Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G (12GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

The GadgetGuy review positions the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G as a durable, "finished" foldable that transitions from a concept to a daily driver, featuring IPX8 water resistance and a stronger "Armor Aluminium" frame. Key pros include a 7.6-inch 120Hz display, S Pen support, and unmatched multitasking capabilities, though it remains heavy and acts as a dust and fingerprint magnet. While praised for performance, the device faces cons like significant thermal throttling of the Snapdragon 888, mediocre battery life, slow 25W charging, and a poor 4MP under-display camera.

The CNET review of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 describes it as a highly refined device with significant durability upgrades, including IPX8 water resistance, a more robust "Armor Aluminum" frame, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate on both screens. Despite these advancements, the phone remains very bulky, and its battery struggles to last a full day, representing a significant compromise. While praised for its multitasking capabilities and 7.6-inch screen, the high $1,800 price point and subpar under-display camera make it a niche product for early adopters rather than a mainstream recommendation.

Engadget's review characterizes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 as a more refined, durable, and mature device featuring IPX8 water resistance, a 120Hz cover screen, and S Pen support for the 7.6-inch display. Despite these improvements, the device faces significant cons, including a lower-quality under-display camera that remains visible and rear cameras that underperform compared to competitors. While offering solid performance and acceptable battery life, the high $1,800 price point and lingering software optimization issues make it a device tailored for early adopters.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 and Fold3 reach a level of maturity making them recommendable to a general audience, offering IPX8 water resistance, improved durability, and fast Snapdragon 888 processors with 120-Hz screens. Despite these improvements, they remain expensive, relatively fragile luxury devices, as noted in the WIRED review. The Galaxy Z Flip3 is lauded for its compact, stylish design, improved 1.9-inch cover screen, and functional Flex Mode. However, it suffers from poor battery life that struggles to last a full day and lacks a telephoto lens. WIREDThe Galaxy Z Fold3 acts as a powerful multitasking, mini-tablet device with an excellent 7.6-inch inner display. Cons include its bulky, heavy design, disappointing under-display camera quality, and mediocre battery life. WIRED

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is characterized by CGMagazine as a premium-priced, versatile tablet-phone hybrid, boasting an impressive 7.6-inch foldable main screen that excels in media consumption and multitasking. Despite this, the device is considered a niche product due to a narrow, impractical 6.2-inch cover screen and a high price point that may not justify its features for the average consumer. While praised for its innovative folding technology and superior main display, the phone is criticized for its bulky form factor, high cost, and lack of standout "pro-level" features beyond the screen itself. Comics Gaming Magazine

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a highly refined, durable, and productive foldable featuring an IPX8 water resistance rating, an "Armor Aluminium" frame, and a 120Hz 7.6-inch main display. Key pros include enhanced durability and strong multitasking performance, though the device remains bulky and expensive. Despite supporting the S Pen, the stylus is not included or storable. The camera system, including a 4MP under-display lens, and the 4,400mAh battery provide underwhelming performance compared to top-tier flagships, often struggling to last a full day.

The DXOMARK display review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G awarded the device a score of 89, noting the 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main screen offers exceptional smoothness, high-end color accuracy, and an immersive, 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate. Key pros highlighted include the device's high-quality HDR10 video rendering and precise touch responsiveness, making it a top performer for media and productivity. Conversely, significant cons involve poor outdoor readability due to limited peak brightness and a consistently visible yellow cast and oversaturated color profile. Furthermore, the central crease remains prominent in most lighting, and the under-display camera area suffers from a noticeable, distracting crosshatch pattern. Despite these issues, the device delivers a solid,, high-quality viewing experience, with strong video playback performance and a unique, premium design, per the DXOMARK analysis.

The DXOMARK review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G shows a significant performance leap, achieving an overall camera score of 124. Featuring a triple 12MP rear setup, the device excelled in accurate target exposure, neutral white balance, and vivid color reproduction in both stills and 4K video, often outperforming the Galaxy S21 Ultra in key areas. Despite improvements, the device is limited by a lack of a long-range periscope lens for high-magnification zoom, reduced detail in low-light environments, and frequent artifacts such as highlight clipping. Video, while generally stable and featuring smooth exposure, suffers from noise in low-light, occasional stabilization vibrations, and low-quality output from the under-display camera.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G is a significant refinement, transitioning foldable technology into a capable tool with its improved 7.6-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and S Pen support. Key enhancements include an IPX8 water-resistance rating and a durable, "Armor Aluminum" frame. Despite these advancements, the device faces challenges with a high price point and an underwhelming 4MP under-display camera. Furthermore, the narrow 6.2-inch cover display is deemed awkward for typing, and the center screen crease remains visible. Performance is top-tier, although the 4,400mAh battery can drain rapidly during heavy usage. For more details, visit T3.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is identified as a robust, refined foldable for power users, featuring an immersive 7.6-inch display with dual 120Hz refresh rates, improved durability, and S Pen support. Key advancements include IPX8 water resistance, a strengthened "Armor Aluminum" frame, and a functional under-display camera that maximizes screen real estate. However, the device faces significant drawbacks, including a high $1,799 price point, subpar battery life lasting under 8 hours, and a bulky form factor. Furthermore, the 4MP under-display camera produces mediocre images, and the rear camera system lacks upgrades from its predecessor, falling short of premium candy-bar phones. While multitasking is enhanced by a new taskbar and optimized apps, the phone remains a premium, niche luxury product.

The TechRadar review deems the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 a durable, refined foldable for early adopters, featuring IPX8 water resistance, an 80% stronger 7.6-inch display, and new S Pen support. Key positives include the 120Hz inner screen for multitasking, the innovative under-display camera, and high-performance specs like the Snapdragon 888, although the stylus is sold separately. Conversely, drawbacks include unchanged, underwhelming camera hardware, subpar battery life, and a high $1,799 price point.

Counterpoint Research's long-term review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 highlights it as a significant engineering advancement offering enhanced durability, including an IPX8 water resistance rating. Pros include industry-leading multi-window multitasking and S Pen support, while cons involve the low-resolution under-display camera and the absence of an internal S Pen silo. Software optimization is inconsistent, with praise for major Android upgrades but criticism for many third-party apps not adapting well to the displays' aspect ratios.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is presented as a breakthrough foldable device ready for mainstream adoption, primarily due to improvements in durability, including IPX8 water resistance and a more robust screen protector, alongside the addition of S Pen support. It offers blazing speed with its Snapdragon 888 processor, 12GB of RAM, and dual 120Hz displays, though its internal under-display camera provides mediocre 4MP photos and is visibly noticeable. Drawbacks include its high price, the separately sold S Pen without integrated storage, reliable but not top-tier 12MP rear cameras lacking strong zoom, and battery life that is merely adequate with slow 25W charging.

According to a 2021 review, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is considered a "technological marvel" due to its enhanced durability, including IPX8 water resistance, and its 7.6-inch internal display, which is ideal for multitasking and media consumption. Pros include the Snapdragon 888 chip for performance comparable to other flagships, improved One UI software for multitasking, S Pen support, and a faster fingerprint scanner, though the under-display camera quality is noted as grainy. However, the device is expensive (£1,599), heavy, lacks dust resistance, and its internal screen is prone to marking; the camera system lacks competitive optical zoom, and battery life is variable and shorter than some competitors.

HotHardware reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G, noting it made significant improvements in durability with an 'Armor Aluminium' frame and IPX8 water resistance, earning it a "HotHardware Approved" designation despite its high price. Pros include its dual 120Hz displays, productivity benefits from the large screen and S Pen support. Cons encompass its thick and heavy folded form factor, visible screen crease, camera performance that doesn't match top flagships, a low-quality under-display camera, lack of dust resistance, and the omission of a charger.

According to Mashable, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a more durable model than its predecessor with a thinner frame and hinge, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate on both displays and an IPX8 water resistance rating. While multitasking is improved and S Pen support is added, the under-display camera produces low-quality images, and the high price point, lack of S Pen storage, and chunky folded design remain drawbacks.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is presented as a high-end, innovative hybrid that successfully addresses several durability concerns of previous models while remaining a niche product for tech enthusiasts. Despite advancements such as IPX8 water resistance, a reinforced "Armor Aluminum" frame, Gorilla Glass Victus, and S Pen support, the device faces significant compromises in battery life and camera quality. Ergonomics and a high price point remain primary barriers to mainstream adoption, with the device described as heavy and bulky.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is presented as a refined foldable that bridges the gap between experimental gadget and a premium smartphone, notable for its improved engineering, water resistance, and productivity features. Key benefits include IPX8 water resistance, a stronger frame and hinge, dual 120Hz displays, and robust multitasking capabilities with S Pen support. However, the device's high price, awkward folded form, average cameras, visible under-display camera outline, separate S Pen purchase, and mediocre battery life are identified as significant drawbacks.

PCMag describes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G as a technically impressive, unique device praised for enhanced durability, S Pen support, and powerful performance, though its high price keeps it a niche product. The review highlights the excellent multitasking capabilities of the large inner display and well-optimized software as strengths, while noting drawbacks like the visible inner screen crease, lack of dust resistance, a basic under-display camera, and significant weight.