Two of the best foldable phones of Samsung are pitted against one another in today’s Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Flip 3 comparison. They approach the core foldable idea in two distinct ways, leading to significant disparities in their displays, cameras, battery life, and most importantly, prices.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Flip 3
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the perfect device for work and pleasure because it can convert from a 6.2-inch phone to a 7.6-inch tablet. When compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 2, the Z Fold 3 is still particularly strong at running many apps simultaneously, but it now supports the S Pen, allowing you to write right on the screen. But it’s whooping $1,799 price tag is a big question mark.
Starting at $999, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a more cost-effective and widely available choice. It has a 6.7-inch main display and a 1.9-inch cover display for quick information checks or selfies. Its key selling points are its ability to collapse into a small package that can fit into a pocket and its Flex mode, which functions like a laptop and can be used for video chats and other apps. Just watch out for your battery life.
The differences between Samsung’s two most recent foldable phones are compared in our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Flip 3 comparison so you can decide which one is right for you. Can’t decide between Apple and Android? Check out our comparison on iOS 16 vs Android 13.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Flip 3: Specs
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 | |
Price | From $1,799 | From $999 |
CPU | Snapragon 888 | Snapragon 888 |
RAM | 12GB | 8GB |
Storage | 256, 512GB | 128, 256GB |
External display | 6.2 inches (2268 x 832) 120Hz Adaptive | 1.9 inches (260 x 512) |
Internal display | 7.6 inches (2208 x 1768) 120Hz Adaptive | 6.7 inches (2640 x 1080) 120Hz adaptive |
Rear cameras | 12MP wide (f/1.8); 12MP ultra-side (f.2.2, 123-degree FOV); 12MP telephoto (f/2.4, 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom) | 12MP wide-angle (f/2.4); 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2) 123-degree FOV |
Front camera | 10MP (f/2.2) | 10MP (f/2.4) |
Under-display camera | Under-display camera: 4MP (f/1.8) | N/A |
Battery | 4,400 mAh | 3,300 mAh |
Battery life | 7 hours 52 minutes | 5 hours 43 minutes |
Charging | 25W (charger not included) | 15W (not included) |
Size | 6.2 x 2.6 x 0.56 to 0.62 inches (closed); 6.2 x 5 x 0.25 inches (open) | 3.4 x 2.8 x 0.63-0.67 inches (closed); 6.5 x 2.8 x 0.27 inches (open) |
Weight | 9.55 ounces | 6.5 ounces |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Flip 3: Price
We continue our Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Flip 3 comparison with the price tag. The price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 starts at $1,799 for the 256GB variant and rises to $1,899 for the 512GB model.
The Galaxy Z Flip, which costs $999 for 128GB of storage, is the most cheapest foldable phone to yet. Cost of the 256GB model is $1,099.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Flip 3: Design and displays
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the perfect option if you’re looking for something small. It has a 6.7-inch 120Hz main screen and a 1.9-inch cover display, which is four times larger than the original Z Flip. When closed, it just measures 3.4 by 2.8 by 0.63 to 0.67 inches and weighs 6.5 ounces. This foldable phone will hardly be noticeable in your pocket.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a powerful phone with a massive 7.6-inch main display that can also function as a tablet. A new under-display camera that vanishes when not in use is another benefit; this eliminates the need to stare at a punch hole. Although the external screen is still 6.2 inches, both panels now offer 120Hz refresh rates, which is wonderful news.
A larger selection of colors are available for the Galaxy Z Flip 3. Cream, Green, Lavender, and Phantom Black are your options. With its three colors of Phantom Black, Phantom Green, and Phantom Silver, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is more subdued.
With a stronger Armor Aluminum body, a display that is up to 80% more durable, and IPX8 water resistance that should withstand splashes and rain, Samsung increased the durability of both phones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Flip 3: Cameras
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 cameras have a lot in common, but also a lot that differs. A triple rear camera configuration with 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses is available on the Z Fold 3. Digital zoom is 10x; optical zoom is 2x.
The Z Fold 3 also has a 10MP front-facing selfie camera and a 4MP camera hidden beneath the 7.6-inch display in the top right corner. Due to its lack of sharpness, the latter is ideal for video calls.
A 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens with a 123-degree field of view are both included in the Galaxy Z Flip 3’s dual 12MP cameras. There is a 10MP selfie camera up front. Unfortunately, the Flip doesn’t have a telephoto zoom.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Flip 3: Software
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the better option for you if you want to multitask. You can run up to three apps at once on the Z Fold 3, and it is collaborating with outside developers to make sure that those apps are optimized for the Fold 3’s big screen. A few of the apps improving are Microsoft Office, Snapchat, Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok.
Additionally, the Z Fold 3 is the first folding phone to support the S Pen, allowing you to draw, take notes, and more on the screen. Choose between the more robust Bluetooth-enabled S Pen Pro ($99) or the Galaxy Z Fold S Pen version ($49). For $79, you can also purchase a case that includes the S Pen.
Starting with its 1.9-inch cover display, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 boasts several unique characteristics of its own. You may interact with a variety of widgets on this touchscreen, including the weather, notifications, and music playback. Additionally, by simply pressing the power button, you may snap pictures and movies with the cover display, which is useful for selfies.
Flex mode is an additional Galaxy Z Flip 3 benefit. The Camera app and YouTube are two examples of apps that make use of the foldable display to display content on top and controls on the bottom. And there will be more. We particularly appreciate the hands-free video calling feature in Flex mode, which enables you to use the Z Fold 3 practically anywhere as a miniature tripod.
To be clear, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the most adaptable phone overall because it also offers Flex mode.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Flip 3: Performance
You should anticipate similar performance because the Snapdragon 888 chipset powers both the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3. However, the Z Fold 3 has 12GB more RAM than the Z Flip 3, which has only 8GB. Therefore, the Z Fold 3 might be slightly better at running several apps at once.
For instance, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 scored 2,984 on the multicore section of the Geekbench 5 benchmark, compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 3’s 3,418.
Due to its usual 256GB storage, the Z Fold 3 also has a storage edge. Also available is a 512GB variant. With a 256GB option, the Z Flip 3 makes due with 128GB.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Flip 3: Battery life and charging
Between the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, there are some fairly significant differences in terms of charging and battery life. With a 4,400 mAh dual battery within, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 should last you the entire day. The 3,300 mAh battery of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is much smaller.
With a 25W charging capability, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 offers an advantage in terms of quick charging. The Z Flip 3’s maximum power is only 15W, in contrast. Just bear in mind that neither phone comes with a charger, so if you don’t already have a USB-C charger on hand, you’ll need to buy one.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs.Galaxy Z Flip 3: Final verdict
Overall, the target markets for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 are extremely different. Power users who enjoy the notion of having a phone and tablet in one device and are ready to spend more for that versatility may consider the Z Fold 3. And Samsung now appeases your sticker shock with support for the S Pen, a more robust design, and enhanced multitasking options.
We did wish the Z Fold 3 had an integrated S Pen, though. We might have to wait for the speculated Galaxy Z Fold 4 to address that. Also desirable would be a slimmer design.
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is all about fun and style, and for those who have been avoiding the foldable phone trend, its $999 price tag is highly alluring. In comparison to other flagship phones, you have to make some compromises when it comes to the cameras and battery life, but it might be worth it for you. This concludes our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Flip 3 comparison.
FAQ
Is it worth getting the Samsung Z fold?
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the greatest foldable phone to date thanks to its improved multitasking capabilities, more robust build, and support for the S Pen. The cameras aren’t improved and you need a case to store the stylus, but generally, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a fantastic option for power users. We didn’t test Samsung Z Fold 4 yet, so it might be clever to wait for the reviews to arrive!
Which is better Samsung S21 or Samsung Z Fold?
For battery capacity, the S21 triumphs. While the Z Fold 3 only achieves 4,400 mAh total across its dual battery architecture, it can store up to 5,000 mAh in its cell. But both phones have the same charging capabilities. This offers 4.5W reverse wireless charging, 25W wired charging, and 10W wireless charging.
Does the Galaxy Z Fold break easily?
Both the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3 are durable. Samsung asserts that the screens on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3 are up to 80% more durable than those on earlier iterations. The Gorilla Glass Victus glass, aluminum body, and protective polyester film coating on both devices contribute to their longevity.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Flip 3 both include aluminum bodies in addition to Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus and are rated IPX8 for water resistance. With this setup, drops, dings, and pretty much any unforeseen weather conditions should not cause harm. These phones were created by Samsung with durability in mind, which is why they share the same robust components.
Don’t forget to check out this comparison: Intel Arc A750 vs GeForce RTX 3060 (in AAA games). This will heavily affect your decision.