Samsung releases Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3 phones

by Arvi Marie Dacuba (Content Editor)

Image Source: Samsung

Tech giant Samsung just released its two latest foldables in an online Unpacked event in August - the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 with high hopes of further pushing foldable phones into mainstream. In just one week upon its release, the company has received 450,000 pre-orders in South Korea alone. Strategy Analytics estimates Samsung to sell a total of 5.2 million foldable phone units, more than doubling its two-million-unit sales in 2020.

Due to last year’s COVID-19 outbreak, smartphone sales fell short. Consumers focused on investing in work from home devices like laptops, webcams and computer peripherals instead of upgrading their phones. To attract more buyers, Samsung has made their foldables more affordable. The 5G-enabled Z Flip 3 starts at US$1,000 compared to its 4G-enabled predecessor, which cost US$1,380. The Z Fold 3 on the other hand starts at US$1,800, US$200 cheaper than the Z Fold 2.

Image Source: Drew Evans of CNET

The Z Flip 3 runs on a Snapdragon 888 processor and has 8GB RAM and 128 or 256GB ROM. Its 6.7in 2230x1080-pixel AMOLED Infinity Flex Display has a 120Hz refresh rate, twice more than its predecessor. It integrates a 10MP front and two 12MP rear cameras and is powered by a 3,300mAh battery, which isn't that much. Patrick Holland of CNET has noted that the device only lasts 11 hours with moderate use. As such, a power bank is a must-have accessory for this phone.

Image Source: Sarah Tew CNET

The bigger brother Z Fold 3, on the other hand, is aimed at consumers who want to maximize productivity since it's a 6.2in folded phone that unfolds into a 7.6in tablet with a 120Hz refresh rate. Note takers, visual artists, gamers and businessmen are among the target users. The Z Fold 3 now has S Pen support specifically designed for this model. Then stylus has a safety feature wherein it retracts when pushed too hard, to protect the foldable screen. There are two variants - the US$50 S Pen Fold and US$100 S Pen Pro differ in terms of the latter's Bluetooth support and cover case, which integrates an S Pen Pro pocket. Flex Mode on the Z Fold 3 has optimized multitasking features on the apps of Google, Microsoft and Disney, Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Zoom.

The Z Fold 3 integrates a 4MP under-display camera - Samsung's first on a smartphone. With no notch or a hole-punch display, screen viewing is uninterrupted. There are three 12MP rear cameras: a wide, ultrawide and telephoto lens. A 4,400mAh battery powers this 5G folding phone, which runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset with 12GB RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage.

Samsung has also made upgrades on the durability department. Both foldable models now have an IPX8 water-resistance rating, but no dust-resistance because of their hinges as foldable phones. They however integrate a Sweeper brush inside the hinge that will reject unwanted dust particles. The company also applied an anti-corrosive solution and lubricant on the phones' hinges, which are now made of stronger aluminum, to avoid rust. The folded screens, which are made of stretchable polyester resin are said to be 80 percent more durable.

Smartphone manufacturers are looking forward to turning foldable phones into commonplace gadgets instead of just novelty devices. Efforts are being done to turn this hope into a reality. For one, Samsung is encouraging customers to sign up for installment plans with carriers that last 36 months. Longer plans generally have lower monthly payments, making the Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 more affordable.

With these two recent foldable phone releases from Samsung, buyers can expect demand for related mobile accessories. Foldable screen protectors, cases for the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, wireless and wired power banks and more are available for sourcing from 100 percent verified suppliers at GlobalSources.com.