We have had the new foldables from Samsung for about a week now and there are a few changes that we absolutely need to talk about it now.
While I have read comments saying that the Galaxy Z Fold3 is an iterative release with not that many changes from the Galaxy Z Fold2, I disagree. It doesn’t look like much has changed on paper – but there are plenty of upgrades that further elevates the user experience.
So, let’s talk about 5 new upgrades that are found on the Galaxy Z Fold3 here.
We also have another “5 new upgrades on the Samsung Galaxy Flip3” article too – check it out here.
1. Under Display Camera (UDC)
Once unfolded, we’re greeted with a massive main 7.6-inch screen and the notch is nowhere in sight. That is because the Galaxy Z Fold3 marks the first-ever smartphone from Samsung to be using this technology and it’s on a foldable device.
From the past week I’ve spent with the Galaxy Z Fold3, I like this UDC more than a literal cutout on the display. There is an octagonal area on the main display that is lower in pixel density. The selfie camera is located underneath the camera.
This cutout also works in tandem with the basic principle of how AMOLED screens work. If we’re viewing a dark image, then the low pixel density octagon will blend in with the rest of the screen. When a white image is viewed, then we can see that octagonal shape.
It’s not that obvious and it’s definitely better-looking than a circular cutout. However, we’ll test out the selfie camera in our upcoming review.
2. New pre-installed screen protector
One thing that I complained in our initial review of the Galaxy Z Fold2 was the layer on top of the unfolded display’s ultra-thin glass. It got grimy and had a lot of fingerprints – and I found out that I wasn’t the only one saying the same thing.
So what Samsung did with the Galaxy Z Fold3 was to use PET material as the screen protector. It is a strong yet lightweight and clear material. In fact, it is so strong that the Galaxy Z Fold3’s big screen can literally be poked with the new S Pen.
From what I can feel, the crease is now even more difficult to see and the screen is also tougher than before. I always push against the screen to fold the device.
3. IPX8-rating
I still find it to be surreal. I mean, I can now throw a foldable device into the water? What?
Something just doesn’t click in my brain. How does water not get into the hinge, and subsequently into the phone’s motherboard and whatnot? I can even fold or unfold when the device is underwater. Doesn’t the water get pushed around and potentially squeezed into some sensitive components?
Anyway, with that said, the Galaxy Z Fold3 is IPX8-rated. That still feels surreal to me.
4. Smaller, sleeker design
On paper, the Galaxy Z Fold3 is not that much smaller than the Galaxy Z Fold2. When I first saw the size comparison, I brushed it off as nothing major – but I realized that those few millimeters do make a huge impact.
Once I held the Galaxy Z Fold3 in my hands, yea – it’s indeed smaller, sleeker, and generally more comfortable to hold in the hands.
5. Cover display with 120Hz refresh rate
This isn’t much of a big deal to me personally, but I do appreciate that both the cover display and main display have 120Hz refresh rate. It provides a more consistent user experience across both displays – especially for apps that continue to work when switching between the cover display and the main display.
6. Bonus: S Pen support
The Galaxy Z Fold3 is the first-ever foldable device to support an active stylus. However, you do need to purchase a new S Pen that is made specifically for the Galaxy Z Fold3.
Lower price, too
If you ever want to get the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 for yourself, then go on ahead. The prices starts at RM6,699 and it is available at Samsung.com or through these links below:
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