trajectory has been significantly impacted by updates incorporating Android 12L now effectively part of Android 12, 13, etc., for large screens. Android 12L was specifically designed by Google to optimize the user experience on tablets and foldable devices.

Enhanced Multitasking UI: Android 12L brought improvements to the taskbar, notification shade, and overall layout for large screens, making multitasking more intuitive and efficient.
App Compatibility: Google encouraged developers to optimize their apps for larger screens and foldable form factors, leading to a better experience for third-party apps on the Z Fold3. While some apps still struggle with aspect ratios on the inner screen, the situation has steadily improved since launch.
Long-Term Support: Samsung is committed to providing four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for its flagship devices, including the Z Fold3. This ensures the device remains secure and receives new features for a substantial period, protecting your investment.

The software on the Galaxy Z Fold3 isn’t just an afterthought.

It’s a meticulously crafted experience that truly makes the foldable form factor work.

Samsung’s continuous optimization through One UI updates, especially with the integration of features like the taskbar, has steadily refined the Z Fold3 into an incredibly versatile and powerful mobile computer.

Camera System: Versatility Over Raw Power

While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 boasts impressive features, its camera system, though versatile, is often considered its most conventional aspect. Unlike Samsung’s Ultra series phones, which typically push the boundaries of mobile photography, the Z Fold3 focuses on providing a consistent and reliable triple-camera setup that caters to a wide range of shooting scenarios.

Triple 12MP Rear Cameras

The Z Fold3 features three 12-megapixel cameras on its rear, offering a comprehensive array of focal lengths:

12MP Main Wide-Angle Camera:
- Specs: f/1.8 aperture, Dual Pixel AF, OIS Optical Image Stabilization.
- Performance: This is your primary shooter. It performs well in good lighting conditions, producing vibrant, detailed images with Samsung’s characteristic punchy colors. Low-light performance is decent thanks to OIS and pixel binning, but it doesn’t quite match the larger sensors found in dedicated camera-focused flagships.
12MP Ultra-Wide Camera:
- Specs: f/2.2 aperture, 123-degree field of view.
12MP Telephoto Camera:
- Specs: f/2.4 aperture, OIS, 2x optical zoom.
- Performance: Provides a useful 2x optical zoom for getting closer to your subject without significant loss of detail. This is great for portraits or isolating subjects. Beyond 2x, it relies on digital zoom, which naturally degrades image quality.

Front-Facing Cameras: Two Options

The Z Fold3 uniquely offers two front-facing camera options:

10MP Cover Screen Camera:
- Specs: f/2.2 aperture.
- Performance: This is a standard punch-hole selfie camera on the exterior screen. It takes perfectly good selfies and is ideal for quick video calls when the device is closed. Image quality is solid, with good detail and accurate skin tones.
4MP Under-Display Camera UDC on Main Screen:
- Specs: f/1.8 aperture.
- Performance: As previously discussed, this camera is integrated beneath the main display. While revolutionary for its hidden design, the image quality is the primary compromise. Photos tend to be softer, with less detail and dynamic range, and pixelation can be visible in the area covering the camera. It’s suitable for casual video calls but not for high-quality selfies.

“Selfie” with the Main Cameras

One of the significant advantages of the foldable design is the ability to use the much higher-quality rear cameras for selfies.

Preview on Cover Screen: Simply open the camera app, and if the device is unfolded, you can tap an icon to activate the cover screen as a viewfinder. This allows you to compose your shot using the superior 12MP main, ultra-wide, or telephoto lenses, leading to drastically better selfie quality. This is a must for content creators or those who want the best possible front-facing shots.

Video Capabilities

The Z Fold3 supports high-resolution video recording:

4K at 60fps: All rear cameras can record 4K video at 60 frames per second, offering smooth and detailed footage.
Super Steady: Samsung’s Super Steady mode utilizing the ultra-wide lens and advanced stabilization provides incredibly smooth, gimbal-like video, particularly useful for action shots.
HDR10+ Recording: For enhanced dynamic range in videos, HDR10+ recording is available.

Overall Camera Assessment

The Z Fold3’s camera system is highly capable and versatile, especially when leveraging the main cameras for selfies. While it might not win blind comparison tests against the absolute best camera phones from Samsung like the S21 Ultra or S22 Ultra at the time or Apple and Google, it consistently delivers good results across various scenarios. The focus here was clearly on providing a balanced camera experience within the challenging foldable form factor, rather than pushing photographic boundaries. For most users, it will meet and exceed expectations for everyday photo and video capture.

Battery Life and Charging: Powering the Foldable Experience

The question of battery life on a foldable device is always a hot topic, especially considering the power required to light up two displays, one of which is exceptionally large. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 comes equipped with a 4,400 mAh dual battery system, a slight reduction from its predecessor Z Fold2’s 4,500 mAh, but with significant optimizations under the hood that aim to balance power efficiency with performance.

Battery Capacity and Configuration

Dual Battery Design: The Z Fold3’s battery is split into two cells, one in each half of the device. This design is necessary to accommodate the folding mechanism and distribute weight evenly.
4,400 mAh Total Capacity: While this might seem modest for a device with two screens, especially the large 7.6-inch inner display, it’s crucial to consider the software optimizations and the energy efficiency of the Snapdragon 888 chipset.

Real-World Battery Performance

Battery life is highly subjective and depends heavily on individual usage patterns.

However, general consensus and extensive testing indicate the following for the Z Fold3:

Moderate Usage: For users who primarily use the cover screen for daily tasks, occasionally open the main screen for short bursts of content consumption or multitasking, and don’t engage in heavy gaming, the Z Fold3 can comfortably last a full day 12-14 hours.
Heavy Usage: If you frequently use the main 7.6-inch display for extended periods, engage in demanding tasks like gaming, or make extensive video calls, you’ll likely find yourself reaching for a charger by late afternoon or early evening 8-10 hours of heavy use. The large display, especially at 120Hz, is the biggest power draw.
Adaptive Refresh Rate Impact: The intelligent adaptive 120Hz refresh rate on both displays plays a significant role in managing battery life. By scaling down to 10Hz for static content, it conserves power, but once content moves or interacts, it ramps up, consuming more energy.
5G Consumption: Using 5G extensively, particularly on mmWave networks, can also contribute to faster battery drain compared to Wi-Fi or LTE.

Key Takeaway: The Z Fold3’s battery life is generally acceptable for a foldable, but it’s not a multi-day phone. It’s a single-day device for most users, similar to many other flagship smartphones that don’t have the added burden of a massive, power-hungry internal display.

Charging Speeds and Features

The Z Fold3 supports a range of charging technologies, though it doesn’t push the boundaries of ultra-fast charging seen in some other Android flagships.

25W Wired Fast Charging: The Z Fold3 supports wired charging up to 25W. This isn’t the fastest in the market, but it’s respectable.
- Charging Times: Using a compatible 25W charger not included in the box, you can expect to charge the Z Fold3 from 0% to around 50% in about 30 minutes, and a full charge typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
11W Wireless Fast Charging: The device also supports wireless charging up to 11W. This is convenient for topping up throughout the day on a wireless charging pad.
4.5W Wireless PowerShare Reverse Wireless Charging: A useful feature, Wireless PowerShare allows the Z Fold3 to wirelessly charge other Qi-compatible devices like Galaxy Buds, smartwatches, or even another phone by simply placing them on the back of the unfolded phone. This is excellent for emergency top-ups of accessories.
No Charger in Box: A significant point to note is that Samsung, like many other manufacturers, does not include a wall charger in the Z Fold3’s box. You’ll need to use an existing compatible USB-C PD Power Delivery charger or purchase one separately to achieve the fastest charging speeds.

In conclusion, the Z Fold3’s battery life is a compromise of its groundbreaking form factor.

While not stellar, it’s sufficient for a full day of typical use, and its charging capabilities, including fast wired and wireless charging, provide convenient ways to keep it powered up.

Users who frequently leverage the large inner screen will likely need to integrate mid-day top-ups into their routine.

Ecosystem Integration and Value Proposition

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 isn’t just a standalone device.

It’s a gateway into a comprehensive ecosystem that significantly enhances its value proposition.

For users already invested in Samsung’s broader array of products, or those considering a leap into a seamlessly connected tech life, the Fold3 serves as a powerful central hub.

Samsung’s Connected Ecosystem

Samsung has meticulously built out an ecosystem that ties its devices together, and the Z Fold3, as a flagship, benefits immensely from this.

Galaxy Wearables:
- Galaxy Buds: Pairing Galaxy Buds like the Galaxy Buds Pro or Galaxy Buds2 with the Z Fold3 offers instant pairing, seamless switching between devices, and spatial audio features.
- Galaxy Watch: A Galaxy Watch e.g., Galaxy Watch4 Classic not only provides health tracking but also offers notifications, quick replies, and media controls directly from your wrist, reducing the need to constantly pull out your phone, especially when it’s folded.
SmartThings: Samsung’s SmartThings platform allows the Z Fold3 to act as a central controller for smart home devices, from lights and thermostats to security cameras and appliances. The large inner screen makes managing complex smart home setups more intuitive.
Samsung DeX: This is a killer feature for the Z Fold3. DeX allows you to connect your phone to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse to create a full desktop-like experience. The Z Fold3 can be used as a trackpad or keyboard, or you can operate DeX wirelessly on compatible smart TVs. This transforms the device into a truly portable computer, perfect for presentations, document editing, or light productivity on the go.
Quick Share and Nearby Share: For seamless file transfer between Samsung devices or other Android devices, Quick Share Samsung’s proprietary solution and Nearby Share Android’s standard make sharing photos, videos, and documents incredibly fast and easy.
Samsung Flow: This application allows for seamless handoff of activities between your Z Fold3 and a Samsung tablet or PC, enabling you to continue working on documents or respond to messages without interruption.
Samsung Health: Fully integrated with Samsung’s wearables, the Samsung Health app on the Z Fold3 serves as a comprehensive dashboard for all your fitness and wellness data.

Value Proposition: Who is the Z Fold3 For?

The Z Fold3 is a premium device with a premium price tag, starting around $1,799 at launch. This isn’t a phone for everyone, but its value proposition is compelling for a specific user base:

The Early Adopter & Tech Enthusiast: If you love cutting-edge technology and want to be at the forefront of mobile innovation, the Z Fold3 offers an experience unlike any other phone. It’s a statement piece.
The Productivity Power User: For professionals who need a device that can seamlessly transition between a phone, a note-taking tablet, and a desktop-like experience on the go, the Z Fold3’s multitasking capabilities and S Pen support are invaluable. It can genuinely replace a phone and a small tablet for many.
The Mobile Media Consumer: The expansive 7.6-inch inner display, with its 120Hz refresh rate and vibrant AMOLED colors, provides an unparalleled mobile viewing experience for movies, TV shows, and gaming.
The Creative On-the-Go: With S Pen support and the large canvas, artists, designers, and even casual doodlers will find a surprising amount of utility for quick sketches, annotations, and creative expression.
Those Seeking Consolidation: For users who want to reduce the number of devices they carry, the Z Fold3 offers a compelling solution by combining the functionality of a smartphone and a small tablet into one.

Considerations for Value:

Price: The high upfront cost is the biggest barrier. However, compared to buying a flagship phone and a separate high-end tablet, the combined value proposition can be competitive for those who truly leverage both form factors.
Durability: The improved IPX8 water resistance and Armor Aluminum significantly enhance its long-term viability, mitigating some of the concerns about its delicate nature.
Software Updates: Samsung’s commitment to long-term OS and security updates adds to its value by ensuring the device remains relevant and secure for years.

In essence, the Z Fold3’s value is rooted in its unparalleled versatility and ability to merge multiple device categories into one cohesive unit. It’s an investment, but for the right user, it delivers a unique and highly productive mobile experience that few other devices can match. It’s not just a phone. it’s a portable computing solution.

The Foldable Future: Z Fold3’s Legacy and Next Steps

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 isn’t just another smartphone release.

It represents a significant milestone in the evolution of foldable technology.

It solidified Samsung’s leadership in the nascent foldable market, addressed critical concerns from earlier generations, and effectively laid the groundwork for future foldable iterations.

Its legacy lies in proving that foldables can be durable, practical, and genuinely productive daily drivers.

Proving the Concept: Durability and Practicality

Prior to the Z Fold3, foldable phones were largely seen as niche, fragile, and expensive novelties. The Z Fold3 dramatically shifted this perception:

IPX8 Water Resistance: This was arguably the most impactful feature, silencing many critics who doubted a foldable could ever be truly “tough.” It brought a level of confidence and practicality that was missing before.
Armor Aluminum: The stronger frame instilled further confidence in the device’s build quality, making it feel less delicate in hand.
Improved Display Durability: While still not glass, the enhanced protective film on the main display, coupled with S Pen support, made the inner screen much more resilient to everyday interactions.
S Pen Integration: This wasn’t just a new feature. it was a strong statement about the Z Fold3’s identity as a productivity tool. It elevated the large internal screen beyond mere content consumption.
Pricing Strategy relative: While still expensive, the Z Fold3’s launch price was lower than its predecessor, indicating a move towards making foldables more accessible, albeit slowly. This signaled Samsung’s intent to push foldables into the mainstream.

These advancements collectively validated the foldable form factor as a viable, practical alternative to traditional slabs and separate tablets.

The Z Fold3 demonstrated that the benefits of a large, pocketable screen could outweigh the complexities of the foldable design.

What the Z Fold3 Taught Us and What’s Next

The Z Fold3 also served as a valuable learning platform, highlighting areas for future refinement:

Under-Display Camera UDC: While groundbreaking, the 4MP UDC on the Z Fold3 clearly showed that first-generation UDC technology involves compromises in image quality. Future iterations like those seen in the Z Fold5 and beyond will undoubtedly focus on improving pixel density over the camera area and enhancing image processing to overcome this limitation, eventually making the UDC truly invisible and high-performing.
Battery Life: While acceptable, the 4,400 mAh battery showed that powering two high-refresh-rate displays is demanding. Future Z Fold models will likely feature larger battery capacities or even more power-efficient chipsets to extend endurance.
Crease Visibility: Despite improvements, the crease on the main foldable display remains visible under certain lighting conditions. While most users learn to ignore it, continued engineering efforts will aim to minimize or eliminate this visual artifact.
Camera System Parity: While competent, the Z Fold3’s camera system wasn’t on par with Samsung’s non-foldable Ultra flagships. Future iterations will likely integrate more advanced camera hardware larger sensors, higher optical zoom to bridge this gap, especially as foldables aim to be the ultimate all-in-one devices.
Weight and Thickness: While impressive for a foldable, the Z Fold3 was still relatively thick and heavy when folded. Future designs will likely focus on reducing bulk and weight for improved ergonomics and portability.
S Pen Storage: The lack of an integrated S Pen slot, requiring a separate case, was a minor inconvenience. Subsequent Fold models addressed this directly.

The Z Fold3 was more than just a product launch. it was a statement.

It marked Samsung’s unwavering commitment to the foldable future, proving that it could deliver on durability and enhanced functionality.

It laid the foundation for every foldable that came after it, setting new industry benchmarks and accelerating the pace of innovation in this exciting product category.

Its legacy is that of a pivotal device that made the foldable smartphone a mainstream reality rather than a mere concept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G still worth buying in 2024?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G can still be a good buy in 2024 if found at a significantly reduced price.

While newer models offer improved cameras, processors, and design refinements, the Fold3 still delivers a solid foldable experience with IPX8 water resistance, S Pen support, and powerful multitasking.

Consider your budget and how much cutting-edge features matter to you.

What is the main improvement of the Z Fold3 over the Z Fold2?

The main improvements of the Z Fold3 over the Z Fold2 are IPX8 water resistance, S Pen support for the main display, a more durable Armor Aluminum frame, and a stronger protective film on the inner screen.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 waterproof?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is water resistant with an IPX8 rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. It is not dustproof.

Does the Z Fold3 come with an S Pen?

No, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 does not come with an S Pen in the box. You need to purchase a compatible S Pen S Pen Fold Edition or S Pen Pro separately.

Can I use any S Pen with the Galaxy Z Fold3?

No, you can only use the S Pen Fold Edition or S Pen Pro with the Galaxy Z Fold3. These S Pens have a specially designed retractable tip that is softer to protect the foldable display. Using an older, stiffer S Pen can damage the screen.

How durable is the Z Fold3’s screen?

The Z Fold3’s main inner screen features a new, more durable protective film, making it 80% more durable than its predecessor. The outer screen is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus. While significantly improved, the inner foldable screen is still not as hard as traditional smartphone glass and requires careful handling.

What processor does the Galaxy Z Fold3 use?

The Galaxy Z Fold3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform.

How much RAM does the Z Fold3 have?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 comes with 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM.

What are the storage options for the Z Fold3?

The Z Fold3 is available with either 256GB or 512GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage.

Does the Z Fold3 have expandable storage microSD slot?

No, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage.

What is the refresh rate of the Z Fold3 displays?

Both the 6.2-inch cover display and the 7.6-inch main inner display feature an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which can scale down to 10Hz to save battery.

Does the Z Fold3 have an under-display camera UDC?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 has a 4MP Under-Display Camera UDC on its main inner screen, which is designed to be largely invisible when not in use.

How good is the Z Fold3’s under-display camera?

The Z Fold3’s 4MP UDC is a first-generation technology. While it provides an immersive, uninterrupted display, its image quality is noticeably compromised compared to traditional selfie cameras, appearing softer and with less detail. It’s best suited for video calls rather than high-quality photos.

What are the main camera specifications of the Z Fold3?

The Z Fold3 features a triple 12MP rear camera setup:

12MP Wide-angle f/1.8, OIS
12MP Ultra-wide f/2.2
12MP Telephoto f/2.4, 2x optical zoom, OIS

It also has a 10MP cover screen selfie camera and a 4MP under-display camera.

Can I use the main cameras for selfies on the Z Fold3?

Yes, a significant advantage of the Z Fold3’s design is that you can use the higher-quality rear cameras for selfies by using the cover screen as a viewfinder when the phone is unfolded.

What is the battery capacity of the Z Fold3?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 has a 4,400 mAh dual battery system.

How fast does the Z Fold3 charge?

The Z Fold3 supports 25W wired fast charging and 11W wireless fast charging. It can reach about 50% charge in 30 minutes with a compatible 25W charger.

Does the Z Fold3 come with a charger in the box?

No, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 does not include a wall charger in the box.

Does the Z Fold3 support wireless charging?

Yes, the Z Fold3 supports 11W wireless fast charging and 4.5W Wireless PowerShare reverse wireless charging.

What version of Android and One UI did the Z Fold3 launch with?

The Z Fold3 launched with Android 11 and One UI 3.1.1. It has since received multiple OS updates.

How many years of software updates will the Z Fold3 receive?

Samsung committed to providing four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for the Z Fold3.

What is Flex Mode on the Z Fold3?

Flex Mode is a software feature that optimizes the user interface when the Z Fold3 is partially folded like a laptop. It splits apps into two sections e.g., video on top, controls on bottom for a more hands-free experience.

What is Samsung DeX and does the Z Fold3 support it?

Yes, the Z Fold3 fully supports Samsung DeX, which allows you to connect the phone to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse to get a desktop-like computing experience.

Is the Z Fold3 good for gaming?

Yes, the Z Fold3 is excellent for gaming due to its powerful Snapdragon 888 processor, Adreno 660 GPU, 12GB of RAM, large 120Hz display, and immersive under-display camera.

Is the Z Fold3 good for productivity?

Yes, the Z Fold3 is exceptionally good for productivity. Its large internal display, S Pen support, robust multitasking capabilities Multi-Active Window, Taskbar, and Samsung DeX make it a powerhouse for professional tasks, note-taking, and content creation.

What are the main competitors to the Galaxy Z Fold3?

At its launch, key competitors included high-end slab phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and eventually foldable rivals like the Google Pixel Fold, and OnePlus Open.

How much did the Galaxy Z Fold3 cost at launch?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G started at $1,799.99 at its launch.

Is the crease on the Z Fold3’s main display visible?

Yes, the crease on the Z Fold3’s main foldable display is visible, especially under certain lighting conditions, and can be felt when touching the screen. However, most users tend to get used to it over time.

Can the Z Fold3 replace a tablet?

For many users, especially those who prioritize portability, the Z Fold3 can effectively replace a small tablet thanks to its 7.6-inch main display, S Pen support, and powerful multitasking features. It combines the functionality of a phone and a tablet into one device.

What are the pros and cons of the Galaxy Z Fold3?

Pros: IPX8 water resistance, S Pen support, highly durable design compared to previous foldables, excellent multitasking, immersive large display, flagship performance, good software support.
Cons: Still very expensive, UDC camera quality is poor, only 2x optical zoom, no built-in S Pen storage, battery life is acceptable but not outstanding for its size.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Review