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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is official with S Pen Pro, 4MP under-display camera, 120Hz AMOLED screens, Snapdragon 888 chip and more
At the 4th Unpacked of 2021, Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Z Fold 3, which is the third-generation foldable smartphone from the OEM. Just like its predecessor, the new Fold model features an inward folding mechanism alongside an outer display.
As the device came instead of the iconic Galaxy Note lineup, the Korean tech giant tried to fill the gap of 2021 Notes by bringing their S Pen. Well, there is one more thing that Samsung has decided to put into its latest foldable, which is the UPC, commonly known as under-display camera technology.
Galaxy Z Fold 3 Highlights
- Under Panel Camera (UPC)
- S Pen support with Air Actions through S Pen Pro
- One UI 3.1.1
- IPX8 rating for dust and water resistance
- Snapdragon 888 SoC
- Lesser pricing
- Upgrades up to Android 14
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Aside from these, there’s a lot to discuss the Galaxy Z Fold 3, so let’s begin with the display –
Display
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 sports a 7.6-inch inner AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,208 x 1,768 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and a layer of ultra-thin glass for protection. On the other hand, it comes with a 120Hz AMOLED cover display of 6.2-inch with 2,268 x 832 pixels as well as Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
Processor and storage
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 888 flagship SoC paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB/512GB of storage. It’s noteworthy that the latest foldable phone also highlights an IPX8 rating for dust and water resistance.
Camera
Unlike the Galaxy S21 Ultra, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 doesn’t feature such noticeable camera capabilities as two telephoto lenses and 100x Space Zoom. However, the device sports a triple rear camera system on the back including a 12MP sensor that can record 8K video.
Aside from this, the ultra-wide camera of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 features a minor upgrade over the Galaxy Z Fold 2 that is the PDAF support. In addition, there are two selfie cameras on the Z Fold 3, one of them is on cover display with 10MP resolution, while the folding panel is equipped with an invisible 4MP lens.
Additional features
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 uses a 4,400mAh battery that can be recharged by up to 25W fast charger over a cable and a wireless charger as well. On the side, the handset allows you to place the finger on the power button to unlock it through a fingerprint scanner.
Software systems and upgrades
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 runs the new One UI 3.1.1 version on top of Android 11 OS that has arrived instead of the One UI 3.5. As it’s a flagship smartphone, the OEM is committed to offering at least three generations of major software update support, and I can directly say it will get updates up to Android 14.
Price, colors and availability
- Galaxy Z Fold 3 12GB+256GB – $1799.99
- Galaxy Z Fold 3 12GB+512GB – $1899.99
- Z Fold S Pen – $49.99
- S Pen Pro – $99.99
- Shipping starts on August 27, 2021
- Color options – Phantom Black, Phantom Green, and Phantom Silver.
Samsung Wallet getting an instant Tap to Transfer feature for Galaxy users. The latest addition unlocks instant and seamless money transfer. This move reiterates Samsung’s commitment to upscaling the Galaxy ecosystem.
The Tap to Transfer feature allows users of Samsung Wallet on Galaxy phones to instantly transfer money by tapping the backs of their devices together. The transfer process is powered by NFC technology embedded in Galaxy phones.
Samsung confirmed that the feature will be gradually supported through app updates in Samsung Wallet. The Tap to Transfer feature eliminates the need to ask for or input the recipient’s account number during transfers.
This seamless process will help Galaxy users save time and effort as well as reduce the risk of sending money to the wrong account. It’s an answer to Apple iOS 18’s Tap to Cash feature, which allows users to transfer funds with nearby ecosystem devices.
Samsung Wallet allows the recipient to set a representative account for receiving funds and can receive ‘Tap to Transfer’ payments even when their Galaxy’s screen is off – even without opening the Samsung Wallet app.
Here’s how it works:
The user who wants to send money enters the password for their registered account in Samsung Wallet, inputs the transfer amount, then taps their phone against the recipient’s phone and completes the transfer through the default unlock method.
The recipient’s account number transmitted during the ‘Tap to Transfer’ process is encrypted and sent to the sender. Instead of displaying the full account number, only the last four digits of the recipient’s mobile phone number are shown.
The feature is currently available in South Korea and supported by Woori Bank.
Samsung could use the next-gen display across the Galaxy S25 series. A limited number of users reported display graininess issues on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is reportedly eliminated in the upcoming Galaxy S25 series.
IceUniverse reports Galaxy S25 series resolves the display graininess issue from the S24 Ultra. The tipster mentioned that the “Galaxy S25 series screen is great.” It suggests the inclusion of an upgraded screen tech in the flagships.
Pixel 9 series debuted Samsung’s best display technology. Industry expects that the Korean tech giant will now expand the cutting-edge screen to its upcoming flagships including the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Upgraded display is usually meant to offer vibrant colors while keeping efficiency. However, it’s a big development for Samsung consumers as the alleged graininess issue from the Galaxy S24 Ultra is finally eliminated.
Galaxy S25 series screen is great
Getrid of the screen graininess problem in S24.— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) October 10, 2024
Samsung is ensuring the upcoming flagships won’t lag in any way. From processor and memory to display and camera, pro-grade specifications coming to the next-gen Galaxy S line. The company could launch the S25 series in January next year.
Galaxy S24 Ultra screen graininess
Some S24 Ultra owners notice a grainy, pixelated, or textured appearance on the display. It occurs the most in certain lighting conditions or when viewing darker colors at low brightness. The anti-reflective glass was also suspected to be blamed.
However, graininess in screens could be caused by several factors such as OLED pixel arrangement, brightness levels, and software calibration. Samsung seemingly heard consumer feedback and improved the screen hardware.
Samsung is working on further refining the new One UI 7 interface. We just got confirmation about the availability of the Beta Program. Now, a new report says Samsung is still working on refinements of the new One UI 7 interface.
Galaxy users are eagerly waiting for the Beta Program to begin. Samsung already confirmed the One UI 7 Beta will launch by the end of this year. The final version, however, is pushed to early next year’s Unpacked event.
ETNews, in its latest report, highlighted that Samsung is still refining the new software. The Beta Program is unexpected to last longer. With Beta coming later this year, the final version of Samsung’s Android 15 is set to launch early next year.
“Samsung is currently conducting internal tests to improve the stability and completeness of the new One UI 7 interface,” ETNews sources say.
At the SDC24, Samsung’s Sally teased some One UI 7 changes and advancements. The upcoming software promises a fresh new design and revamped components across the user interface for a completely refreshed feel.
Samsung is, therefore, working to seed the first Beta without any bugs and issues. A delayed rollout is better than sticking to software that ruins the entire UX. New design changes require additional testing to ensure overall stability and reliability.
Apple is expected to fully deploy Apple Intelligence by early next year. The company will start rolling out new AI features to iPhone models starting this month. Apple has partnered with OpenAI to fuel iPhones with AI capabilities.
Galaxy AI already has a wide range of mindblowing features. Meanwhile, Apple always comes with new challenges for Galaxy models. This year, Samsung is seemingly already prepared to challenge the iPhone’s AI in all the ways.