After a couple of days of tapping, scrolling and folding with Samsung’s trendy Galaxy Z Flip3 model, here are our complete thoughts.
The phone itself performs the same, if not better than your average smartphone. Equipped with the same chip that was installed in Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S21 model, released earlier this year, this phone is incredibly responsive and fast. Everything happens at speed allowing you to bounce from app to app smoothly.
Catching up on Youtube and Netflix is a easy with the Flip3’s rich sound system and sharp video quality, courtesy of Samsung’s AMOLED screens and Dolby Atmos stereo speakers. This also means you won’t be trading off any rich detail, brilliant colours and great contrast when you decide to switch the foldable. This visual and audio quality translates easily when making Zoom or phone calls as well, offering excellent call quality.
The Flip3’s cameras are also decent, offering one wide and one ultra-wide lens to play around with. What’s great is that you can use the cover screen as a preview and take advantage of your superior rear cameras for selfies and even video calls, with the phone closed. All with a quick double-press of the side button. The display only shows a portion of your shot, but this feature is incredibly useful if you’ve got your hands full.
The battery life holds up comfortably throughout the day. The Flip3 also comes with wireless charging capabilities that lets you top up the charge easily if a compatible charging pad is nearby.
One thing to keep in mind about the phone design, especially for loyal wired headphone users, is that the Flip3 doesn’t come with a 3.5mm headphone jack. However, when pairing with other devices, such as Bluetooth headphones, the phone picks up the connection very swiftly.
The Flip3’s most noticeable feature is its cover screen. It measures a spacious 1.9 inches diagonally, so you can comfortably view the time, notifications, what you’re listening to or one of Samsung’s many animations. Although you still end up opening the phone for more detailed notifications and messages, you can launch the app from the outer display so it’d ready to go when you flip the phone open.
There’s also a neat finger scanner located on the start button, so you can open your phone in one swift motion and access all your apps without relocating your print. The phone’s facial and retinal recognition also helps you pick up the pace when unlocking your screen.
The phone itself is surprisingly sturdy for its mechanics, armed with Armour Aluminium and Gorilla Glass. The more important factor to consider is the hinge. Samsung’s previous models seemed more fragile, but that’s not the case with this recent upgrade. Although the Flip3 is flexible, to say the least, it is reassuring to know that the hinge feels a bit tight when you perform a folding motion, allowing its design to appear more durable and secure.
One of the more concerning factors about its initial design was its water resistance, especially around the hinge, but this has now been resolved thanks to a full IPX8 water resistance rating to show. Meaning you wouldn’t have to worry about getting it wet after a splash in the pool.
Plus, the phone itself comes with an additional layer of protection in the form of its screen protector. You probably won’t even notice it’s there since it’s quite thin, but it is impressively strong.
All in all, the Galaxy Z Flip3 is a fantastic phone to snap up for a decently affordable price, compared with its predecessor. Not only does it make a great conversation starter, it looks and feels very upscale and fashionable but also functional.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is currently available in stores and online for RM3,999.
