Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 setup: first impressions

After the unboxing a few days ago, I’m now setting up the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G in green. I’m looking forward to using it as my daily driver afterward. At first glance I love it, and it feels even better than the Galaxy Z Flip 5G. As always, this is not an ad; I bought all the devices myself.

First grip

The power button with the fingerprint sensor is on the side. Compared to its predecessor, it has moved up noticeably. When I pick up the device like this, it feels a little too high to me. I still have to see which finger I use to unlock it. The device is a fingerprint magnet, so one of the cases I bought along with it is going on.

Setup

1. Choose the language: German, Germany.
2. Confirm the privacy policy and the end user license agreement. Sending diagnostic data is optional.
3. Select Wi-Fi. The phone restarts, Android checks for updates and prepares the smartphone, which takes a few minutes.
4. I’m skipping Copy apps and data for now, as well as the Google account. Without an account you can’t download apps from Google or back up data, but I skip it despite the warnings.
5. Choose Google services: location, Wi-Fi scanning, device maintenance, usage data and error reports. You can choose all of this freely. I accept. For search providers, you are always offered a choice. I pick Google.
6. Protect the device: face recognition, fingerprint, pattern, PIN or password. I like to start with face recognition. At home it usually works quickly and well, but with a mask it gets difficult. That’s why I always set up at least the fingerprint in addition.
7. Also set a PIN for the secure lock screen. For face recognition there are options: Stay on lock screen is helpful if you only want to look at notifications. Faster recognition is less secure. Require eyes to be open is more secure, and the screen can brighten. I leave that on.
8. I’m skipping the Samsung account. Without signing in, though, you can’t use the Samsung apps like Samsung Pay, Bixby or Samsung Health.

Safety notes for the foldable display

Samsung gives several notes that I think are important:

• Pressing on the screen or the front camera with a hard or sharp object such as a pen or a fingernail can lead to scratches or dents.
• When closing it, make sure nothing is inside, for example cards, keys or coins.
• The phone is not protected against dust. Sand can cause damage. Don’t take it to the beach.
• It is water-resistant to IPX8, but not protected against other liquids like salt water or alcohol.
• Don’t remove the protective film on the main screen. You can see it clearly in the camera area at the top. And don’t use any unapproved accessories.
• The phone contains magnets. Keep it away from credit cards and medical devices.

The cover display and the folding features

The tips in the setup wizard show what the cover display can do:

• Swipe gestures: The cover display can be configured, for example with different displays and your own background, plus widgets.
• Calls: You can answer and end calls without opening the phone. The device then goes straight to speakerphone.
• Camera: With the phone closed, you take photos and videos with the main camera. The large cover display shows the frame.
• Flex mode: The device holds at any angle without snapping open. The hinge is sturdier this time. I really like that. The controls stay usable.
• Split screen view: Apps can be placed on the two halves of the screen. Not all apps are optimized for this. The current layout can be saved and placed in the side panel as a shortcut.
• Labs: Experimental features in the settings. For example, using all apps in multi-window or changing the aspect ratio.
• Samsung Internet: It has privacy and security features.

Wireless Power Share

The device can charge other devices. You have to turn it on first: Swipe down on the cover display, and Wireless Power Share is there. Then you place the device on the front, in my case the Galaxy Buds, and it charges. I find that very practical, because you don’t need to carry a separate charger when you’re out and about.

The cover display in everyday use

The cover display shows current notifications that you can scroll through. To the left come music playback, alarms, voice recorder and the timer, which I use often, and more widgets. When I swipe down, I set the display brightness as well as silent, sound or vibration. I think that’s a super practical thing, you don’t have to open the device for it. I wish all devices had that.

Verdict

That was the short version of the setup. Now I’ll personalize the device further and use it over the next few days. Next up, I’ll unpack the Galaxy Watch 4, which I’ve finally had sent to me.