Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Z Fold 3 as the third device in the Fold lineup, following the Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 2 (Review). While the Galaxy Z Fold 2 featured a major generational leap over the original Fold, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has some key differences that are better categorized as quality-of-life improvements.
Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 vs Galaxy Fold 3
| Galaxy Z Fold 3 | Galaxy Z Fold 2 |
| 6.2-inch AMOLED (2,268*832 pixels), 120Hz 7.6-inch AMOLED (2,208*1,768 pixels), 120Hz, HDR10+ | 6.2-inch AMOLED (2,260*816 pixels), 120Hz 7.6-inch AMOLED (2,208*1,768 pixels), 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 865 Plus |
| 12GB RAM | 12GB RAM |
| 256GB / 512GB Storage | 256GB / 512GB Storage |
| Main Camera setup: 12 MP, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS + Ultrawide: 12 MP, 123-Degree FoV + Telephoto: 12 MP, 2x Optical Zoom, OIS | Main Camera setup : 12 MP, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS + Ultrawide: 12 MP, 123-Degree FoV + Telephoto: 12 MP, 2x Optical Zoom, OIS |
| Cover Display: 10 MP Main UD Camera: 4 MP | Cover Display: 10 MP Main Front Camera: 10 MP |
| 4,400 mAh Battery with Wireless charging, Reverse Wireless charging | 4,500 mAh Battery with Wireless charging, Reverse Wireless charging |
| IPX8 Water Resistance, S Pen Support | NA |
| $1,800 (Roughly Rs 1,33,600) | $2,000 (Roughly Rs 1,48,450) |
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 are pretty similarly designed, although the latter is 11 grams lighter. The camera layout is slightly different, but the overarching design is still the same. However, there are some major updates, like the IPX8 rating for water resistance. Additionally, Samsung has also incorporated an under-display camera on the main screen of the Z Fold 3.
Display
When it comes to the display, the biggest change here is the 120Hz refresh rate and the S Pen support. However, not much else has changed in terms of size, resolution, and punch-hole, although in the Z Fold 3, the hole is much harder to spot. The screen on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is also protected by Gorilla Glass Victus.
Performance
In terms of hardware, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 easily comes out on top with the adoption of the latest Snapdragon 888 SoC. Additionally, the Fold 3 has a slightly smaller battery, while wired, wireless, and reverse wireless charging are supported on both devices. Hardware aside, Samsung has made major upgrades to the software on the Z Fold 3.
Cameras
For optics, not much has changed in terms of camera specifications on the back of the device. Additionally, the Z Fold 3 also retains the same 10 MP cover camera, although the resolution of the under-display camera on the main display is lowered to 4 MP from 10 MP on the Z Fold 2. The main camera has Dual Pixel AF and OIS, while the telephoto camera also features OIS. Additionally, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 can also record video in 8K resolution.
Conclusion
After taking a brief look at the specifications of both devices, Samsung seemed to have made general improvements on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to make the foldable smartphone experience more convenient. This is definitely not a generational upgrade over the Galaxy Z Fold 2 but brings quality-of-life upgrades and new features in places where you need it the most.
With the new S Pen support, this could also be touted as the Galaxy Note's replacement. I see the biggest changes coming on the build front with the addition of Gorilla Glass Victus, an aluminum hinge area, and an IP8X rating, making it much more sturdy than its predecessor.
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