Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 Follow-Up Review

Introduction

Last month, I published my Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 review, but I do have to say a full review doesn’t really represent everything as we were only given a short period of time to test out the device. I’ve been continuing the device ever since I got the device as I want to dive into more and also to see whether durability is an issue for Samsung’s latest foldable device. Hence, here’s the follow-up review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3, or I should say, a long-term review, if it’s long enough.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 Specs

6.7-inch Full HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate
1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover display
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor
8GB RAM
128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 storage
Rear cameras: 12MP F2.2 ultra-wide + 12MP F1.8 with OIS
10MP front camera
3,300mAh dual battery with 15W fast charging
Samsung One UI 3.1 on top of Android 11
Colors: Cream, Phantom Black, Green, and Lavender

How It Wears

I believe many people are concerned about one thing — the foldable screen. In my full review, I mentioned that the screen feels like glass and there are no scratches or marks on the screen. Though there are some minor scratches on the protective film as expected, there are no marks on the screen even when I use my fingernails to swipe the screen. If I did the same to last year’s Z Flip, I don’t think it will have the same outcome.

My only complaint about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 was the crease at the middle of the screen, which I can feel making the entire scrolling/swiping experience not as pleasant as a normal smartphone. That’s the price you’ll have to pay for owning a foldable device.

I’m not the kind of person who would use the phone without a case. I bought a cheap third-party case from Shopee for my Z Flip3 and it did well protecting the device. If you are planning to use the phone without a case, just make sure you don’t drop the phone as the aluminum frame will get dented, something that happened on my Z Fold3 review unit.

How It Performs

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor with 8GB RAM and either 128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 storage. Overall, I’m quite satisfied with its performance, it’s a flagship processor after all! However, there’s one thing though, it gets hot under heavy load, something that won’t happen on the Exynos 2100 chipset in the S21 Ultra.

I quite enjoy using features like Flex Mode, Edge Panel, and Samsung Pay. You can use Samsung Pay with just the cover screen. All you need to do is swipe up the cover screen then it’ll show you the card you just need to tap the phone on the payment machine to pay instantly.

We all already know that Samsung has improved a lot when it comes to software updates. My Z Flip3 got the new security patch beginning of every month. Phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3, Z Fold3, and S21 Ultra will get at least three years of major software updates and four years of security updates.

In terms of the camera, I rarely take photos nowadays since I’m staying at home most of the time. I won’t purposely take many photos if it wasn’t for reviews. I’m quite satisfied with the ultra-wide and main cameras. Not the top-notch camera, but it gets the job done.

One advantage of having the flip screen is the ability to capture photos or videos without a tripod, just place the phone on a flat surface and it can become a “tripod” on its own.

How It Lasts

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 packs a 3,300mAh battery with 15W fast charging. With a higher refresh rate and more powerful processing power, for sure the Z Flip3’s battery life won’t be as good as its predecessor. However, after using it for a long time, I don’t think it’s an issue at all. On normal days, the phone hardly reaches below 20% before I go to bed, and I have a habit of charging my phone overnight, so it’s not a problem for me.

I’m okay that it only comes with 15W fast charging, but if you have no time to charge your phone, this could be a problem for you.

Final Words

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is now available in Malaysia, retailing at RM3,999 (128GB) and RM4,199 (256GB). The more I use this phone, the more I wish other phones have flip screens. The flip screen helped to make the phone easier to carry around, and Samsung didn’t just stop there, but the company went further by implementing many great features for the flip screen.

If you think the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is a little bit expensive, the company has teamed up with Malaysia’s top service providers to offer you amazing deals. Check out the postpaid plans here.