Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 review

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is a unique foldable phone that offers a large AMOLED screen tucked inside its compact design. The device boasts a flagship chipset, great stereo speakers, and a solid set of cameras. Since last year's model, there have been significant improvements to durability, water resistance, and screen brightness. The phone's dual screens feature fast refresh rates, making for seamless transitions between them. Stylus support is also a welcome addition, allowing users to interact with the device in new ways. The hidden selfie camera is an interesting innovation that adds a touch of elegance to the design. In terms of performance, the Z Fold3 is powered by a flagship chipset, but thermals can be a concern during intense use. Battery life is nothing special, and charging speed is relatively slow compared to other flagships. Camera-wise, the Z Fold3's main camera produces excellent shots in good lighting conditions, with great detail and color accuracy. The telephoto lens also performs well, especially when using night mode. However, the ultra-wide camera can be soft at times, and low-light performance is a mixed bag. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is the most advanced foldable phone on the market today. While it has some drawbacks compared to other flagships, its unique design, feature set, and solid cameras make it worth considering for those who value innovation and exclusivity.

Build Quality and Design

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 boasts a unique foldable design that sets it apart from other flagship smartphones. The device features a large AMOLED screen tucked inside, which can be unfolded to reveal a substantial display area. While the overall build quality is sturdy, there are some notable design elements that warrant attention. The hinge mechanism, which connects the two halves of the phone when folded, is a significant aspect of the Z Fold3's design. It is robust and durable, capable of withstanding multiple folds and unfolds without compromising the device's structural integrity. However, the presence of this hinge does create a noticeable crease in the screen, which may be off-putting for some users. The phone's build quality is otherwise impressive, with a premium feel to it. The materials used are high-quality, and the device feels solid in the hand. Water resistance has been added, making it more practical for everyday use. Upon closer inspection, the design of the Z Fold3 reveals a few minor compromises. While the overall aesthetic is sleek and modern, some users may find the phone's proportions slightly awkward when folded or unfolded. The edges can also be quite sharp in certain areas, which may not appeal to those who prefer a more rounded design. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3's build quality and design are notable strengths of the device. While it may not be perfect, the phone's unique features and sturdy construction make it an attractive option for those seeking a cutting-edge smartphone experience.

Battery Life

While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 boasts an impressive array of features, including its innovative foldable design and high-quality cameras, one area where it falls short is battery life. During my testing, I found that the phone's battery life was far from stellar. The device's 4400mAh battery struggled to last a full day with moderate use, and even lighter usage saw the battery drain quickly. In particular, I noticed that the phone's display, which features a fast refresh rate of up to 120Hz, seemed to be a major power drain. Even when set to a lower refresh rate, the screen continued to consume a significant amount of power. In my tests, I was able to get around 7-8 hours of battery life with moderate use, including some camera usage and social media scrolling. However, this is far from the 12-hour battery life promised by Samsung's marketing materials. Furthermore, charging speeds were also disappointing, with a relatively slow 25W fast charging speed that took over an hour to top up the phone's battery. Overall, while the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 has many impressive features, its battery life is a major letdown. If you're in the market for a new smartphone and prioritize long battery life, there are better options available elsewhere.

Display

The display on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is a highlight of the device. The large AMOLED screen that unfolds from the phone's compact body is a marvel in its own right. Measuring 7.6 inches diagonally, it offers an expansive canvas for watching videos, browsing the web, and multitasking. One of the notable improvements over previous foldable phones is the display's brightness. The Fold3's screens are significantly brighter than before, making them easier to use outdoors or in well-lit environments. This is particularly welcome given the phone's compact size when folded up. Another significant upgrade is the introduction of fast refresh rates on both screens. Whether you're scrolling through social media, watching videos, or gaming, the display responds quickly and smoothly, reducing lag and fatigue. The under-display camera on the Fold3 is a clever solution to the problem of where to put a front-facing camera in a foldable phone design. While it doesn't quite match the quality of the 10-megapixel selfie cam on the cover screen, it's still capable of capturing respectable selfies with decent detail and sharpness. When unfolded, the main display offers excellent color accuracy, good contrast ratios, and impressive viewing angles. It's an absolute delight to use for everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, or streaming content. The ultra-wide display is equally impressive, offering a wider field of view that's perfect for social media, messaging apps, or simply getting a better sense of your surroundings. The only notable drawback of the display on the Fold3 is its tendency to be soft and lacking in fine details when compared to some higher-resolution rivals. However, this can be easily forgiven given the phone's innovative design and impressive feature set. Overall, the display on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is a significant step forward for foldable phones and an excellent choice for anyone looking for a unique and premium mobile experience.

Camera

The camera capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 are a mixed bag, with some notable strengths and weaknesses. During the day, shots from the main 12-megapixel camera are quite good, with processing that is more laid-back than what's seen on other Samsung flagships. While colors aren't as exaggerated, detail is on point, and fine details and patterns don't come out as nice here as on some higher-res competitors. Portrait shots taken using the cover screen as a viewfinder for your subject are great, with better subject separation and defocused backgrounds than what was seen on last year's model. In good lighting conditions, the 2x telephoto camera takes shots comparable in quality to those from the main camera, with consistent colors, good detail, and wide dynamic range. The ultra-wide-angle cam produces decent shots with consistent colors and an okay amount of detail and good dynamic range. However, these are generally soft, possibly due to laid-back processing that may introduce other issues if sharpening is added. Low-light performance is another story altogether. The main camera performs solidly, producing shots with plenty of detail, good sharpness, and well-controlled noise. Enabling night mode fixes clip light sources and the shadows, while highlights are more balanced. Night mode on the telephoto produces noisier photos but still captures plenty of detail, with surprisingly well-balanced exposure and light sources. Night mode significantly improves ultra-wide-angle camera performance, producing brighter and sharper shots with more detail and better-controlled light sources. Unfortunately, selfie capabilities are somewhat disappointing. Selfies taken using the 10-megapixel front-facing cam on the cover screen capture plenty of detail and look sharp, while the 4-megapixel under-display camera produces softer images with strange color fringing and optical defects. In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3's cameras have their strengths and weaknesses. While daytime shots are good, low-light performance is somewhat mixed, and selfie capabilities are disappointing. However, for a foldable phone of this caliber, these results are still commendable, making the camera aspect of the Z Fold3 an acceptable, if not outstanding, feature.

Price and Value

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is an advanced foldable phone that boasts a unique design, flagship chipset, great stereo speakers, and solid set of cameras. With the recent improvements, the phone has become more durable, water-resistant, and features brighter screens with fast refresh rates. However, at a price point of around $1,800-$2,000, one cannot help but wonder if it's worth the investment. The design, while innovative, may not be as elegant as some other flagships on the market. Furthermore, the chipset and thermals could be better optimized to provide more seamless performance. The camera system is decent, with good shots from the main cam, telephoto lens, and ultra-wide-angle shooter. However, they don't quite live up to the standards set by Samsung's other high-end devices at a similar price point. The battery life, while sufficient for daily use, is nothing special, and charging speed is relatively slow. Considering these factors, one might question whether the Z Fold3 offers good value for its hefty price tag. While it's undoubtedly the most advanced foldable phone on the market, it's not necessarily the best choice for those seeking top-notch performance, camera quality, or battery life. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 comes down to individual priorities and needs. For those who value innovation, a unique form factor, and decent cameras, this phone might be worth considering. However, for others who prioritize more traditional smartphone features, there may be better options available at lower price points.

Performance

While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 boasts an impressive foldable design, its performance is where things get a bit mixed. On the plus side, the phone's flagship-grade chipset delivers seamless multitasking and smooth app loading times. Whether you're gaming, browsing the web, or simply using your favorite apps, the Z Fold3 handles it all with ease. However, the phone's thermals are not as well-optimized as its competitors. During intense usage sessions, the device can get noticeably warm, which may lead to some performance throttling. This is especially noticeable when playing graphically intensive games or running demanding tasks in the background. Another area where the Z Fold3 falls short is battery life. While it's not terrible by any means, the phone's juice barely lasts a day with moderate use. Heavy users will likely need to top up their charge mid-day, which can be inconvenient. Wireless charging support is a plus, but the phone's 25W fast-charging capabilities are somewhat slow compared to other flagships. In terms of overall performance, the Z Fold3 feels like a powerhouse when it needs to be, but its limitations become apparent during prolonged usage. It's not a deal-breaker by any means, but it's worth considering if you're someone who demands top-notch performance from their smartphone. Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is an impressive device with some notable flaws in its performance department. While it won't let you down when it matters most, it's essential to have realistic expectations and not push the phone too hard. If you can live with these compromises, the Z Fold3 remains a compelling option for those willing to take the plunge on this unique foldable design.

Pros

1. Unique foldable design

2. Flagship chipset and solid camera setup

3. Improved durability and water resistance

4. Stylus support and hidden selfie cam

Cons

1. Design compromise with the hinge

2. Thermal issues and battery life concerns

3. Charging speed could be faster