Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 specs:
Design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 takes exactly the lines of its predecessor to such an extent that it offers strictly identical dimensions as well as its weight of 173 grams, which is rather reasonable for a folding smartphone. But compared to other models currently available in some markets, the Flip3 relies on a horizontal opening which allows it to offer an extremely compact form when closed. This is also one of these great strengths and on a daily basis, in the end, we are happy to "find" a mobile device that does not take up much space in your pocket. We even find ourselves looking for it sometimes if the pocket in question (or the bag) is a little big. Admittedly, it is 17.3 mm thick when folded, but only 7.2 mm when open, like the thinnest on the market. It is available in four colours: green, lavender, cream or black.
The hinge has been revised to offer a more flexible and easier opening than the previous model. One-handed opening is possible, but a little tricky. When open, it remains very stable, not tilting back and allowing such a position to watch certain media, for example. It can stand like this up to an opening angle of 145 degrees, without tipping over. A position at 90 degrees, or even slightly more, also allows you to take a selfie without having your arm outstretched, the mobile being simply placed in front of you. It is extremely convenient. According to Samsung, the hinge has been certified to withstand at least 200,000 manipulations, or 100 bends per day for 5 years. Closed, the edges are very slightly closer together than on the Galaxy Z Flip 5G. However, it must be noted that there is a small gap. This is not the case with the Oppo Find N folding smartphone, the two flaps of which literally touch each other. The device benefits from an aluminum frame, more resistant than the previous model. Also, note its IPX8 certification, which makes it totally waterproof to fresh water, but not to dust. This is already an excellent thing and thus allows this device to hold its rank as a true technological showcase.
Let's open the mobile to go around it and note the presence, as on the previous model, of the fingerprint reader on the right profile, at the level of the standby button. It is a little high when the mobile is open, but well placed when closed. Right next to it, there is the double button to manage the volume. The drawer for the SIM card is located on the opposite profile. Only one is supported, but note the possibility of activating the eSIM function for a second line. Unfortunately, unable to expand the internal storage capacity.
Finally, on the lower edge, there is the USB-C connector and a grille for the loudspeaker. The other speaker is installed above the screen. We therefore benefit from stereo sound, which is a good thing, especially since the level is rather consistent. The mids and highs are present much more than the missing low frequencies. The sound saturates when you push the volume a little too high. Note the compatibility with the Dolby Atmos format. We will quickly associate a Bluetooth headset or use an adapter for a wired listening system. Like the previous Galaxy Z Flip, this one is 5G compatible, but this time offers more efficient Wi-Fi 6 with better speed and greater range. The device is of course NFC compatible for contactless payment. If you use the Samsung Pay service, you do not need to open the device to pay. Simply slide a finger on the touch screen to activate the payment function, then bring it close to the terminal and validate the operation by placing your finger on the fingerprint reader. Unfortunately, this function is only available with Samsung Pay and does not work with Google Pay, which requires opening the mobile to perform the same operation.
A secondary external screen now touch-enabled
The Galaxy Z Flip3 has an external display. It's larger than the previous one at 1.9 inches (compared to 1.1 inches on the Galaxy Z Flip 5G). Now tactile, it can animate when tapped twice quickly. You can scroll through several functions whose order is customizable: weather, clock, alarm, voice recorder, timer, music control, number of steps, messages, calendar, etc. and add widgets if needed. It's a pity that we can't answer directly, the screen being used mainly to consult the information and various notifications received, the rest of the operations having to be done by opening the device. However, it is possible to control music playback.
In use, it is practical and often avoids opening the mobile to see the messages, but we would have liked to have a little more possibilities of interaction despite everything. It is an AMOLED panel whose good quality and sufficient brightness to be readable outdoors even in direct sunlight are highlighted.
A more resistant internal screen and 120 Hz
The internal screen of the Galaxy Z Flip3 in 22:9 format unfolds completely on 6.7 inches diagonally with a definition of 1080x2636 pixels. Unlike the other screens, this one is surrounded by a slight black border which we think is annoying for touch manipulations, but which is ultimately forgotten in use. The screen benefits from a refresh rate of 120 Hz, an improvement over the previous model limited to 60 Hz. In addition, the screen is said to be more robust by Samsung capable, a priori, of much better resistance to scratches. It is covered by a protective film. This can be removed and can even be changed if it is too scratched during use. The OLED panel being flexible, when it is fully unfolded, we always note the presence of a small mark in the middle. If you notice it at first, you forget it quite quickly as you use the device. When passing the finger, we also feel the fold. The colorimetry remains controlled over the entire display surface without inaccuracy in the center, which is an excellent thing.
In the device settings, you can adjust the brightness of each screen independently. It is also possible to adjust the refresh rate of the internal screen by selecting the adaptive mode which automatically adapts the frequency according to the application in use or the standard mode which caps at 60 Hz to save battery. Two screen modes are available: vivid and natural with, in the latter case, the possibility of modifying the white balance. The brightness is sufficient for outdoor use, even in direct sunlight. Finally, note a punch at the top center to leave space for the front photo sensor.
Powerful all you need
Technically, the Galaxy Z Flip3 goes up a notch compared to the previous model since it is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip (against Snapdragon 865 on the Galaxy Z Flip 5G) with 8 GB of RAM. It is available with 128 or 256 GB of storage space, depending on the configuration chosen. Remember the impossibility of extending this capacity, which means that you have to choose carefully when purchasing according to your memory needs. With such a platform, the mobile is efficient and executes all applications with great velocity. No game can resist it either, allowing you to play with great fluidity and an excellent level of graphics. We haven't seen any chronic slowdown, which is a very good thing.
Many practical uses for multimedia
A bit like the Galaxy Z Fold3, the Galaxy Z Flip3 can be put into Flex mode, that is to say, folded at 90 degrees to allow viewing of videos on one of its shutters when the other is used as flat support. We do not benefit from as much width as with the other folding mobile from Samsung, but the position remains practical. On some applications (planned for in terms of development), touch controls are displayed on the lower part of the screen such as YouTube or Spotify, for example. Note that in this position, you can also communicate with Google Duo, again with a suitable interface. The Galaxy Z Flip3 is perfectly capable of playing HD multimedia content in Full HD quality since it is compatible with Wideline L1 DRM.
Otherwise, the mobile uses Android 11 with a One UI software overlay already seen on the Galaxy Z Fold3, but also on the brand's other mobiles. This does not change, offering a high level of customization as well as a sidebar for shortcut functions, in addition to those already available in the notification bar.
Improved photo quality
To take photos, the Galaxy Z Flip3 uses the sensors of the previous model, namely two 12-megapixel modules for wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle. With them, the device offers more flattering shots than Galaxy Z Flip 5G with a higher level of detail and excellent colorimetry. The software processing proves to be efficient, thus making it possible to obtain overall beautiful photos, whatever the sensor used. There's no optical zoom here, only digital, which can go up to 10x for somewhat tricky results. The device also has a 10-megapixel sensor at the screen. This one offers less rewarding shots with a more saturated and less precise rendering.
The advantage of having two screens is that you can also use the two sensors on the back to take a selfie, simply by activating the corresponding function in the interface in order to use the external screen as framing source. It's very convenient and the results are better for selfies. Photo taking can be triggered remotely, with a simple gesture. The Camera application interface adapts to the opening of the internal screen offering a full view if it is completely unfolded or offering a view only on the upper part of the screen if it is slightly collapsed also switching to the lower part the options normally available at the top. Several modes are immediately accessible: Single take, portrait, photo, video and More. This last menu provides access to other modes: AR Doodle, Pro, Panorama, food, night, portrait video, pro video, super slow motion, slow motion, hyperlapse and director's view (dual view).
Finally, note the possibility of filming with Ultra HD definition up to 60 frames per second. We appreciate the limitation of camera shake, in particular thanks to its integrated stabilizer.
Decent battery life, but charging still slow
With its 3300 mAh battery, it is one of the smallest capacities on a mobile currently. Unsurprisingly, we last a day, but not much more. If you use it rather intensively, it is a good idea to provide an intermediate charging solution to give it some color and continue to use it. Otherwise, you can also play on the refresh rate and the maximum use of the external screen avoiding opening the internal surface, which consumes more energy. What doesn't really go in the right direction is the fact that the battery doesn't support fast charging. Indeed, it tops out at 15 watts while even mid-range smartphones offer 65 watts, not to mention the Xiaomi 11T Pro which supports 120 watts. That means it barely gains 40% in half an hour of charging. And to top it all off, Samsung doesn't provide the power supply...like on the other top-of-the-range series. However, the mobile can support wireless charging. At 35%, in this case, it still takes 1h46 before a full charge.
Our opinion on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
For us, the new version of this folding clamshell smartphone which knows how to make itself very small but which can also offer a very nice display surface is a success, especially compared to the previous model. It raises the level of finishes with a more robust character, water resistance, higher quality photos and increased performance. It therefore erases the errors of the previous one even if we can always blame it for a limited autonomy and a charge that is too slow compared to the competition. For us, ergonomic and powerful, it is still extremely pleasant to use on a daily basis.