Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 Review: Is the 5G Foldable Worth Buying?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 released in 2021, continuing the Samsung flip phone legacy. The Z Flip line now includes models up to the Z Flip6, with the latest Samsung hardware and features.

Yet, the Galaxy Z Flip3 remains a solid choice for a convertible, 5G-capable smartphone, especially since you can find it discounted or refurbished for cheap from resellers like Amazon, Walmart, or others. With reputable specifications and two screens (plus terrific software support), the Galaxy Z Flip3 is still a capable Android handset and a top-notchSamsung phone. 

Read on to learn what we like from the Galaxy Z Flip3, what could use improvements, and how it compares to other flip phones on the market.

Why We Recommend
the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3

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The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 fuses a compact design with ample performance capabilities for a compromise-free experience.   

What we like: Dual-screen flip phone

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3's standout feature is its striking clamshell design with two screens. There's a 6.7-inch 2640x1080 Super AMOLED main screen complete with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Z Flip3's display handles everything from gaming in Genshin Impact to streaming Buffy the Vampire Slayer episodes on Amazon Prime Video. Even simply scrolling around on your favorite websites feels responsive. 

You'll also find a 1.9-inch 260x512 outer screen which provides handy functionality like snapping selfies, music control, and checking notifications. Both displays sport durable scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus, an upgrade from the Galaxy Z Flip and Z Flip 5G (the first and second Z Flip generations). The inner display delivers excellent color accuracy, which means better photo editing and prettier details overall.

What we like: Compact design

The aptly-named Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 closes from a larger rectangular handset into an extremely compact form. Measuring 6.5x2.8x0.27 inches while open, the Z Flip3 is a mere 3.4x2.8x0.63-0.67 inches when closed. Weighing in at 6.5-ounces, it's also fairly lightweight, making the Galaxy Z Flip a purse, palm, and pocket-friendly phone.

What we like: Powerful processor

Under the hood, Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip3 packs a beefy Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 CPU. The 888 delivers top-notch processing power to run demanding apps while multitasking and games such as Titan Quest for Android. 

Although the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite—found in the Samsung Galaxy S25 series—is faster, the 888 is certainly no slouch. Whether you mostly share food pics on Instagram, regularly game on your phone, or stream your favorite series, the Snapdragon 888 enables work and play.

What we don't like: Visible crease

While we love the Galaxy Z Flip3's folding display, the crease that spans its middle section horizontally remains visible. Admittedly, you probably won't notice the hinge much after owning the phone for a while. However, it’s particularly visible with light mode apps, under direct sunlight, or while scrolling near the crease.

What we don't like: No telephoto lens

Because of its hardware specs and price, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is an affordable, foldable phone. However, unlike most high-end handsets, including the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25, the Z Flip3 lacks a telephoto lens. Luckily, its onboard dual rear-facing camera system takes excellent pictures.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 Features

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As a top Android device, the Galaxy Z Flip3 gets you loads of benefits for an affordable price tag.

Cover display

The Galaxy Z Flip3's cover screen provides a unique way to access phone features. It offers music playback controls, selfie-taking support, and weather-report-checking capabilities. Plus, folding in half makes the Z Flip3 easy to tote around.

Good durability

Despite its hinged middle section, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is tough. IPX8 water resistance protects against light rain showers, but we'd recommend against taking your phone for a dip in the pool since liquids and electronics don't mix. 

Additionally, its Gorilla Glass Victus outer display coupled with Armor Aluminum for the phone's body helps the Z Flip3 hold up against everyday use. Still, we suggest snagging a case to protect your precious Samsung, considering the price tag.

Budget-friendly price

You can find the Galaxy Z Flip3 for a fraction of what it originally cost at its prime (it released at a whopping $999). A new Flip3 shouldn’t cost more than $300 today, give or take $30 depending on where you purchase an unlocked phone.. 

You don’t need to pay exorbitant amounts of money on a phone to enjoy top-of-the-line features, with the Galaxy Z Flip3 setting the bar high due to its power and price balance, especially now after a hefty discount.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
vs. Competitors

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Now that we've established what we like about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3, let's analyze how it compares to the competition.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 vs. Galaxy Z Fold3

We recommend the Galaxy Z Fold for productivity enthusiasts searching for a fantastic phablet, while the Z Flip is a compact smartphone that won't break the bank. Both the Z Flip3 and Z Fold3 include a Snapdragon 888 chip. With the Z Fold3 you'll enjoy more storage space, additional RAM, and a larger battery. Plus, the Z Fold3 provides an under-display camera.

Whereas the Galaxy Z Flip3 folds vertically, the Z Fold3 folds horizontally. Although the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 edges out the Z Flip3 5G, it's almost twice the price of the Flip. Furthermore, the Z Fold3 is a larger, heavier device than its Z Flip3 cousin. 

Of course now, after a few years, the  Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 might be your best option, but it does carry that new-model price tag to empty your wallet.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G vs. Motorola Razr 5G vs. Microsoft Surface Duo 2

While the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is the best foldable phone, it's not the only option. The Motorola Razr 5G is a solid mid-range handset with dual 2.7-inch and 6.2-inch screens. Its Snapdragon 765G isn't as powerful as the Z Flip3's 888 processor, and the 2,800mAh battery is smaller, but it's a good value either way.

The Microsoft Surface Duo is akin to the Galaxy Z Fold3's hinged phablet design. Like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, the Surface Duo includes a Snapdragon 888 CPU. It also benefits from a larger display, better cameras, and increased battery capacity. However, a lower price tag for similar performance makes the Galaxy Z Flip3 our pick over the Surface Duo 2. Still, productivity buffs should consider Microsoft's handset for a great phone-tablet fusion.

Recap: Is the Samsung
Galaxy Z Flip3 Right for You?

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The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is a rapid departure from most Android and iPhone devices. Its fusion of smartphone sensibilities with flip phone convenience balances power and portability.

Here's what you get from the Galaxy Z Flip3:

• Folding design
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor
• 120Hz refresh rate internal display
• Useful outer screen
• IPX8 water resistance
• Budget-friendly price

Overall, if you're in the market for a low-price Android flip phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is your best option. Although we'd prefer a higher battery capacity and a telephoto camera lens, these are minor quibbles considering the Z Flip's unique nature.

FAQs: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3

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Does the Z Flip break easily?

How much is the Z Flip3 now?

Is Samsung making another Z Flip?