Rating with opinion and characteristics

An in-depth review of the second generation of Samsung’s “Cover” foldable phone. Everything you need to know about the Galaxy Z Flip 3.

He is Samsung Galaxy ZFlip 3 It’s the first foldable móvil inteligente that I’d recommend to almost anyone willing to shell out $1,000 for a new phone, with a few exceptions.

Unlike the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 it doesn’t aspire to be two devices at once. Instead, it is limited to using a well-known format such as flip phonesand mezcle it with the advancement of high-end teléfonos inteligentes.

And I must say that the result very determined. The improvements over the original Galaxy Z Flip are clear, and what appeared in its first year as an initial sketch with lots of things to polish has now become a product with far fewer compromises and increasingly obvious benefits.

But yes: The Z Flip 3 is still a long way from the perfect foldable.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G

Opinion and rating of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 price and where to buy it

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 Samsung’s cheapest foldable móvil so far… although “cheap” is not the best word to detalla a cell phone for 1,089 euros.

You perro buy one Price 1,089 euros in its version with 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB of storage and 1,139 euros for the version with 256 GB of storage.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

It is available in the usual stores. In addition to Samsung’s official en línea store, the Galaxy Z Flip3 will also be available in other stores such as Amazon or El Corte Inglés from the end of August.

Technical data sheet

Where is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3?

Samsung launched the original Galaxy Z Flip with the iniciativa of ​​expanding its portfolio of foldable teléfonos inteligentes new device format, closer and is aimed at all of this community No need to turn your phone into a tablet.

The reception was positive, mainly due to the fact that unlike the Galaxy Z Fold, the flip it provided a more scientific experience and not so bothered, at a price lower than that of the foldedIt wasn’t long before it was released even just a few months after its release.

Well, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 positions itself as a real alternative to conventional high-end teléfonos inteligentes.

He is Galaxy Z Flip 3 here to refine this elabora, with Better specs, high-end processor, brighter and more premium interior screenand a practical outdoor screen thanks to its larger size. And all that at much lower price than the previous generation.

For €1,089The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is now available as a real alternative to conventional high-end teléfonos inteligentes. Both for the price and for the features.

The Z Fold3 is now in a different segment that caters to this part of the public don’t be afraid to experiment with new technologies – like the under-screen camera – and he has no problem spending hundreds of dollars more to get a unique experience.

Likewise, in Samsung’s own catalog it is possible to find other options just as interesting as the models of the Galaxy S21 series, including the S21 Ultra, which has already been sold at a price not much higher than that of the Z Flip3. It won’t be as flashy a móvil inteligente and won’t have the benefits of this Z Flip3, but it’s a model much more to recommend for all those people who prioritize features like independence or camera.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 model that we were able to test has the color “cream” / picture: Christian Collado

design

Everything that makes the Galaxy Z Flip3 special is based on its design. Like last year’s model, this edition lives up to its name by offering a “cover” format, with two different parts connected by a central hinge.

However, while keeping the same format, the Z Flip3 introduces many changes compared to the previous model.

They are the materials used to reshape the phone aluminum and glass. This year, Samsung is relying on them Resistance when used a new type of aluminum called “Armor Aluminum”whose main advantage is that it is more resistant than the aluminum 7000 series used in most other teléfonos inteligentes.

The internal aluminum structure completes the Victus Gorilla Glass that protects the two backs of the device, as well as the “window” where the external screen and the two main cameras are hidden. By combining these two things, Samsung claims that The Z Flip3 is more resistant to screen cracking due to falls. from the subjects minimize the impact on the other components of the device.

I would say so from my experience During these weeks of testing, the Galaxy Z Flip3 remains intact despite use without protective cover.

This Galaxy Z Flip3 is the first waterproof folding móvil together with the Galaxy Z Fold3

Speaking of durability, there’s no getting away from one of these most important features and to which the company attached great importance in its presentation. And it’s the Galaxy Z This Flip3, along with the Galaxy Z Fold3, the world’s first waterproof foldable móvilthanks a Protection level IPX8 – which guarantees its resistance to water but not to dust.

The discovery of waterproofing is a definite step forward, but the element weaker of the device he still has inner screen. Samsung continues to bet on technology Ultra thin glass Design a panel that perro theoretically be folded and opened up to 200,000 times without too many problems.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3’s screen opens and closes easily, but the mechanism feels strong / Image: Christian Collado

He is The feeling when opening and closing the mobile is pleasant Thanks to the smoothness of the hinge, the mechanism gives the phone a more solid feel than the last generation. This, on the other hand, implies that the force required to open the device forces us to use both hands to perform the movement, although this has the advantage of being possible Hold the screen at any anglewhich was not possible with the previous model.

If not for them “Fold” in the center of the screen – yes, it’s still there, and it’s as prominent as ever – the second-gen doesn’t seem to be the format of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3. The progress that Samsung’s engineers have made is more than aparente, and it seems like it’s only a matter of time before all the little details that still need polishing will be a thing of the past.

All these advances mezcle perfectly with the adorable and sophisticated design That South Korea managed to give this device a “funnier” design isn’t as sober as the first installment.

Although I was able to test the “off-white” model, the color is the most boring of all that Samsung offers – unusual opinion, I know – I fell in love with the design of the Z Flip3 the moment I took it out of the box.

Slightly rounded sides and hinges made of matt aluminum harmonizes perfectly with smooth glass from behind, and the black window gives it more personality if possible.

When the phone is folded, it’s pretty compact enough to fit in any pocket. Its thickness is not a problem and its weight is not much heavier than any other conventional móvil inteligente of afín dimensions.

The hinge allows the device to be folded at any angle / Photo: Christian Collado

unfolds that panorama format it turns into comfortable and pleasant to use telephoneeven with one hand.

And when it’s folded, the benefits of this format become apparent when you see how it’s possible take photos with the device without a tripod, or play a vídeo while the phone is on a table without touching another object.

Screen

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3, like the vast majority of flip phones launched to date, It has two screens. This year, Samsung has additionally worked on it external plate more practical and versatile than last year by making it bigger and filled with features.

So there is one 1.9 inch outdoor screen OLED, in a cuadrado format and of course fully tactile.

The screen stays off when the phone is unfolded – except when the camera is open and the external panel is used as a viewfinder – and is only activated when close it. By default it is displayed Time, battery status and datealthough it is possible to change what content is aparente and in what style.

The external screen perro display the date, time and other relevant information / Image: Christian Collado

To the Double tap the panel, the screen is activated and allows us to interact with it in different ways. Scroll down we cánido Change the brightness of the screen or the alarm mode – vibration, sound or silence; Swiping up will open Samsung Pay if previously configured. And if we slide to the right, we’ll see them advertisement unread, you cánido touch each one to see more information.

It is also possible Swipe left to access “Different Maps”.” as if it were a smart watch. It is possible to opt for the cards that appear and among them we cánido select some as Time, next alarm, music control, voice recorder, countdown or a specific card to control Galaxy Buds series headphones.

Ultimately it is a much more practical screen than the original Galazy Z Flip which, like the models in the series, allows full control of the device foldedAt least it offers the possibility of reading notifications or performing quick actions without fully opening the device and activating the internal screen, with the associated energy savings.

But the improvements aren’t just limited to the external screen. He is The interior trim has also been refreshed in the second part of the Z Flip series, with important improvements that place the device in the high-end phone range.

It’s a relief to know that the Galaxy Z Flip3’s screen is now worthy of a high-end móvil.

There is a 6.7-inch diagonal OLED screen and an oblong format with a hole in the upper central part. However, improvements have been added such as: higher refresh ratewhich increases to 120 Hertz, or a higher maximum brightness levelable to reach a maximum of 1,200 nits.

This last feature is particularly important given the problems the Galaxy Z Flip’s screen has had when exposed to sunlight. This year, problems disappear thanks to a much brighter screen.

For the rest, that’s a relief to know The Galaxy Z Flip3’s screen is worthy of a high-end móvil for its qualities in terms of sharpness, color rendering, contrast and refresh rate. This was one of the features that needed improvement over the previous model and Samsung didn’t disappoint.

The inner panel is of excellent quality / Photo: Christian Collado

The only difference we perro find between the screen of this Z Flip3 and the screen of any other high-end Samsung is its Ability to fold in half. This also includes other properties, such as being covered with a Movie Plastic that protects the paneland whose touch, though it seems, is not as smooth as glass. Also, Samsung installed one Plastic screen asegurador on the screen of the Galaxy Z Fold, of high quality and also more resistant and with a touch very afín to the screen itself.

That’s an interesting detail to note Samsung, although he is sure about the durability of the panel For his new foldable móvil inteligente, he knows it’s a weaker feature than usual. That’s why one year of free Samsung Care+ is included with the purchase of the Galaxy Z Flip3, giving users more convenience if they so desire screen replacement Come have suffered any damage. You will also see a series of prompts during the initial device setup process. praises to prevent future damage to the screen or mechanism of the device.

hardware and performance

Some of the latest specifications We have seen so far in Samsung phones.

He is Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor the one that Samsung breathed new life into foldablewith 8 or 12 GB of RAM and an internal memory of 128 or 256 GB, which in this case cannot be expanded with microSD.

Through the mixture, among other things Performance at Premium Line Premium level, unlike what you might get with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. everything moves fast and fluid and besides some others Close applications in the background – which I attribute more to a lack of programa optimization than to a lack of working memory –, The experiences with the device are more than satisfactory.

Other aspects of the hardware of the device are also good, such as a pair of stereo speakers, which is able to genera powerful sound and good quality; or the vibration motor integrated, with a firm and pleasant response. Also the fingerprint reader, It is located on the right side of the phone body and provides a way quick and convenient to unlock the device, although a slightly lower position would add points to the ergonomics of the device.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 performs as well as any other high-end Samsung to be released in 2021. Image: Christian Collado

battery and charging

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is not without its problems and its independence is without a doubt the most cons of this mobile phone.

During the two-week test phase with the device Basically, it’s impossible to get through the day on the remaining battery. that I have found myself in the situation that I have to connect the device to the charger in the early afternoon in order to be able to reach the night with the phone alive.

The previous model in this series already had a different problem of reaching the end of the day on battery and this generation has held up to that same capacity 3,300 miliamperio-horaIt was expected that the situation would not improve too much.

The Galaxy Z Flip3 does not include a charger in its box.

As if that wasn’t enough, Samsung seems to be leaving turning back in matters fast loadingthrough the maximum performance, it cánido push the battery to its limits 15W, or 10 for wireless charging. In both cases, You have to wait more than an hour until the device has fully charged its battery.

By the way: As with the Galaxy S21 The Galaxy Z Flip3 does not include a charger in its box. Just the USB-C cable.

The thin case of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is probably one of the reasons for the terminal’s low battery capacity / Image: Christian Collado

programa and experience

Since the format is much more afín to the usual teléfonos inteligentes, Samsung sees no need to develop too different a version of One UI for the Galaxy Z Flip3, as it should for the more targeted Z Fold3 large indoor screen.

That leaves us with one very narrow programa experience which we might find, for example, in a Samsung Galaxy S21.

A UI, in this case version 3.1, is still in there Layer moving away from Android share Bet on its own look and feel and a full experience of features and tools not present in cleaner versions of the operating system.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 will receive operating system and security updates for at least three years.

Luckily there aren’t too many bloatware outside of the usual Samsung and Microsoft applications – fortunately in most cases they perro be uninstalled or at least deactivated. And most of the tools implemented by Samsung offer some added value.

The interfaz aspect is not my favorite to say the least consistent in all applications and menus and was developed with the aim make it easier to operate the device with one handwhich is appreciated in a device with such an elongated screen.

we only have one a couple of plus in this version of One UI exclusively for the Z Flip3. The first is a section in settings which allows you to change the look of the clock and widgets home screen or “cover display” as Samsung chose to call it.

The other is hidden in a new menu called “Labs” in the Advanced Features section. From there it is possible Enable or disable the Flex Mode panel be able to use the flip screen regardless of whether the running application is optimized for it.

By activating this panel this is possible Run one of the selected aplicaciones in the top half of the screen when the device is inside half foldedalthough the lower part espectáculos a series of generic controls for brightness, the keyboard. it is in some cases a practical functionand which allows Samsung to make better use of the terminal format without having to rely on third-party developers to customize their applications.

The programa is Z Flip3 based on Android 11and like all high-end Samsung teléfonos inteligentes released in recent years, You will receive operating system and security updates for at least three years. It cánido therefore be assumed that the device will eventually reach the end of its useful life Android 14 around 2025.

With that in mind, I have to say during this probationary period, the terminal has not yet received any updates to fix errores which may be in the current programa version, but there will likely be at least one update before it’s released.

The Galaxy Z Flip3 comes with One UI 3.1, a special version of Samsung’s flip phone programa / Image: Christian Collado

cameras

I said at the beginning that I perro recommend the Galaxy Z Flip3 to anyone who wants to spend around 1,000 euros on a móvil. Correct me: for everyone except those who appreciate the experience with the camera instead of having a bag that perro be folded in half.

It’s not that the cameras on this phone are bad. In fact, it is possible to catch Very good quality pictures with you. But this part clearly wasn’t one of Samsung’s priorities when designing the product.

His photographic system consists of three different cameras: two on the back and one on the front.

There are two cameras on the back of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3, both 12 megapixels / Image: Christian Collado

Both main rooms use a 12 megapixel sensor, like what we cánido find in models like the Samsung Galaxy S21 or Galaxy S21 +. The former has an f/1.8 aperture and is equipped with OIS, while the a Ultra wide angle lens allowing images to be taken with a field of view of 123º.

On the front we see the same 10 megapixel camera which Samsung emplees in its insignia able to capture an 80° field of view for a number of years.

In well-lit scenes The Galaxy Z Flip3 delivers the expected results of phones of the Galaxy series at this price: detailed, sharp images with good dynamic range and rich colors – for some it might even be too flashy. Evening, The camera suffers the most when it comes to capturing the details of the scenes and the main character is the noise when the Night mode is not used.

As with the Galaxy S21, the Photo editing programa it has been refined so that it is no longer as biased Artificially soften facial features than changing skin tone. Do not get me wrong: keep doing both “Finally, that’s it.” Looks that Samsung wants to give up its pictures – but the difference to previous generations is obvious.

Flexibility is not a strong point, because although the main camera is capable of taking good pictures, the ultra-wide-angle lens suffers from some blurringand due to the fact that it does not have a telephoto sensor zoomed images They are simply not at the level that one would expect from a 1,000 euro cell phone.

One of the benefits that the Z Flip’s folding format brings to the photography experience the ability to use the external screen as the camera’s viewfinder. This is how it perro happen autofotos Using the two main sensors, making it easier to frame our face and the faces of other people in the scene. Still, the 10-megapixel camera is inside there is also a good result. Infinitely better than what the camera under the Z Fold3 screen offers.

Likewise, The camera perro be opened and a photo taken without opening the phone, a shortcut that has become one of my favorite things about the Z Flip3 during these weeks of testing. All you have to do for it is Double tap the mobile device power button with the screen closed, and then use the volume keys to take the picture.

In other aspects for example vídeo recordingThe Galaxy Z Flip 3 also offers a good result without standing out from other models from the company such as the Galaxy S21 Ultra. The clips have good image quality, with reasonable stability thanks to OIS, and good sound thanks to the various microphones that the phone integrates.

Gallery of photos and vídeos with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

This device has been thoroughly tested Independently thanks to a move of the brand. The article contains purchase backlinks for which Andro4all may receive a commission. take part to the market channel Andro4all to find out about the best deals before anyone else.