Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 VS Galaxy Z Flip3 – Which Is The Right Foldable For You?

Recently, we reviewed both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3. They are the newest foldable smartphones that Samsung has to offer, and it piqued the curiosity of many consumers, especially since this is the most affordable foldable devices have become for now. Despite being at different price points, many are uncertain which one to go for. Let us help you with that.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 VS Galaxy Z Flip3

Appearance

Fundamentally, both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 are very different foldable smartphones. The former unfolds to reveal a much bigger display similar to a compact tablet whereas the latter is more akin to the clamshell phones of old, albeit modernized.

As for colors, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is available in Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Green whereas the Galaxy Z Flip3 has more color choices as it comes in Phantom Black, Green, Lavender, Cream, White, Pink, and Gray. The former has a more classic look whereas the latter has a two-toned approach, making it look more aesthetically-pleasing. While I personally don’t like the glossy look of the latter, I can’t deny that it looks better.

For a wider color choice, two-toned look, and the ability to become more compact, we have to award the point to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3

Performance

Both foldable smartphones are powered by the Snapdragon 888 SoC. However, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 has more RAM at 12GB against the Galaxy Z Flip3’s 8GB. With that being said however, 8GB RAM is plenty so I wouldn’t mind too much about it unless you’re a heavy multi-tasker.

One thing that’s worth noting is that Snapdragon 888 is known to have thermal issues as it tends to overheat. While it can get rather warm on the Galaxy Z Flip3, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 barely gets warm based on my own experience. This may be due to the fact that there is more surface area for the heat to spread.

Adding to that, we did run benchmark tests which, objectively speaking, shows that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is the better performer overall. Therefore, the point here will be given to it.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3

User Experience

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 Review – Cover Display

Starting off with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3, you get the best of both worlds with this foldable. You get the standard Android smartphone experience with the Cover Display and get a tablet-like experience with the main display. With improvements to the Cover Display, you don’t lose out on quality when using either of the displays. Furthermore, you also get S Pen support and IPX8 rating, further boosting its versatility.

As for the Galaxy Z Flip3, you get the standard Android smartphone experience with the main display and improved functionality (over its predecessor) with the new, larger Cover Display. However, you can’t do as much on this Cover Display compared to the Fold and it lacks S Pen support. It does have IPX8 water resistance as well, and being able to be superbly compact is definitely a great to have.

This one is hard to decide as it ultimately depends on what you need in a smartphone. For S Pen support and a bigger display, you’re better off with the Fold but if you don’t plan on using the S Pen and prefer something more compact, then the Flip will give you a better experience.

Winner: Draw

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 has a triple-camera system consisting of a 12MP f/1.8 wide-angle camera, 12MP f/2.4 telephoto camera with 2X optical zoom, and 12MP 12mm ultrawide-angle camera. As for selfie cameras, you have a 4MP f/1.8 under display camera and a standard 10MP f/2.2 wide-angle camera on the cover display. You can take great photos and the wider selection gives you better versatility in what you want to capture.

As for the Galaxy Z Flip3, you have a dual-camera system consisting of a 12MP f/1.8 wide-angle camera and a 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle camera, along with a 10MP f/2.4 wide-angle selfie camera. While not having an under display camera isn’t a big deal, the loss of a telephoto camera here means you don’t get optical zoom. Camera performance is certainly comparable, that much is for sure, so if you don’t need to zoom much, it’s fine. However, it’s clear that the Fold will be able to serve consumers better overall.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3

Battery Life

One of the biggest worries about foldable smartphones is the battery capacity. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 has a 4,400mAh battery whereas the Galaxy Z Flip3 has a smaller 3,300mAh battery. From our benchmark test, the Fold can last longer when folded but it’s only slightly worse when unfolded.

This isn’t to mean that the Flip’s battery life is bad however because if we’re looking at standby time, having it closed and relying on its Cover Display will result in it lasting for a long time. Looking at the big picture, we certainly have to award the point to the Fold here.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3

Verdict

Given all the criteria, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 came out as the winner. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s necessarily the perfect fit for you. If you don’t need S Pen support and would rather have something compact, the Galaxy Z Flip3 would be the better choice. Otherwise, the Fold will be the one to satisfy your needs.

If you want to check out our review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3, click right here. If you want to see the Galaxy Z Flip3 review, click here instead.