The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip could be succeeded by a next-generation clamshell foldable, with hope of a major upgrade. Here’s everything we’ve heard.
Why you can trust Pocket-lint (Pocket-lint) — The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip will be succeeded by a next-generation clamshell foldable, and there’s hope this Z Flip 3 will be a major upgrade. When we reviewed Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip, we did so with plenty of excitement. That model has been subsequently updated with 5G and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus, though retains the same physical design — it’s just now faster. There are however, still shortcomings, like the small external display. Will the Galaxy Z Flip 3 step things up? Here’s everything we know about it so far. Release date and price 11 August event 27 August release? Around $1200/£1250 Samsung has confirmed its next Galaxy Unpacked event will take place on 11 August. The tagline for the event is «Get ready to unfold». It’s rumoured the Galaxy Z Flip 3 will be announced, alongside the Z Fold 3 and new smartwatches in the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic. It’s said the Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 will then be made available on 27 August. In terms of price, the Galaxy Z Flip cost around $1400 in the US and £1300 in the UK when it initially launched. The 5G model was cheaper, costing around $1199 in the US and £1229 in the UK. Rumours suggest the Z Flip 3 will cost €1100, which is around £940 in the UK and $1300 in the US. Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event in August: How to watch and what to expect @evleaks [Evan Blass] via Twitter Design and cameras Dual cameras in a newly integrated design Expanded cover display Armor Frame? 166 x 72.2 x 6.9mm,183g Leaked pictures of the purported Z Flip 3 suggest the device will have dual cameras on its front. That’s much the same as the double 12-megapixel (main and ultra-wide lenses) on the existing model — except in the Flip 3 the design is much better integrated. Evan Blass The other big reveal from leaked images is how the external display neighbouring those cameras is larger than in the previous models, perhaps allowing the next-generation Z Flip foldable phone to show users more useful information at a glance when closed. This design was reiterated by further image renders and a video of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 from GizNext. The images show the device in various colour options, which Blass also reiterated by tweeting several short videos and Winfuture also supported with renders. Winfuture Elsewhere, Samsung applied for a trademark on the term Armor Frame — and this is specific to its smartphones. It’s speculated that this might be to give additional strength to folding phones. It’s also been said that the Galaxy Z Flip 3 will have an IP rating for water- and dust-resistance — with claims saying IPX8. The hinge is said to have been strenghtened and it is claimed protection will come in the form of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which is said to be twice as protective as Corning Gorilla Glass 6. Hardware and specs 120Hz display Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 3300mAh battery For many, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip will meet requirements in terms of battery, camera and power, providing something unique that looks great; but for the gamers, enthusiasts and power users, the Galaxy Z Flip is probably a compromise they might not want to make. The 4G LTE-only original Galaxy Z Flip features a Snapdragon 855+ processor, a 6.7-inch primary display (with a resolution of 2636 x 1080 pixels), a 1.1-inch cover screen (with a resolution of 300 x 112 pixels), a 3300mAh battery capacity, dual 12MP rear-facing cameras, a single 10MP front camera,8GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage space with no microSD expansion. The second-gen 5G version moves to Snapdragon 865 Plus, but retains the other specs. With the Z Flip 3, it’s said the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 will be under the hood, and it will offer a 6.7-inch main display with a resolution of 2640 x 1080 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate and a 1.
