Release date, specifications, and features for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Release date, specifications, and features for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 2 alongside the Note 20 in August 2020, with full details following in early September 2020. We're approaching a year since the last Fold device, which means a refresh is due.
There have been numerous rumours circulating about the Galaxy Z Fold 3. This feature summarizes everything we've learned about the foldable so far, including what features we might see, when it's expected to be released, and how it might look.
Release date and price
Samsung has scheduled its next Galaxy Unpacked event for 11 August, which is expected to include the announcement of the Galaxy Z Fold 3. According to rumours, the on-sale date could be as early as 27 August.
Price-wise, we'd anticipate it to be comparable to the Galaxy Z Fold 2, which retails for £1799 in the UK and $1999 in the US. Therefore, if you're interested in Samsung's next folding flagship, now may be the time to begin saving.
Design
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is expected to feature the same book-style vertical fold as the original Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 2, with the horizontal fold reserved for the Galaxy Z Flip series. Additionally, we anticipate the hinge offering multiple angles once more. This has been largely confirmed by a series of images leaked on Twitter by Evan Blass (AKA @evleaks). Additional renders from 91Mobiles substantiate the design by revealing three color options.
As previously reported, the Z Fold 3 will be compatible with the S Pen, similar to the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
This could be a slot integrated into the device, similar to the Note, or it could simply mean the S Pen will work when purchased separately, similar to the S21 Ultra. S Pen compatibility rumours surfaced prior to the Galaxy Z Fold 2's unveiling, but it was believed the folding display could not withstand the pressures applied by the stylus, which Samsung appears to have overcome. Additionally, there is talk of a larger S Pen with Bluetooth connectivity, dubbed the S Pen Pro.
A patent application revealed the use of the S Pen on a folding phone resembling the original Galaxy Fold. Additionally, there are leaked images indicating a slightly smaller gap between the two halves of the folding screen – as well as an under-display front camera.
Another patent indicates that the Z Fold 3 - or a future Z Fold device - may use gesture controls rather than buttons, with users able to customize the gestures and actions.
There was some discussion about waterproofing prior to the arrival of the Z Fold 2, but sources indicate that the Z Fold 3 may receive an IP rating – but the level is unknown.
Samsung has also registered the term "Armor Frame" as a trademark. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 may be the first phone to benefit from a new design or material that strengthens the phone's frame. This could also explain why the phone is rumored to be thicker than its predecessor, but with a smaller battery capacity.
Display
When folded, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 will feature a large flexible display on the inside as well as an external display.
The internal display, according to a reliable leaker, will measure 7.56 inches and feature a resolution of 2208 x 1768 pixels. 6.23-inch external display with a resolution of 2268 x 832 pixels Additionally, it has been claimed that the internal display will feature an LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) backplane and a refresh rate of 120Hz.
On the front display, a punch hole camera is expected, while various rumours suggest an under-display camera on the main display.
Hardware and specifications
Under the hood of the Galaxy Z Fold 3, you can expect flagship hardware. No specific specs for the Z Fold 3 have been revealed, but it could be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or 888 Plus, paired with a sizable amount of RAM - probably at least 12GB - and at least 256GB of storage. Alternatively, Samsung could use Exynos in conjunction with an AMD GPU - something the company is reportedly working on.
As previously stated, the battery capacity is claimed to be slightly lower than that of the Galaxy Z Fold 2, but identical to that of the original Fold at 4380mAh. This may seem strange given the phone's perceived thickness, but the thickness is necessary to accommodate additional technology, whether it's pressure-sensitive layers, improved screen management, or the Armor Frame, as discussed.
In terms of connectivity, both the original Fold and the Z Fold 2 supported 5G, and we would anticipate the Z Fold 3 to do the same.
Camera(s)
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 features a triple rear camera and a punch-hole front camera with dual 10-megapixel sensors. The rear camera system consists of three 12-megapixel sensors: a 12-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel telephoto sensor, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor.
According to a July leak, this basic setup will remain largely unchanged. That translates to three 12-megapixel sensors in the back's primary system. This could be due to space constraints, limiting the use of larger sensors and lenses in the phone's design.
