Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G: Premium Foldable Smartphone Overview

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

Basic Overview

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G (model codes: SM-F926B for global variant, SM-F926U for US carriers) is a premium foldable smartphone released by Samsung Electronics on August 27, 2021, as the third generation of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. Positioned at the top tier of Samsung’s mobile lineup, it builds on the Z Fold2’s design with key upgrades—including an IPX8 water resistance rating, S Pen compatibility, and a larger, more durable inner foldable display. As a foldable device, it combines the portability of a compact smartphone (when folded) with the productivity of a tablet-sized screen (when unfolded), targeting power users, business professionals, and early adopters of foldable technology. The Z Fold3 5G marked Samsung’s first foldable device to support S Pen input, bridging the gap between the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Note lineups.

Key Specifications

Category	Details
Displays	Outer Cover Display6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2268×832 resolution (389 ppi), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1–120Hz), HDR10+ support, Gorilla Glass Victus+ frontInner Foldable Display7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2208×1768 resolution (374 ppi), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR10+ support, Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG 2.0) for durability, S Pen compatible (only Z Fold3-exclusive S Pen Pro or S Pen Fold Edition)Both displays: 1200 nits peak brightness
Processor & Memory	Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (octa-core: 1×2.84GHz Cortex-X1 + 3×2.42GHz Cortex-A78 + 4×1.8GHz Cortex-A55)Adreno 660 GPURAM: 12GB LPDDR5Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB UFS 3.1 (non-expandable, no microSD slot)
Cameras	Rear Triple-Camera System– 12MP wide-angle lens: f/1.8 aperture, OIS, Dual Pixel AF, 1/1.76″ sensor- 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens: f/2.2 aperture, 123° FOV, 1/2.55″ sensor- 12MP telephoto lens: f/2.4 aperture, 2× optical zoom, OIS, 1/3.54″ sensorVideo recording: 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR10+ video, Super Steady stabilizationCover Display Front Camera10MP selfie lens: f/2.2 aperture, AFInner Display Under-Screen Camera (UDC)4MP selfie lens: f/1.8 aperture, fixed focus (invisible under the inner display for unobstructed viewing)
S Pen Support	Compatible with S Pen Pro and S Pen Fold Edition (not included in box, sold separately)4096 pressure levels, 9ms latency, supports Air Actions, note-taking, drawing, and remote controlNo built-in S Pen slot (requires external case for storage)
Battery & Charging	Non-removable dual-cell lithium-ion battery, 4400 mAh total capacityCharging: 25W wired fast charging (USB-C), 15W Qi wireless charging, Wireless PowerShare (reverse wireless charging for accessories)No charger included in box
Design & Build	Foldable clamshell design (book-style fold)Materials: Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ (outer display), Ultra-Thin Glass 2.0 (inner display), plastic back panelDimensions: Folded: 158.2×72.8×14.4 mm; Unfolded: 158.2×128.1×6.4 mmWeight: 271 gramsWater/Dust Resistance: IPX8 rating (resistant to immersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes; no dust resistance rating)Color Options: Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Green, Phantom Lavender
Connectivity	5G (sub-6GHz + mmWave, region-dependent), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB-C 3.2, GPS/GNSS, Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip for Galaxy SmartTag+ trackingNo 3.5mm headphone jack
Software	Initial OS: Android 11 with One UI 3.1Maximum upgrade: Android 14 with One UI 6.1Support: 4 years of OS updates + 5 years of security patchesKey Software Features: App Pairing (run two apps side-by-side), Multi-Active Window (up to 3 apps simultaneously), Flex Mode (adjust screen angle for hands-free use), Taskbar for quick app switching
Biometrics & Security	Side-mounted fingerprint sensor (integrated into power button)2D face recognition (via cover display front camera; not secure for payments)

Core Features & Innovations

IPX8 Water ResistanceA breakthrough upgrade from the Z Fold2, the Z Fold3 5G is rated IPX8 water-resistant, making it the first Samsung foldable device to withstand accidental water exposure (immersion in 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes). This addressed a major durability concern for foldable users, expanding the device’s usability in wet environments.
S Pen CompatibilityThe Z Fold3 5G introduced S Pen support for the inner foldable display, a first for the Z Fold series. It works exclusively with the S Pen Pro and S Pen Fold Edition (designed to be thinner and gentler on the Ultra-Thin Glass to avoid scratches). The S Pen enables productivity features like screen-off note-taking, precision drawing, and Air Actions for remote control, aligning the Z Fold3 with the Galaxy Note’s productivity-focused identity.
120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate DisplaysBoth the outer cover display and inner foldable display feature a 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate, adjusting dynamically based on content (e.g., 1Hz for static screens to save battery, 120Hz for smooth scrolling and gaming). This delivers a fluid user experience while optimizing battery efficiency.
Under-Screen Camera (UDC) on Inner DisplayThe 4MP under-screen selfie camera on the inner display is hidden beneath the panel, eliminating the need for a notch or punch-hole and providing an unobstructed full-screen view for multitasking and media consumption. While image quality is slightly compromised compared to traditional front cameras, it is a key step toward truly bezel-less foldable displays.
Flex Mode & Multi-Window ProductivityFlex Mode allows the device to be folded at a 90° angle, splitting the screen into two halves—ideal for hands-free video calls, watching content, or using the bottom half as a virtual keyboard. Multi-Active Window supports running up to three apps simultaneously on the inner display, making it a powerful tool for multitasking professionals.

Limitations & Criticisms

No Built-In S Pen Slot & Sold-Separately StylusUnlike Galaxy Note models, the Z Fold3 5G has no integrated S Pen slot. Users must purchase a separate protective case with an S Pen holder, adding cost and bulk to the device. The compatible S Pen models are also sold separately, increasing the total cost of ownership.
Under-Screen Camera Image QualityThe 4MP under-screen selfie camera produces softer, less detailed photos compared to the 10MP cover display camera, due to the pixel density of the overlaying display panel. It is best suited for video calls rather than high-quality selfies.
No Dust ResistanceWhile IPX8 water-resistant, the Z Fold3 5G lacks an IP dust resistance rating. Dust and debris can accumulate in the hinge over time, potentially affecting the device’s durability with prolonged use.
Battery Life & Charging SpeedThe 4400 mAh battery struggles to power the dual 120Hz displays for a full day of heavy use, with typical screen-on time ranging from 6–8 hours. Additionally, 25W wired charging is slower than competitors’ 65W+ fast charging solutions, and no charger is included in the box.
High Price PointWith a starting price of ~$1,799, the Z Fold3 5G remains prohibitively expensive for mainstream users, limiting its adoption to early adopters and professionals.

Legacy & Market Position

The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G was a pivotal release for Samsung’s foldable lineup, as it addressed key durability and functionality gaps of previous Z Fold models. Its IPX8 water resistance and S Pen support made it a more practical daily driver, while the 120Hz displays improved the user experience. It solidified Samsung’s dominance in the global foldable smartphone market (holding over 70% market share in 2021) and set a benchmark for future foldable devices. While succeeded by the Z Fold4 (2022) and Z Fold5 (2023) with thinner hinges and faster charging, the Z Fold3 5G is remembered as the first foldable device to merge Samsung’s foldable and Note lineups, defining the modern foldable productivity smartphone.