Folding smartphones have become the new top of the line in mobile telephony. After the disappointing Galaxy Z Fold and Z Fold2, this third version is finally the right one.

At first touch, the device exudes solidity, the articulation is firm, but its format adds a lot of weight compared to a bar format phone. On my small kitchen scale, this folding Galaxy displays 271 g against 205 g for an iPhone 13 Pro or 238 g for the large 13 Pro Max.

Another first impression, the materials and the rounded edges of the device are very smooth, which does not facilitate its opening. Here, I would have liked more grippy edges to give my two thumbs a better grip. But maybe the fault lies with my fingers, because another person I asked to open it had no difficulty.

That said, this little annoyance disappears as soon as you attach a case to protect it. A quick visit to Amazon Canada gives us several choices between $20 and $50.

This folding Galaxy has two screens, the first runs the full length of the outer face which is equipped with the usual practical photo sensor for video calls. When opened, it's a full-size 7.6-inch screen, the equivalent of a small tablet.

SamsungGalaxy Z Fold3 screen sizes on the left compared to Galaxy Note20 The ideal full-size external screen for basic functions

Most of the time, the screen along the hinge is barely noticeable when 'it is on, but you can feel the slight curve by moving your finger in the middle.

From the first configuration, the device offers us some warnings to ensure its proper functioning, such as not removing the protective film from the screen and that its exposure to dust or sand can damage it. cause damage.

Rated IPX8, it offers very good waterproofing, provided it is not seawater.

Samsung's recommendations specific to this device

Unlocking and security

The Galaxy Z Fold3's fingerprint reader is also mounted where the thumb touches the device, allowing for more convenient use of the device's large cover screen. Thus, it is no longer necessary to place your finger on the screen to unlock the phone.

Otherwise, there is the usual facial unlocking with the photo sensor under each of the screens and the code. Under the hood, data security and privacy is provided by Samsung's Knox system.

3, 4, not 5 photo sensors!

In addition to the three colors black (the test device here), green and silver, Samsung offers a choice of two storage versions, 256 or 512 GB, and both have 12 GB of RAM. Refresh rate, both screens are clocked at 120Hz for crisp, fast fluidity. As with the other Galaxy Z Flip3 folding device, both versions run on an octa-core Snapdragon 888 processor from Qualcomm.

Well off on the photo plan, there are no less than five sensors on this device. Two “selfie” cameras, one 10MP under the cover screen and a second 4MP under the big screen.

Samsung's three 12-megapixel sensors; wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle and 2x telephoto

On the back, the three wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle and 2x telephoto sensors are all 12 Mpx. If you take a lot of photos and videos, however, you won't be able to rely on a removable microSD memory card to increase storage given the lack of a slot. But with nearly free gigabytes of cloud services and fast WiFi and 4G or 5G connections, troubleshooting is easy.

No worries about the quality of the photos, you will be amazed at the results like me. Only downside, the night photos with the 2x telephoto lens lack finesse in the details.

Where this Galaxy catches up is with the ease of using its foldable format to immobilize the device in the desired angle. Place it at 90 degrees vertically or horizontally on any surface, its format doubles as a tripod. Ideal for night shots or those that require a long exposure.

More screens, more possibilities = longer learning curve

If the external display handles like any other smartphone, Samsung has provided a host of possibilities for the large internal screen – what many call “productivity”.

Without detailing all the uses here, there is the flex mode where the partially folded screen allows access for a compatible application to the capture, brightness and volume settings.

SamsungMode Flex

The Multi-Active split-screen feature allows multiple apps to be used on two half-screens, or even three apps at the same time on as many sections. One can check his schedule while reading emails, navigate to a meeting place while talking to friends on WhatsApp, among other things.

Samsung Split-screen with Multi-Active

Taskbar feature is available on screens to access an app without having to navigate to the home screen.

Stylus compatible

Galaxy Z Fold3 is the first foldable phone to support the S Pen and S Pen Pro stylus for drawing or taking notes by hand and, when needed, while watching online lectures or videos in Flex mode. Samsung recommends the use of its own styluses suitable for this type of screen, but not included with this Galaxy. These S Pen Fold Edition and S Pen Pro styluses are sold for $42 and $92 respectively (prices rounded) on Samsung's site.

SamsungExample of use with the stylus S Pen Fold Edition

By the way, you will not find a charging block. Only the USB-C charging cable is included. Depending on the use made of it, the autonomy remains very average, with more than one recharge per day to last until the end of the evening. This is undoubtedly the price to pay to avoid an even thicker and heavier device. With a capacity of 4400 mAh, it's fine on a classic phone, but less so with a very large screen like that of the Z Fold3.

Price

The design of the Z Fold 3 is remarkable, hats off to Samsung who believed in this design to take advantage of a doubly large screen. On the other hand, the necessarily very high-end price, and the weight and thickness greater than on a conventional phone.

If the public adopts folding formats and the prices drop even slightly, Samsung will be able to say goodbye to the large Galaxy Note20 (6.7") and Note20 Ultra 6.9" ($1,280 and $1,630) to avoid they compete unnecessarily.