Foldable phones are making a comeback, and Samsung is the leader of the pack when it comes to quality, durability, and performance in a foldable smartphone. Significantly upgraded from previous models, Samsung offers two new devices with improved functionality and resilience. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 are both available at TELUS with an unlimited data plan.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 – TELUS
These devices are both foldable smartphones, but feature distinctly different designs depending on what you are looking for.
Structure & Design
One of the biggest differences between the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Flip 3 is the fundamental design. People looking for a more compact device will likely be interested in the Galaxy Z Flip 3, while those looking for an impressive display and multi-tasking capabilities will be more apt to consider the Fold 3.
Frame & Body
Substantial upgrades in sturdiness of design and overall durability have been made to the two devices. The body frame is constructed with Armor Aluminum and the front and back external panels are protected with Gorilla Glass Victus. The hinges are also made with Armor Aluminum to allow the devices to close more firmly and stay in a variety of unfolded positions.
Dust & Water Resistance
Both the Samsung Galaxy Flip 3 and Fold 3 have been given a water resistance rating of IPX8. This rating means the devices can be submerged in 1.5 metres of water for 30 minutes. While I would not recommend putting this to the test, the devices are protected against spills, splashes, and exposure to rain.
Neither device is guaranteed to be dust resistant, however upgrades have been made to keep out dust and small particulates. The Fold 3 features a larger hinge and is more susceptible to dust, so the device has been fitted with tiny nylon fibres that sweep out the dust and other foreign substances when it is folded or unfolded.
Display and User Interface
The display on the Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 is also quite different from that of the Flip 3. The Fold 3 features two full size screens with top of the line OLED screen technology. The external screen is 6.2” in size, while the internal screen measures in at an impressive 7.6”. This provides users with a tablet-like viewing experience on a device that can be folded up and put in your pocket.
The Flip 3 offers a perfect design for users seeking an extremely compact and portable device. When folded, the Flip 3 is roughly half the size of the average smartphone. This makes it easy and convenient to slip into almost any pocket or bag compartment. The cover screen on Flip 3 has also been improved. It has been upgraded in size to offer a 1.9” display, and it is more functional for checking the time, battery power, receiving notifications, and even taking selfies without having to open the phone.
Camera Specs
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 features a more advanced camera system; however the Flip 3 provides a good front and rear camera set.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Cameras
- Front Cameras
- Selfie camera – 10 MP f/2.2 aperture
- Under display camera – 4 MP f/1.8 (used mainly for video calls)
- Rear Cameras
- Wide lens – 12 MP f/1.8 aperture
- Ultra Wide lens – 12 MP f/2.2 aperture
- Telephoto lens – 12 MP f/2.4 aperture
- LED flash
- Panorama
- HDR
- 2x optical zoom
- 10x digital zoom
- Video – 4K at 60fps
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 Cameras
- Front Camera
- 10 MP f/2.4 aperture
- Rear Cameras
- Wide lens – 12 MP f/1.8 aperture
- Ultra Wide lens – 12 MP f/2.2 aperture
- LED flash
- Panorama
- HDR
- Video – 4K at 30/60fps
Additional Specs for Both Devices
- 5G network compatibility
- Chipset – Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888
- Octa-core CPU
- Adreno 660 GPU
- Android 11 OS
- 120 Hz refresh rate
- Battery
- Galaxy Fold 3 – Li-Po 4400 mAh, Fast Charging 25W
- Galaxy Flip 3 – Li-Po 3300 mAh, Fast Charging 15W
- Storage
- Galaxy Fold 3 – 256GB
- Galaxy Flip 3 – 128GB
- RAM
- Galaxy Fold 3 – 12GB
- Galaxy Flip 3 – 8GB