- Samsung has introduced the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3.
- The clamshell foldable phone includes a much larger external screen, a tougher 120Hz internal screen, and water resistance.
- Pre-orders are open now, with the device reaching stores on August 27 starting at $999.99.
The big hype of today is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, the company’s latest foldable flagship. However, Samsung’s other foldable phone just got a welcome overhaul. The company has introduced the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, a rethink of the clamshell foldable. Thankfully, it appears to fix many of the original model’s flaws — including the most glaring of them all.
You can reserve yours starting today.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3: What’s new?
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 now has a 1.9-inch external AMOLED screen. Samsung says it’s about four times larger than the 1.1-inch display on the first Z Flip (there was never a Z Flip 2, for reference). Thankfully, you should have a much easier time checking notifications, and new widgets help you glimpse the weather or your activity. You can even capture video or use Samsung Pay from the smaller screen.
There are marked improvements once you open the Galaxy Z Flip 3, of course. You’ll still find a 6.7-inch, 2,640 x 1,080 AMOLED screen, but it’s now using a 120Hz adaptive panel. It’s covered with a protective, stretchable PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film and new panel layers that, combined, promise a display 80% more durable than what you saw in the Z Fold 2.
The body finally offers water resistance, too. There’s an IPX8 rating good for submersion in 1.5m of water for up to 30 minutes. Samsung further boasts an “Armor Aluminum” chassis and Gorilla Glass Victus on the outside of the device. Just don’t expect to take your phone out in a windy desert. The “X” in the IP rating means the Galaxy Z Flip 3 isn’t officially dust-resistant.
Read more: The best foldable phones you can get
There are a few software tweaks for the foldable screen. A Flex Mode Panel helps apps behave appropriately when you bend your phone to a sharp enough angle. You can move playback controls for a video app to the bottom of the screen.
Performance has caught up to the Galaxy S21 and other 2021-era flagships thanks to a Snapdragon 888 chip. It’s backed up by 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of non-expandable storage. The cameras haven’t changed much between the two 12MP rear lenses and a 10MP selfie shooter, but you might like the upgraded stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 specs
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 | |
|---|---|
| Displays | Exterior: – 1.9-inch AMOLED – 512 x 260 resolution at 303ppi – Gorilla Glass Victus Interior: |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 No expandable storage |
| Power | 3,300mAh battery 15W wired charging 10W wireless charging No charger in box |
| Cameras | Exterior: – 12MP wide, 1.4μm, OIS, Dual Pixel AF, ƒ/1.8 – 12MP ultra-wide, FF, 1.12μm, ƒ/2.2 Internal: |
| Audio | Stereo speakers Dolby Atmos support No 3.5mm headphone port |
| SIM | Single nano-SIM tray eSIM support |
| Biometrics | Side-mounted capacitive fingerprint sensor |
| Software | Android 11 One UI |
| Dimensions and weight | Folded dimensions: – 72.2 x 86.4 x 17.1mm (measured at hinge) Unfolded dimensions: Weight: |
| Colors | Global: Cream, green, black, lavender
Samsung only: White, pink, gray |
Cheaper than ever
The greatest appeal for some might be the price of the phone itself. Samsung will release the Galaxy Z Flip 3 on August 27 in black, cream, green, and lavender hues for $999.99, well below even the reduced $1,299.99 price for the Z Flip 5G. Verizon (disclaimer: this author also writes for Verizon-owned Engadget) will offer the phone for $33.33 per month on a 30-month installment plan, and AT&T is confirmed to carry it as well.
Samsung’s clamshell foldable gets new perks at a lower price.
This being Samsung, you can expect a surfeit of accessories. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 will launch alongside ring grips and strap cases that make it easier to hold your phone or clip it onto a bag. Samsung hadn’t outlined pricing for these extras as we wrote this, but it’s likely they won’t be too expensive.