Samsung’s jump to Galaxy Z Flip 3 (skipping 2) isn’t reflected in a big jump in features or specs.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is finally here – if you were wondering ‘what’s happening with the Z Flip 2’, well it seems the 5G version of the original Galaxy Flip technically counted as that, despite the lack of the number (or any other upgrade). Launched alongside the Z Fold 3, and just like that bigger foldable phone, you’ll find the Z Flip 3 is more of an iterative update on its predecessor than a hugely different device, though there are some welcome tweaks. The ‘big’ change here is that the price is lower than the original Flip, though the reduction certainly isn’t enough to make the Z Flip 3 a more appealing device if you weren’t already entranced by a modern flip phone. This is the best clamshell foldable phone there is right now — though that’s not saying much, given the only competition is the Motorola Razr 2020 or the original Z Flip. The fact of the matter is, however, that even with this reduction in asking price, the Z Flip 3 just isn’t worth the cost right now if the flipping novelty isn’t enough. Aside from folding functionality, the Z Flip 3 doesn’t justify its price tag – as well as some issues with the form factor, like the fact there’s a gap in the phone when you close it, how stiff it is to close, or the fingerprint scanner’s uncomfortably high placement on the right side, it has problems that’d plague any smartphone experience like a tiny battery and unexciting cameras. Tucking the phone in a pocket is certainly fun, and it’s relieving to know the inner screen is protected from nicks and scratches while it’s folded closed. While the 1.9-inch exterior screen is indeed nearly four times larger than the 1.1-inch display of its predecessors, the bigger outer screen is hit or miss on usefulness – nice for previewing selfies, helpful for seeing notifications, but its touch controls are finicky if you want to sort said notifications. So while the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a neat party trick and fashion statement, it’s not as great as a normal smartphone for day-to-day activities. You may prefer to spend your money on a rigid device, because foldables just aren’t there yet. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 comes in two storage sizes: 128GB, which costs $999 / £949 / AU$1,499, or 256GB which will set you back $1,049 / £999 / AU$1,599 For comparison, the original Galaxy Flip cost $1,380 / £1,300 / AU$1,800, and the 5G model was even more at $1,449 / £1,399 / AU$2,599. So the Flip 3 is definitely more affordable, although it’s still a good deal more than what you’d pay for many top-spec non-folding devices. One thing we should point out, though, is that the original Flip lost its value quite quickly, and is now available brand-new for less than the Flip 3’s launch price. Oh, and if you were to buy a rigid phone with the Z Flip 3’s specs, you could probably save about $1,000 / £1,000 / AU$2,000.
