Samsung’s second major Unpacked event typically reserved for the Galaxy Note has folded – into a new direction. The Note is officially no more, but the Galaxy Z Series has expanded to include the Z Fold3 5G and the Z Flip3 5G (yes, they skipped the Flip2).

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G with S-Pen support and Z Flip3 5G

The Galaxy Z foldable category is now in its third generation and more durable as they are equipped with IPX8 water resistance, which allows it to be submerged in 1.5m of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. Both devices are also built with Armor Aluminium and includes a new protective film on the main screen that’s 80% more durable than the Fold2.

Samsung says the Galaxy Z offers a ‘more optimised foldable experience’, bringing unique ways to work, watch and play, referring to them as ‘category defining’ devices with ‘iconic designs’.

The Z Fold3 and Flip3 are IPX8 water resistant only.

Z FOLD3 5G

The Z Fold3 is also the first foldable to be compatible with the S-Pen, making it the new ‘ultimate device for productivity and immersive entertainment’; a multi-tasking powerhouse. The foldable tablet features AMOLED displays: 7.6-inch main Infinity Flex Display and a folded 6.2-inch HD+ display and weighs 271g. It also features a first of its kind 4MP under display camera; 10MP selfie camera; and a 12MP triple rear camera.

The under display camera is impressive from the brief time I had with the devices. When you open the tablet, you can use the display as normal and only when the camera is activated, do you see it ‘appearing’.

There will be two versions of the S Pen: S Pen Fold Edition and S Pen Pro. Its multi-tasking features in Flex mode include the ability to tune into a video call on the top and take notes at the bottom; or watch a YouTube video on top and take notes below.

At Samsung HQ on 6 August 2021

The Fold3 has stereo speakers with surround sound on Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital and Digital Plus. It also supports Wireless pairing onto a TV for video playback (1080p at 30fps) and wired connections through a Display Port over USB-C and if a HDMI adapter is used, it supports Display Port 4K UHD at 60fps.

The Z Fold3 in Phantom Black/Green/Silver.

The Z Fold3 specs list:

Main Display 7.6″ QXGA+ at 2208×1768 resolution; 120Hz; 374ppi
Cover Display 6.2″ HD+ at 2268×832 resolution; 120Hz; 387ppi
Dimensions Folded: 67.1 x 158.2 x 16.0mm; Unfolded: 128.1 x 158.2 x 6.4mm. 271g
Cameras Under Display: 4MP
Cover: 10MP
Rear: 12MP triple (ultra wide; wide angle; telephoto). Dual OIS, 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom, HDR10+ recording; Tracking AF.
Processor 5nm 64-bit Octa-core. 2.84GHz + 2.4GHz + 1.8GHz
Memory 12GB of RAM; 256/512GB of internal storage
Battery 4400mAh dual battery. Min capacity 4275mAh.
Charging 25W fast charging; 10W fast wireless; and 4.5W reverse wireless
Durability IPX8 – submerged in 1.5m of fresh water for 30 minutes. Not advised for beach/pool use. Not dust resistant.
Connectivity 5G, LTE, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB-C, Ultra Wide Band
OS Android 11
SIM 2x Nano SIM; 1x eSIM.

Z FLIP3 

The Z Flip2 was completely skipped and Samsung went straight onto the Z Flip3; I suppose it makes sense to release the same versions together since the Fold is 3rd-gen. This is my favourite of the two devices because it’s pocketable; I’m not a fan of a folding tablet. It comes in shades like cream, lavender, green and Phantom black.

The Z Flip3 in Phantom black/green/cream/lavender.

The biggest difference between the Flip3 and last year’s Flip is the cover/notification screen size. It’s now 1.9-inches and you can still use the camera on it – it’s tiny and cute, but not practical for pics.

The new 1.9-inch cover screen

It serves a better purpose as a notification screen so you don’t have to open the phone unnecessarily. You can check schedules, weather, monitor step counts, etc. Samsung Pay is also built into this tiny screen. This dinky little phone has Dolby Atmos.

The Phantom Green is understated.

The Z Flip3 specs list:

Main Display 6.7″ FHD+ at 2640×1080 resolution; 120Hz; 425ppi
Cover Display 1.9″ at 260×512 resolution; 302ppi
Dimensions Folded: 72.2 x 86.4 x 17.1mm; Unfolded: 72.2 x 166.0 x 6.9mm. 183g
Cameras Front: 10MP
Rear: 12MP dual (ultra wide; wide angle OIS). 10x digital zoom, HDR10+ recording; Tracking AF.
Processor 5nm 64-bit Octa-core. 2.84GHz + 2.4GHz + 1.8GHz
Memory 8GB of RAM; 128/256GB of internal storage
Battery 3300mAh. Min capacity 3203mAh.
Charging 15W fast charging; 10W fast wireless; and 4.5W reverse wireless
Durability IPX8 – submerged in 1.5m of fresh water for 30 minutes. Not advised for beach/pool use. Not dust resistant.
Connectivity 5G, LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, USB-C.
OS Android 11
SIM 1x Nano SIM; 1x eSIM.

GALAXY BUDS2

Additionally, the Galaxy Buds2 will be available alongside the new Z Series in these colours: graphite, white, olive and lavender. They have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and feature three adjustable ambient sound levels. The earbuds come in a wireless charging case where a quick 5-minute charge yields an hour playback. The earbuds are 61mAh and the rechargeable case is 472mAh. According to Samsung, it offers up to 5 hours of playback with ANC on and 7.5 hours with ANC off.

WATCH4 

Samsung also announced the Watch4 and Watch4 Classic. I saw it at the display area but did not receive more info ahead of the event. All I know is that you can co-ordinate Cover Screen wallpapers with the Z Series and the Watch4 or Watch4 Classic to match your look.

 

PRICES AND AVAILABILITY

Z Fold3 5G – R37 999
Z Flip3 5G – R21 999

Preorders open 1-16 September
Launch date 17 September

LAUNCH OFFER

If you preorder/order during the promotional period 1-30 September, you get a complimentary gift of the Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Smart Tag, and Samsung Care+ valued at R5200.

Anyone who preorders the Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 will get a year of Samsung Care+ protection, which covers accidental damage, including screen replacement, water damage and back cover replacement.