Galaxy Z Flip 3 unboxing: first impressions and comparison with its predecessor

Today I am unboxing the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 in Phantom Green. For comparison, its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, is lying next to it. I will also look at the new cover and test the Samsung charging pad that I got as a bonus with my order of the Galaxy Buds 2. I bought the device and the accessories myself, and I am not getting paid for the video.

What is in the box: no charger

In the box are the device, the charging cable, the Quick Start Guide and the warranty card. A charger is missing, and I find that a real shame for a device like this.

Body and display

The green looks really beautiful. The device is IPX8 certified. Samsung describes that as protection against continuous submersion up to 1.5 meters of water depth for 30 minutes. You can see fingerprints on the body a bit, but I had expected it to be worse.

• Cover display: 1.9 inches and thus significantly larger than on the predecessor. You read messages and notifications more comfortably, get a preview and can perform various actions.
• Flex mode: significantly improved. The Flip stays standing at almost any angle, and even just before horizontal the mode holds extremely steady. That feels very premium.
• Crease: You can see and feel it, but in my experience you get used to it very quickly. With a display that can be folded shut, it cannot be otherwise. It has already gotten much better, though.
• Build quality: The display feels much more premium overall than on the predecessors. A protective film is applied at the factory, and you are better off not removing it. The camera also feels less like plastic.

Comparison with the Galaxy Z Flip 5G

The differences from the outside are clear: a different camera arrangement and a much larger cover display. The predecessor still had rounded edges. In terms of dimensions not much else has changed, the gap has become a little bigger, and there is no big difference in weight either.

I had hoped for more from the inner display. The bezels are only minimally narrower, and the camera still sits in a cutout in the display. I had hoped it would become more discreet. At least it is not a fat cutout.

The silicone cover

I really like Samsung’s original silicone cover. The colors are nice, the combination of orange and blue looks smart, and it feels premium. Whether the silicone attracts a lot of dust remains to be seen. The cover also serves as a grip so you can hold the device securely in your hand. Samsung really made an effort with the cases this year.

The wireless charging pad

The pad is compatible with Galaxy Buds, smartphones and more. It actually works: the Flip charges inductively, even through the case. The Buds charge as well. The Galaxy Watch does not charge on the pad, which I do not understand, since you can also charge it on the back of the device.

Verdict on first impressions

I am happy to finally have the Galaxy Z Flip 3 in my hands. Flex mode and the larger cover display convince me, but I had imagined the narrower bezels more clearly. Over the next few weeks I will test the device thoroughly and report whether switching is worthwhile at all or whether the predecessor is completely sufficient. Next up, I will set up the device.