What started as a concept has become something that is here to stay. The folding phones They are now devices that, although not for everyone, improve the experience of those users who have decided to make the leap to the different concepts available. Samsung, the manufacturer that marketed the first model of this type of mobile, has decided to renew its family of folding phones (among other devices) in 2021 with the arrival of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3. Two teams that I want to tell you about today all its news, plus my first impressions after having been able to test them in an event prior to their launch.
Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3: first impressions on video
More resistant folding, just what they needed
The evolution that took place between the "original" Galaxy Z Fold to the second generation Fold was already quite large in finishes, design and durability. But even so, users who wanted a foldable phone continued to request certain features such as greater durability or, of course, water resistance. And more taking into account the prices that we are considering.
In this section we want to tell you about certain changes that have reached both families of folding phones, that is, both the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Z Flip 3.
As top-of-the-range phones that currently exist on the market, one of the main novelties that both models present is their resistance to water. The two arrive with IPX8 protection, thus becoming both the first folding smartphones capable of being submerged in water on the market.
On the other hand, these phones have focused on having greater resistance both externally (through its body) and internally, on the folding screen itself. both have been designed with 10% stronger aluminum scratches and blows. And, regarding the interior panel, it has Gorilla Glass Foods, which is 50% stronger than the previous generation, and a new protective layer It has 80% greater durability.
In summary, the novelties that arrive at the same time to both models seek yes or yes to give a better user experience and greater durability and resistance to their products. Something that I can assure you, it is transmitted when you have it in your hand.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3: everything new
Speaking now specifically of the foldable that converts from a "normal" mobile to a tablet in our hand, it wants to boost your productivity and use with its new features.
First of all, the Z Fold 3 is a thinner and less heavy phone. We can see this with the naked eye if we compare it directly with a Z Fold 2, for example, in its hinge. And, in terms of weight, it is only 11 grams that differentiate it from the previous generation.
The inner and outer panels still maintain their dimensions and aspect ratios, but implement some interesting features. On the one hand, the front screen goes from having a refresh rate of 60 Hz to 120 Hz, matching the internal. On the other hand, speaking of the internal screen, it comes with two striking features:
- As to its internal chamber, it is still with the hole on the screen. But what is new is that now hides under the panel. In other words, there is a layer of pixels on top of it that, when we move through the interface, adapt to what is being displayed to hide the circle left by the camera. Then, when we need to use it to take a picture, these pixels stop "taking effect" to allow us to take the shot without problems.
- As many of us have been waiting for since the first generation of the Z Fold, this model is finally compatible with an S Pen. Of course, it is not the same model as before, but it is one adapted to these screens and not to the rest of Samsung phones. Specifically, it is called the S Pen Fold Edition, which we will have to buy as one more accessory apart from the phone. Also in the coming months a "Pro" model will arrive of this pen, with a switch that will allow us to switch between the compatibility of older models and those with a flexible screen.
In my opinion, it seems to me that the intention of hide camera under screen pixels can give a better sense of continuity for the user, but performance is not quite right. When the images, menus or whatever we are viewing are elements with dark colors, the result is very correct. But, if the background is very light, especially white, the "smear" of the camera is still visible and it is more annoying to me than if I had the usual camera. This is due to the fact that we can get to see some somewhat strange pixels that do not manage to carry out the representation (in this case) in the most correct way possible. The good thing is that when taking photos those pixels on the lens are not noticeable, although hey, we will talk about photography in a few moments.
However, what I am totally in favor of and delighted with is the inclusion of the S Pen for this device. I think it is the element that was just missing to increase your possibilities and provide greater productivity to its users. Something that I do want you to take into account about this accessory is that it cannot be inserted in any way into the body of the phone. This forces us either to bring it with us in our pocket or backpack, or to buy one of the new covers with support for the Pen that the manufacturer will sell. This last option is perhaps the safest, but of course, it will considerably increase the thickness of the mobile when it is folded. Keep that in mind.
Speaking of productivity with this phone, Samsung has also implemented some innovations to it that improve the use when using multitasking. Although this is something that I will talk about in more detail in the analysis, this Z Fold 3 has a mode with which we can force multi window mode even if the developer of the app that we want to use did not program it.
As you can imagine, at the specification level, this phone comes with the latest of the latest: the processor Snapdragon 888 5G, 12GB RAM, a battery of 4.400 mAh (100 mAh less than the previous generation) and models of 256 or 512 GB of internal storage.
It's too early to talk about performance in depth. Although, during these first tests the sensations I had were very good, with absolute fluidity in navigation and any type of use. But, as I told you, it will have to be tested and squeezed for a longer time to judge it definitively.
In the photographic section for this new folding family, we still have 4 cameras:
- Main sensor 12 megapixels and aperture f / 1.8.
- ultra wide angle sensor 12 megapixels and aperture f / 2.2.
- Telephoto sensor 12 megapixels and aperture f / 2.4.
- Sensor for "selfie" in the internal camera of 2 megapixels, but, in this case, of a much larger size. This will allow you to capture more light.
In these first impressions it is very risky to judge a section like the camera because, in 99% of the test scenes, the light conditions are not the most favorable. It is true that the results gave a good impression, it seemed that the colors were very correct and that the blur was done well. But of course, since we cannot take the photos from the phone to see them on the big screen, we cannot assess this section (or show you the results) until we analyze it in depth.
As details I can tell you that, as with productivity, the camera is equipped with certain features that take advantage of the folding screen and many more. One that I found very curious is that of autoframing. This is responsible for reframing the plane to follow our movement, leaving the phone in a fixed place. Also, if it detects that more people appear in the image, it will enlarge the shot to capture them too.
We can buy this Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 in 3 different colors: green, black and silver. In addition to 2 different capacity options:
- Model of 12GB RAM + 256GB storage per 1.809 Euros.
- Model of 12GB RAM + 512GB storage per 1.909 Euros.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3: stylish news
Then, for those looking for a phone that takes up less space when stored in your pocket, there's the new Galaxy z flip 3. The mobile for design lovers who are looking for something "different", without preferences for productivity but rather for style.
This model has also seen its thickness and dimensions reduced, to leave us with a thinner phone. Its internal screen also receives the 120 Hz, thus improving fluidity and enhancing the experience of its users.
But the screen that has changed the most is the external one, you know, that little screen that allowed us to see certain "reference" data without having to display the internal screen. This one now has almost 2 inches in size, and comes with more usability level functionalities such as: modify the brightness, pay with samsungpay, music control or see more text in messages among other things.
The internal specifications of the Z Flip 3 are very similar to those of the Z Fold 3, where we find: the processor Snapdragon 888 5G, 8GB RAM, a battery of 3.300 mAh and models of 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. Once again, we will tell you more details in depth in their respective analysis but, in these first tests, the sensations using it were more than correct.
Regarding the photographic section, it has 3 cameras in total:
- Main sensor 12 megapixels and aperture f / 1.8.
- ultra wide angle sensor 12 megapixels and aperture f / 2.2.
- selfie sensor of 10 megapixels. In this one it is not hidden under the panel, but is in the usual hole in the screen.
Finally, before talking about the price at which you can buy this Samsung phone, I want to tell you about a detail that seemed to me a success on the part of the manufacturer. Being the Galaxy Z Flip a device intended for a younger and lifestyle audience, they have created several cases that fit the phone and its folding section. But, in addition, the aesthetic combines perfectly with the demands made by this type of public as a model with a band on the back or a ring to better grip the equipment. A detail of 10 Samsung.
We can buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 in 4 different colors: green, lavender, cream and black. And, like the previous one, in 2 different capacity options:
- Model of 8GB RAM + 128GB storage per 1.059 Euros.
- Model of 8GB RAM + 256GB storage per 1.109 Euros.