Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Review: The Best Foldable Phone

A Walk and a Foldable: Discovering the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

I recently enjoyed a lengthy walk on a Saturday, a practice that has become a welcome habit during recent times. It provides a chance to de-stress after extended periods indoors and observe cityscapes often overlooked during typical commutes.

This particular walk had a specific purpose: visiting a newly opened Trader Joe’s before the arrival of storm Henri. Seeking shelter from the early rainfall, I discovered a food court in Long Island City, where I ordered a shawarma.

The Perfect Moment for a Foldable

While enjoying my meal, I retrieved my Galaxy Z Flip from my pocket. Unfolding the device, I inserted my Galaxy Buds and began watching a baseball game via the MLB.TV app. The Flip’s ability to stand upright at a 135-degree angle in landscape mode, showcasing its 6.7-inch screen, proved remarkably convenient.

After the game concluded, I folded the phone and continued my walk. This experience highlighted the practical benefits of the Flip, demonstrating how technology can seamlessly integrate into everyday life.

Samsung’s Foldable Ambitions: From Novelty to Mainstream

Occasionally, technology aligns perfectly with a specific situation. Initial reactions to the clamshell design of the first Flip were often humorous, but the phone also signaled Samsung’s commitment to foldable technology.

While the original Galaxy Fold faced early challenges, it showcased the potential of a foldable screen. However, the Fold’s size and unwieldiness limited its practicality. The Flip strikes a balance between screen size and portability, effectively functioning as a compact Galaxy Note.

The Flip: A Clearer Path Forward

Samsung has heavily promoted the Galaxy Z Fold as its mainstream foldable. The Fold 3’s addition of S Pen support further blurs the line between it and the Note series. However, the Flip represents a more direct transition from Samsung’s existing flagship phones to a foldable future.

Introducing foldables to a wider audience presented significant hurdles, including initial production issues and a high price point. The Flip addresses these concerns with a more robust design, water resistance, and a price tag under $1,000.

Pricing and Pre-Order Success

The Galaxy Z Flip is Samsung’s first foldable offered for less than $1,000. While the price is just slightly below that threshold, it represents a substantial improvement in affordability within the foldable market.

Early generations of foldables relied on novelty to attract customers. As the technology matures, utility becomes paramount, driving demand and enabling price reductions. For the first time, purchasing a Samsung foldable doesn’t equate to the cost of two phones.

Strong Pre-Order Numbers

Samsung reported that pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 exceeded total global sales of Samsung foldables in all of 2021. This success is attributed to the lower price, improved design, the absence of a new Note, and aggressive pre-order incentives.

The Flip vs. The Fold: Which is Right for You?

While Samsung’s sales data doesn’t differentiate between Fold and Flip sales, the Flip is arguably the more practical choice for most users. The Fold’s larger 7.6-inch screen is ideal for immersive experiences like watching movies, but the Flip’s portability and ease of use make it a better fit for everyday tasks.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the most accessible and mainstream foldable currently available. For those considering a foldable phone, the Flip offers a compelling entry point into this evolving technology.

Design and Features

The Flip 3 boasts Samsung’s best-looking foldable design to date, with a striking dual-color shell. The exterior display has been expanded from 1.1 to 1.9 inches, providing more functionality for quick glances and notifications.

The exterior display serves as a secondary screen for essential information like time, date, battery level, and notifications. Swiping allows access to alarms, timers, weather updates, and media controls.

Camera and Performance

The Flip 3 is powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor, offering robust performance. However, the lower cost results in 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, with a 256GB option available for an additional $150.

The 3,300 mAh battery is a potential drawback, as moderate to heavy use may require frequent charging. This is a significant consideration for users who rely on their phones throughout the day.

Improved Durability

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 benefits from design improvements, including a stronger aluminum frame, enhanced screen protector, and IPX8 water resistance. While not perfect, it represents a significant step forward in durability.

Ultimately, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a strong indication of Samsung’s progress in foldable technology. Its sub-$1,000 price point and improved features make it an attractive option for those looking to experience the future of mobile devices.