Samsung's newest premium foldables are here. And this time, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G offer water resistance, a more durable, slimmer, and lighter form factors, and S Pen support (at least for the Galaxy Z Fold3).
Both devices get improved durability over their predecessors. The Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 have IPX8 water resistance, allowing submersion in 1.5 deep freshwaters for up to 30 minutes. Both get the 10% stronger Armor Aluminum protecting the hinge and the outer frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 hopes to become your ultimate device for productivity and immersive entertainment. The 7.6-inch Infinity Flex Display is now uninterrupted as Samsung introduces a 4-megapixel under-display camera—a first for any Galaxy device. With its new Eco² display technology, this screen is said to be 29% brighter while consuming less energy.
Scrolling is a smooth experience with a 120Hz refresh rate. That's the same refresh rate for the 6.2-inch Cover Screen, which is now also a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display.
And for the first time, the Galaxy Z series gets S Pen support. This year, there's no Galaxy Note device, but we're getting more devices that support Samsung's stylus.
For the Galaxy Z Fold3, there are two S Pen options. The S Pen Fold Edition has a specially engineered retractable Pro tip with force limit tech to protect the Main Screen. This S Pen doesn't support Bluetooth.
Samsung also offers the S Pen Pro if you want an S Pen that can work with other devices. This option comes with Bluetooth LE and a device switching button to make switching between your Galaxy devices easier.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 gets better Flex mode features, allowing you to do more at once. There's also an improved Multi-Active Window that lets you run apps side by side or adjust depending on how much screen you need. When you want to learn more about a link, a new Drag & Split option lets you open the link in a new window beside the one you're currently using.
Samsung also introduces a new taskbar to make it easier to switch between apps. The experience can be likened to using apps on a PC.
The company mentions improved performance with apps from its partners. Some examples include Google Duo, where the app can automatically zoom in and out to fit everyone in the frame, Microsoft Teams, where you can present while seeing the participants' reactions or use the app's whiteboard explicitly built for the Fold. It's also still possible to drag and drop content from one Microsoft app to another or run two instances of the same app.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 comes with 12GB of RAM, 256GB or 512GB of storage, and a 4,400mAh dual battery. The Galaxy Z Fold3 has a 10-megapixel camera on the Cover Screen, while the triple rear cameras are all 12-megapixel sensors (wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto).
Now, if you a more sleek and compact foldable, Samsung introduces the Galaxy Z Flip3. Its Cover Screen is now four times larger at 1.9-inch. This Cover Screen gets new widgets that let you do things like keeping up with your schedule, checking the weather, and monitoring their daily step count, pay with Samsung Pay, among other things. The Cover Screen wallpaper can also be customized to reflects each user's personality or outfit of the day. You can even match it with the new Galaxy Watch4's watch face.
You can take your selfies quickly without needing to unfold the device or take advantage of hands-free Flex mode for more creative shots. The rear cameras beside the Cover Screen are two 12-megapixel cameras. One is an ultra-wide lens, and the other is a wide lens. In the foldable screen, there's a cutout for the 10-megapixel selfie camera.
That inner display is a 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. You can enjoy more content on this screen with the addition of stereo speakers, which the Galaxy Z Fold3 also has.
It comes with 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, and a 3,300mAh battery. Samsung offers more customizability with new ring grips and strap-type accessories for the Galaxy Z Flip3.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G are available for pre-order starting August 11, 2021, and purchase beginning August 27, 2021, at samsung.com/ca, Samsung Experience Stores, and retail/carrier partners across Canada.
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: The 256GB model is available in Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Green for CAD 2,269.99. The 512GB model is available in Phantom Black for CAD 2,409.99.
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G: The 128GB model is available in Phantom Black, Lavender, Cream, and Green for CAD 1,259.99. The 256GB model is available in Phantom Black for CAD 1,329.99.
You can read more about pre-order freebies and gifts here.