I initially "upgraded" my Fold 2 to a Flip 3 - I was curious about the clamshell flip style and I figured that, since I hardly ever unfolded the screen, I wasn't really losing much.I was losing much. I hadn't counted on the difference that the larger battery, faster processor, more ram - and the OPTION to unfold into a larger screen, rather than the other way around - all made to the experience. Woof! Consider me educated. I opted to grab this because specs-wise it seems pretty similar to the Fold 4 and a lot more affordable, and I love it. I'd heard horror stories about the Fold 3's battery life, and while it's too early to tell (I'm still in the can't-put-it-down honeymoon phase), it doesn't seem to be much different from the Flip 3, so I'm okay with it.The ... MoreI initially "upgraded" my Fold 2 to a Flip 3 - I was curious about the clamshell flip style and I figured that, since I hardly ever unfolded the screen, I wasn't really losing much.I was losing much. I hadn't counted on the difference that the larger battery, faster processor, more ram - and the OPTION to unfold into a larger screen, rather than the other way around - all made to the experience. Woof! Consider me educated. I opted to grab this because specs-wise it seems pretty similar to the Fold 4 and a lot more affordable, and I love it. I'd heard horror stories about the Fold 3's battery life, and while it's too early to tell (I'm still in the can't-put-it-down honeymoon phase), it doesn't seem to be much different from the Flip 3, so I'm okay with it.The stylus support is a little niche, but you'd be surprised how much easier it is to literally write a long wall of text rather than use a phone keyboard. And, lucky me, the seller that I purchased my model from included (as extras) not only a case, but also TWO styli - handy, since I bought a Fold 3 for my wife as well. Good looking out, Brandon.All in all, if you're: 1) curious about folding phones, 2) wanting something on the newer side, and 3) not NEEDING the latest and greatest with your entire being, you'll make out pretty well with the Fold 3. Maybe just make sure you have a couple of wireless chargers sitting around the house, though, just in case.

Almost perfect

I pre ordered the Z Fold 3 the day after it was announced and received it on August 26. I was already nearly convinced about foldables with the Z Fold 2, but durability concerns made me wait a year. And it was worth it, the Fold 2 proved to be able to withstand the regular use of a year, and the Fold 3 came in with the perfect changes, SPen support, and water resistance (dust resistance would've been nice, but, baby steps).With a little over a month of usage, I can say that having this much screen fit in my pocket is something out of this world. For a person who reads book, manga, and does most of his regular browsing and lots and lots of youtube on his phone, this has been exactly what I've been craving, a tablet in my pocket. The screen is bright enough for ... MoreI pre ordered the Z Fold 3 the day after it was announced and received it on August 26. I was already nearly convinced about foldables with the Z Fold 2, but durability concerns made me wait a year. And it was worth it, the Fold 2 proved to be able to withstand the regular use of a year, and the Fold 3 came in with the perfect changes, SPen support, and water resistance (dust resistance would've been nice, but, baby steps).With a little over a month of usage, I can say that having this much screen fit in my pocket is something out of this world. For a person who reads book, manga, and does most of his regular browsing and lots and lots of youtube on his phone, this has been exactly what I've been craving, a tablet in my pocket. The screen is bright enough for outdoor use, responsive, and durable, I haven't taken any special precautions with it and it doesn't have a single scratch, and I'm an automotive technician, and this is my pocket or hands the whole day at work while I rough it out (albeit it I'd covered by the Spigen Slim Armor Pro, which I also pre ordered and got even before the phone itself arrived).On to the issues:SPen - While it's great it supports the SPen, it not being inside the phone is a bother. The Samsung SPen flip cover is horrible, I ended up leaving it in a drawer and just having the SPen in my pocket because it's really too flimsy for regular use. So this leaves me with the annoyance of having the SPen plus the big a** phone in my pocket at all times. Definitely needs to be inside.Battery: This is the worst part, although after adaptive battery ended up adapting it got waaay better, it's still pretty bad. And bad battery doesn't bother me too much, it's the fact that it charges soooo slow. Especially compared to my previous phone, which had a similar size battery and could charge to 100% in about an hour while I was using it. Perfect to refill during the lunch hour. But this thing barely charges quick enough (about 30%-50% in the same time-frame), 25W just isn't enough for such an "Okay sized" battery in such a power hungry phone, I wouldn't have an issue with the battery draining moderately quick if it charged fast as hell. But this slow charging plus fast drain had me setting up "fast chargers" for it in all my common use places. (SOT is about 5-6 hours on average with YouTube being the most used app during the day).Software: It's just been a month of use and I'm already starting to feel some slow downs here and there. Apps suddenly freezing up,and then suddenly working fine again after a couple of seconds. This was one of the main reasons I had left Samsung a few years ago for other Android manufacturers, and I thought it would be smooth now with OneUI, and it is, when it works, but it still lags way too much compared to other Android flagships. I'm kinda crossing my fingers for these issues to be sorted with software updates, but I guess time will tell.Conclusion: If you're not bothered by the cons I mentioned, this phone is definitely worth it, the screen real state, SPen support, and being able to sit in the shower or take a bath while reading something without the worry of it getting wet is great. I definitely would recommend it for anyone that consumes a lot of media, manages a lot of files on their phone or tablet, and takes both on the go, as this definitely can substitute both. Cameras are definitely flagship despite not having the biggest sensors, check out the reddit and you'll see quite beautiful shots that can be taken with it. I have no complain in that department, and video is probably the best I've seen in any Android phone, definitely on par if not better than iPhone 12 Pro Max in the video department, which is a lot to say. All in all, I do think the purchase was worth it as of now, and is the nuances I mentioned get corrected with updates, it'll be great. That being said, If next year the Fold 4 comes with integrated SPen, I will trade this in, in a heartbeat.

Great improvement Over the Z Fold 2!

Having owned the Galaxy Z Fold 2, this is a huge improvement in almost all aspects, especially the battery. At first I was skeptical due to the fact that the Z Fold 3 actually has a smaller battery than the Z Fold 2, but to my surprise the battery life is actually drastically longer than its predecessor! The hinge is smaller and the inner screen feels more solid as well. On the Z Fold 2 after a year, the inner screen protector started to peel along the crease but on the Z Fold 3 the inner screen protector is still in mint condition. Overall I am impressed on how much Samsung improved and am looking forward to upgrade when the next Galaxy Z Fold is released!The only thing that I wished they would have included on this phone is the Samsung Pay Magnetic Secure ... MoreHaving owned the Galaxy Z Fold 2, this is a huge improvement in almost all aspects, especially the battery. At first I was skeptical due to the fact that the Z Fold 3 actually has a smaller battery than the Z Fold 2, but to my surprise the battery life is actually drastically longer than its predecessor! The hinge is smaller and the inner screen feels more solid as well. On the Z Fold 2 after a year, the inner screen protector started to peel along the crease but on the Z Fold 3 the inner screen protector is still in mint condition. Overall I am impressed on how much Samsung improved and am looking forward to upgrade when the next Galaxy Z Fold is released!The only thing that I wished they would have included on this phone is the Samsung Pay Magnetic Secure Transmission feature it retired. My Galaxy Z Fold 2 had the feature. Some places in my hometown still do not have NFC so MST was the perfect solution. Also, I loved the look on people faces when I proved to them that I could pay with my phone even if they had an older card reader lol

Love my Phone but..

The phone has been great but not perfect. The biggest issue is the peeling of the folded screen protector, though it's not as bad as the flip3. The shell of the phone seems pretty fragile, the phone has minor little chips from sliding out of my pocket in the car and falling between the seats. This is easily prevented with a case but that's my 3rd issue with the phone, case selection. Unlike most standard the folds unique design has limited the case styles making it harder to find a case with all the features you may need. Also the cases seem to be way more expensive than other phones. Lastly compatibility with gaming pads may lead to issues, though never tried myself.For the positives, the phone is definitely impressive. It's fast, clear has a great size screen ... MoreThe phone has been great but not perfect. The biggest issue is the peeling of the folded screen protector, though it's not as bad as the flip3. The shell of the phone seems pretty fragile, the phone has minor little chips from sliding out of my pocket in the car and falling between the seats. This is easily prevented with a case but that's my 3rd issue with the phone, case selection. Unlike most standard the folds unique design has limited the case styles making it harder to find a case with all the features you may need. Also the cases seem to be way more expensive than other phones. Lastly compatibility with gaming pads may lead to issues, though never tried myself.For the positives, the phone is definitely impressive. It's fast, clear has a great size screen when opened and if you watch alot of shows on your phone while not minding the smaller screen, you can partially fold the phone to use it as it's own stand. I love this feature as I like playing something to fall asleep to and now I don't need the tv on that's so bright it wakes the wife. The camera is really good but not on par with the s22 ultra.Overall great phone, I don't see myself going back to a non fold phone, again though it isn't perfect.Recommend to everyone except those wanting the best phone cameras, really abusive on their devices, and possibly gamers who want to connect a controller.

Not The Best Smartphone - And That's The Point

After trying many other types of smartphones and taking a long break from Android, my first Samsung device was the ill-fated Note 7. I was so impressed with that phone that despite the battery issues I preordered a Note 8 and later a Note 10. I have no real complaints for any of them, as each represented an excellent refinement of traditional hardware that offered the best smartphone experience available.That refinement is finally reaching the Z Fold line, with some caveats. Let's not pretend that this is the best smartphone experience available; it's the same energy as the Note, but applied to something entirely different, and that's really the point. Samsung has taken a concept most people would have said was completely impossible as recently as a few years ago ... MoreAfter trying many other types of smartphones and taking a long break from Android, my first Samsung device was the ill-fated Note 7. I was so impressed with that phone that despite the battery issues I preordered a Note 8 and later a Note 10. I have no real complaints for any of them, as each represented an excellent refinement of traditional hardware that offered the best smartphone experience available.That refinement is finally reaching the Z Fold line, with some caveats. Let's not pretend that this is the best smartphone experience available; it's the same energy as the Note, but applied to something entirely different, and that's really the point. Samsung has taken a concept most people would have said was completely impossible as recently as a few years ago and made it not just work, but work rather well, to the point that if you buy this instead of a normal smartphone you can rely on it. That is impressive all on its own, and echoes the push to big screens that Samsung led many years ago which shaped the modern smartphone landscape.So, why buy this phone? Rather unsurprisingly, if you find yourself doing anything that would benefit from more screen real estate but don't find it practical to have a tablet or laptop at hand, this makes a world of difference. This review is typed entirely on the Z Fold 3, much more comfortably than it could have been on my Note 10. Reading is also greatly improved, for both text and comics. It also offers a great deal more space to work with when drawing with an S Pen, and for playing games that benefit from the large square viewing area. It's also actually easier on the pocket than a Note 10 due to the tradeoff of width for thickness, and a little easier to use the left side if front screen one-handed due to its narrow profile.Why might you steer clear of this one? If you need all day batter from your phone with heavy use and no ability to charge, and can get by with the smaller screen (or use a supplementary device like a tablet or laptop) then there's little appeal, especially when you can afford to get a better phone and better tablet separately for lower cost. This is also not a great device for video content given the prevalence of wide-screen ratios, which means you end up with black margins that make the video worse than it would be on an ordinary phone. You also can't use the screen-off memo from the Note series with the front screen, only the inside screen, rendering that feature far less useful. No removable storage is also painful if you like to carry a lot of content on your phone, and the cameras are passable, not top-of-the-line.Bottom line: The Z Fold 3 is not a perfect device. I think more than anything else, I would have liked to have an included stylus and/or great battery life. But the quibbles are minor - the battery life isn't bad, and the stylus support is there albeit without onboard storage. The screen crease is still present, albeit inoffensive and usually unnoticed. And apps are still getting used to the form factor, which leads to some quirks. But that's about all I can say about the downsides - and again, for a fully functional device that can fold in half with the durability to be a daily driver, that is incredible.I highly recommend trying one of these to anyone who stands to benefit from the versatility of the inside screen more than they stand to lose from the compromises mentioned above. The Z Fold 3 easily earns 5 stars not because it is a perfect phone, but because it is a marvelous remaining of what a mobile device can be.

Screen Goes Wonky Then Out/Black--Completely...

I was soooo super excited to have this unique phone--until I peeled the clear screen protector off of it (because it began to bubble--especially in the fold of the phone).What Samsung DOESN'T tell you is that if you pull that plastic screen off the phone (when opened) your entire wide screen will go wonky and then eventually out.This phone cost wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much to not have a warning sticker regarding that flaw.The ONLY redeeming thing about losing use of the wide open screen is that (once the phone is closed) there is a front side of the phone. It is very thing in width but you can still scroll/use your phone for the Internet, cell phone etc. as normal.The OTHER messed up part about it is that Samsung would not exchange it (even for a refurb ... MoreI was soooo super excited to have this unique phone--until I peeled the clear screen protector off of it (because it began to bubble--especially in the fold of the phone).What Samsung DOESN'T tell you is that if you pull that plastic screen off the phone (when opened) your entire wide screen will go wonky and then eventually out.This phone cost wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy too much to not have a warning sticker regarding that flaw.The ONLY redeeming thing about losing use of the wide open screen is that (once the phone is closed) there is a front side of the phone. It is very thing in width but you can still scroll/use your phone for the Internet, cell phone etc. as normal.The OTHER messed up part about it is that Samsung would not exchange it (even for a refurb one) but kept offering me "discounts" on applying for another phone ( Samsung Fold 4).Needless to say, I won't be buying this phone again (or upgrading).Let me also add, I only got a few months usage of enjoying that beautiful, unique wide screen before it went wonky. Not happy...

The Z Fold 3 is a nice phone

I originally bought this phone in December of 2021 so I have had it for a year. I have done a lot of fun gaming sessions the form factor gives it a more narrow but taller point of view, which I am not the biggest fan of. This is also my first time playing with 120fps on the home screen is the best experience because there you can feel the nicest speed that feels comfortable. Gaming with it I turn it off because of the overheating which makes the phone feel worm. Watching movies can be very fun and is best with earlier movies or shows that were made in a square form factor like Wizards of Waverly Place. One of my favorite parts about Samsung phones is the quick theme customization and being able to change the color of like everything with theme park and good lock. ... MoreI originally bought this phone in December of 2021 so I have had it for a year. I have done a lot of fun gaming sessions the form factor gives it a more narrow but taller point of view, which I am not the biggest fan of. This is also my first time playing with 120fps on the home screen is the best experience because there you can feel the nicest speed that feels comfortable. Gaming with it I turn it off because of the overheating which makes the phone feel worm. Watching movies can be very fun and is best with earlier movies or shows that were made in a square form factor like Wizards of Waverly Place. One of my favorite parts about Samsung phones is the quick theme customization and being able to change the color of like everything with theme park and good lock. The multitasking on this phone is amazing I now can have both YouTube music and Google maps showing all the time so I can drive safer. I hope they can make the multitasking smoother. The cameras may look and sound low speck but they are great the low light does well and the people at Samsung are doing amazing for the processing of the phone. Overall I think the phone will do great for the next five years.

Worked fine, until the screen saver separated...

So I purchased the Fold 3 in August of 2021. I was quite pleased with the phone, the form factor in particular. The interior screen provided me with a lot of real estate for getting work done on the go.But a few months after my warranty expired, I noticed that the adhesive film over the screen saver began to separate from the screen itself.I didn't know it at the time, but this was a precursor to the screen saver eventually damaging the actual screen. If you, unfortunately, get a phone where the adhesive is not positioned properly, normal use WILL cause the screen saver to bubble up off the surface of the screen.As you open and close the device, the problem will get worse, and unbeknownst to you, the film is actually tugging on the screen.Enough times, and the ... MoreSo I purchased the Fold 3 in August of 2021. I was quite pleased with the phone, the form factor in particular. The interior screen provided me with a lot of real estate for getting work done on the go.But a few months after my warranty expired, I noticed that the adhesive film over the screen saver began to separate from the screen itself.I didn't know it at the time, but this was a precursor to the screen saver eventually damaging the actual screen. If you, unfortunately, get a phone where the adhesive is not positioned properly, normal use WILL cause the screen saver to bubble up off the surface of the screen.As you open and close the device, the problem will get worse, and unbeknownst to you, the film is actually tugging on the screen.Enough times, and the screen will get the infamous black damage that MANY users of this device are complaining about.And since my device is out of warranty, Samsung refused to assist without a hefty cost.I've used Samsung phones for years. This is the first time I've encountered a technical issue that was no fault of my own. Samsung should have tested this device more diligently before it's release. Very disappointed with this purchase AND with Samsung.

[Beware] They sold a carrier locked phone to me!

They sold a carrier locked phone to me, originally sold in US by a American carrier. (Still network locked when I inserted other simcards).Indeed I was testing this Z fold3 on wifi for a month, working fine.After a month I found this phone was originally sold by an American mobility carrier in USA.They bought this carrier locked phone and sold it to me by describing 'Unlocked', which make me not able to use it on any Canadian sim card.I have been asking them for a week but so slow to fix this issue. Eventually, they wanted me to ship it back to you for any further actions, which I don't agree with it for another several weeks waiting and possible non-refund situation.For this reason, I give them one star who didn't check the phone mobile network status properly ... MoreThey sold a carrier locked phone to me, originally sold in US by a American carrier. (Still network locked when I inserted other simcards).Indeed I was testing this Z fold3 on wifi for a month, working fine.After a month I found this phone was originally sold by an American mobility carrier in USA.They bought this carrier locked phone and sold it to me by describing 'Unlocked', which make me not able to use it on any Canadian sim card.I have been asking them for a week but so slow to fix this issue. Eventually, they wanted me to ship it back to you for any further actions, which I don't agree with it for another several weeks waiting and possible non-refund situation.For this reason, I give them one star who didn't check the phone mobile network status properly giving a customer wrong information and huge difficulties on using a phone.

🔥 🗑 MONEY PIT, SCREEN BREAKS AFTER 3 MONTHS

This phone is hot garbage and so is Samsung. The phone has an inherent flaw with the foldable screen and Samsung doesn't stand behind them when you need the warranty to work for you. The good reviews of these phones are bots, Samsung employees, &/or people who have had the phone a short time. I'm on my second z-fold 3 in 6 months. They really are garbage and only recommend buying one if you like setting money on fire. Trying to get one repaired or replaced is a scam and everyone is ready to take your money for a very flawed product. From normal use these phones cracks and break down the fold and then Samsung, your provider, and your insurance company know they're making more money on top of the $2k+ original purchase. If you like having to replace your device every ... MoreThis phone is hot garbage and so is Samsung. The phone has an inherent flaw with the foldable screen and Samsung doesn't stand behind them when you need the warranty to work for you. The good reviews of these phones are bots, Samsung employees, &/or people who have had the phone a short time. I'm on my second z-fold 3 in 6 months. They really are garbage and only recommend buying one if you like setting money on fire. Trying to get one repaired or replaced is a scam and everyone is ready to take your money for a very flawed product. From normal use these phones cracks and break down the fold and then Samsung, your provider, and your insurance company know they're making more money on top of the $2k+ original purchase. If you like having to replace your device every 3 months because nobody will stand behind them, go for it. I'm a very loyal Samsung customer of 15 years and I buy these phones 2 at a time and have never had so many problems. Just like a junk car with a seemingly good warranty, you can't drive a warranty and you can't call someone with a warranty either. Samsung's warranty is useless anyways because they won't honor it because of a horrible design. You'll end up OWNING THIS MISTAKE. YOURE MARRIED TO IT AFTER SPENDING $2KÀÀÀ