When Samsung first introduced the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G foldable smartphone, it brought significant improvements to the first Galaxy Fold. The same can be said for the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, which introduced several new features and better hardware compared to its predecessor.
That said, what are the major differences between the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G? Let’s have a closer look, shall we?
Under-display selfie camera
The display looks seamless because of the under-display selfie camera!
One notable feature of the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is that it comes with an under-display selfie camera instead of embedding an image sensor in a hole-punch or notch. Because of that, playing mobile games and watching videos feel more immersive because of the seamless viewing experience compared to a screen with a hole-punch or notch.
Whenever you want to take a selfie using the under-display selfie camera, the portion of the display directly above the camera sensor is turned off so that the sensor can see through it. As a result, depending on the image being displayed, the camera sensor can sometimes be visible if you look at it at just the right angle.
You can see the camera if you look at it at just the right angle. Image courtesy of MKBHD
Because the technology is still relatively new, the picture quality taken by the under-display camera is not as great compared to its predecessor. The under-display camera on the Z Fold3 only uses a 4MP sensor, while the Z Fold2 comes with a 10MP selfie sensor capable of taking much higher resolution pictures.
If you want to take higher quality pictures, you can use the 10MP camera on the secondary display. Also, the higher resolution sensor is a lot better for taking selfies under lowlight conditions.
IPX8 water resistance
Submerging the Galaxy Z Fold3 in water. Image courtesy of LTT
Foldable smartphones are incredibly hard to protect from water damage because the phone's hinge has a large gap that the water can enter. With that in mind, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is the first foldable smartphone to come with IPX8 water resistance, allowing it to be submerged in water at depths deeper than 1 meter for extended periods while remaining functional.
That said, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G will remain functional even if you use it while in the shower. If you’re not convinced, you can have a look at Linus Tech Tips' video to see for yourself.
Compatible with Samsung’s S Pen Fold and S Pen Pro
Z Fold3 now supports the S Pen! Image courtesy of MKBHD
You can store the S Pen Fold in any Z Fold3 compatible case
Another significant improvement over the previous Z Fold series smartphone is that the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is compatible with the S Pen Fold and the S Pen Pro, allowing you to draw and quickly take down notes without the need to bring around a pen and paper. However, be sure to use S Pens that are compatible with the Galaxy Z Fold3 as other styluses might damage the soft foldable display.
In terms of the difference, the S Pen Fold is much smaller compared to the S Pen Pro, allowing it to be stored inside any compatible Z Fold3 case (sold separately). On the other hand, the S Pen Pro can be charged via USB Type-C, comes with Bluetooth support and a switch, and can be used with other S Pen compatible devices.
Almost the same size as its predecessor
Left: Z Fold2 5G, Right: Z Fold 3 5G
When it comes to the dimensions and weight of the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, you’ll be pleased to know that it is almost the same as the previous Galaxy Z Fold series foldable phone. To elaborate, both the Z Fold3 5G and Z Fold2 5G come with a 7.6-inch foldable display and a 6.2-inch secondary display.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is 16.00mm thick when folded and 6.4mm when unfolded, while the Z Fold2 is slightly thicker at 6.9mm and 16.8mm, respectively. Not only that, but the newer foldable phone by Samsung is also barely lighter at 271g compared to the Z Fold2 5G’s 282g.
Tech Specs
Tech spec-wise, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G comes with a much stronger Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset that is more than enough to run most mobile apps and mobile games smoothly. As for the camera, it has a 12MP main camera + 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera + 12MP telephoto camera, 4MP under-display selfie camera, and a single 10MP camera under the secondary display.
While the Z Fold3 5G battery capacity is slightly lower at 4400mAh (instead of 4500mAh like the Z Fold2 5G), it can still last up to 2 days on a single charge. However, it largely depends on which display you use the most, as the larger foldable display tends to consume more battery than the smaller secondary display.
It's more affordable than it's predecessor
An interesting note about the Z Fold3 5G is that it is slightly more affordable at RM6699 than the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, which was priced at RM6999 when it was first introduced last year. Because of the lower price, the smartphone might be more attractive to those keen on getting their first foldable smartphone from Samsung.
With all that said, those were the differences between Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G. What are your thoughts about both the phones mentioned above? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.
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