Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 review: still special (expensive)
Samsung hopes to go mainstream with the foldable smartphones. We have now reached the third generation. How you like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 in this review.
To make foldable smartphones mainstream, it has to feel very ordinary. Just as common as a Galaxy S21 or any other modern smartphone. It is our job to look into this for you. Because we were curious about the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. You would think three times is a charm.
Contents
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 review – specifications
Samsung has made significant changes to the Flip 3 compared to its predecessor. The South Korean tech giant has listened closely to the feedback from previous generations. For example, the second screen has become more of an adult screen. Which is now 1.9-inches tall. Large enough to actually read incoming notifications, for example.
When unfolded, you look at a 6.7-inch AMOLED screen. The smartphone weighs 183 grams and is equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor. The battery has a capacity of 3,300mAh. Charging can be wired and also wireless, so that’s nice. You have 8 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of storage, depending on the version. Unlike the Fold 3, the Flip 3 is not compatible with the S Pen. The smartphone is also equipped with a 10 MP camera in the screen. The main cameras consist of a 12 MP + 12 MP Ultra Wide construction.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 review – practice
What matters is the practical experience. I was really curious about the Galaxy Z Flip 3. Because on video and in the commercials on TV, the thing looks really cool. In our test period of a few weeks, you notice that the Flip 3 really has an appeal. All my friends who saw the device wanted to play with it.
What bothered me in practice was the weight. On paper, that is really not much at 183 grams. Unfortunately, you can’t ‘flip’ as you might think. The mechanism cannot be folded with one hand. You should always hold the phone with one hand and open or close the screen with the other hand. That’s a shame, because it doesn’t make the smartphone very handy. It is nice that the smartphone is nice and compact in your pocket or bag when folded.
Another drawback, which you still notice, is the crease in the screen. There is a really noticeable kink in the display halfway through. You won’t get there if you’re texting. But if you watch videos and touch the screen or, for example, while gaming. It doesn’t feel disturbing or anything, but beautiful is different. It’s a drawback that you have to deal with when buying a folding phone.
Time for the positive news then. One hundred points for the appearance of the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. The phone certainly stands out in the sandy color. The design is really great and the smartphone fits comfortably in the hand to play with. An additional advantage is that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is ideal for anyone with a smartphone addiction. Because you first have to open the smartphone, the urge to open Instagram, YouTube or something else every time is less. On the second screen, widgets allow you to use a few applications. In addition to seeing notifications, you can activate a stopwatch and check the weather, among other things.
Samsung has crammed 90% of thick hardware into the Flip 3. Wireless charging, a fast processor, a beautiful screen. The phone has it all. What is not the best, however, is the camera. Unfortunately, for example, there is no camera of the Galaxy S21 on this smartphone. You expect something better on a phone of more than 1,000 euros. The photos are okay. No stars and certainly no alternative to other smartphones in this price category. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this smartphone.
Conclusion
Based on this Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 review, we can conclude that this device is a real lifestyle smartphone. You buy this smartphone mainly for its appearance. The hardware is good and really better compared to its predecessor, but it doesn’t excel at anything. Moreover, the folding mechanism comes with a number of drawbacks. You literally feel the fold in the display, the smartphone is water resistant to a limited extent and folding and unfolding is not as easy as folding phones from the past.
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the best Flip to date, by far. Can we talk about a mainstream product yet? I think that about 200 euros will have to be deducted from the price to be able to sell this really big. But the first steps have in any case been taken by Samsung. Moreover, the brand is commendable for launching such concepts.
Pros
- Unique design, is firmly put together
- Nice screen, despite fold in the middle
- Hardware is good
Negatives
- Camera could really be better
- Closing and opening the phone feels a bit heavy
- Still good for the price
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is now available with a suggested retail price of € 1,049
