Samsung has unveiled the second generation of its foldable “flip” phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3. We compare it to the original version to see what has changed.
Its name may be misleading, but between the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3, there is only a year’s difference. However, if Samsung itself has taught us anything, it is that one year can be more than enough to change the rules of the game in the folding phone sector.
Despite maintaining a very similar format, it is possible to find many important differences between last year’s model and the new generation. Let’s compare them all.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
| Specifications | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 166 x 72.2 x 6.9mm Weight: 183g | Unfolded: 167.3 x 73.6 x 7.2 (mm) Folded: 87.4 x 73.6 x 15.4-17.3 (mm) Weight: 183g |
| Main screen | 6.7-inch, 2x Dynamic AMOLED folding 2640 x 1080 pixels 425PPI Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 120Hz | 6.7-inch Infinity-Flex Dynamic AMOLED FHD + (2,636 x 1,080 pixels) Format 21.9: 9 425PPI |
| Cover display | 1 1.9-inch Super AMOLED, 260 x 512 pixels | 1.1-inch Super AMOLED 300 x 116 pixels, 303 dpi |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 8GB LPDDRX4 |
| Operating system | One UI 3.1 based on Android 11 | One UI 3.1 based on Android 11 |
| Storage | 128/256GB UFS 3.0 | 256GB UFS 3.0 |
| Cameras | Rear -12MP f / 1.8, 78 °, 1.4 µm, OIS, 2PD -12MP Ultra Wide, f / 2.2, 123 °, 1.12 µm, FF Front -10MP (f / 2.4, 1.22 µm, 80 °) | Rear: – Dual 12MP (wide) f / 1.8 – 12MP (ultrawide) f / 2.2, Dual Pixel PDAF autofocus, OIS, HDR, 2160p video @ 60fps Front: – 10MP (wide) f / 2.4, PDAF autofocus, HDR |
| Battery | 3,300mAh (non-removable) 25W quick charging and 9W wireless charging | 3,300mAh (non-removable) 15W quick charging and 9W wireless charging |
| Others | Side fingerprint reader, facial recognition, stereo speakers, IPx8, GPS, Bluetooth 5.0, 5G | Gorilla Glass 6 The fingerprint reader on the side frame AKG sound with Dolby Atmos Samsung proprietary services (Health, Pay, …) |
Water resistance and a larger exterior display
The aesthetic differences between Flip and Flip 3 are small but important. Both models feature a “flip” format, bodies made of aluminum and glass, and a dual display.
However, the most recent version introduces, for the first time, water resistance under an IP68 certification level. In addition, the outer screen has a larger size (1.9 inches) to display more information and, ultimately, become a more useful and convenient panel.
Otherwise, the design has been refined so that the exterior now features a dual-tone finish, with the two outer chambers separated and placed inside a black glass module.
The interior display has also changed. Although it still uses AMOLED technology and retains the hinge in the central part, it now increases the refresh rate to 120Hz and offers greater resistance to shocks and scratches.
More power to become a true high-end
With last year’s Galaxy Z Flip, we had to make do with a previous-generation processor powering one of Samsung’s most expensive phones. This year, however, the firm is betting on the latest from Qualcomm.
Thus, we find a Snapdragon 888, which together with the 120Hz screen, 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, and 256GB storage, make this Z Flip 3 a top-notch phone, at the level of the best that Samsung can offer with its catalog of phones today.
The only aspect that has not changed too much is the photographic section, as we still have a dual 12MP camera on the back, and a 10MP selfie sensor on the inner screen.
A lower price to conquer a wider audience
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the cheapest foldable smartphone created by Samsung to date. It costs $1,242, a figure that puts it at the level of “conventional” high-end of other brands.
Compared to the Galaxy Z Flip, the price difference is overwhelming. After all, we must not forget that the original model was priced at $1,854, almost $586 more than this Z Flip 3.
It is clear that Samsung’s future lies in foldable, and this Z Flip 3 seems to have everything it needs to become the first big hit in its category.
