Galaxy Z Fold 3 long-term review: would I buy it again today?

For me, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the most versatile smartphone currently on the market, which means as of March 2022. This is about what I like, what I like less, whether I would buy it again and who it is suited for. I bought the device used myself, so this is an independent and honest report.

Displays: bright, sharp and smooth

As we’re used to from Samsung, the displays are top-notch: bright, sharp and, at 120 Hz, without stutter. The highlight is the 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display on the inside. It is bright, large and offers enough room for videos and several apps at the same time.

I’m often asked whether the crease in the middle is bothersome. Of course you can see and feel it. But you get used to it quickly, and for me it doesn’t bother me at all. That is certainly a matter of taste.

In the settings under Display you can set the screen layout and turn on Multi View. Then standard apps are shown in split view. My highlight is the mail app: inbox on the left, content on the right, like in the desktop version. In the browser, the open tabs are at the top, also like on the desktop. That is a massive gain in overview. You can pin the side panel like on the Galaxy Tab S7 or S8 to get to apps faster, and there is still enough room in the middle.

Tablet replacement with S Pen

I didn’t use my Galaxy Tab S7 FE a single time during the whole test period. The Z Fold 3 was my complete tablet replacement without much thought. Like the Galaxy Z Flip 3, it has a built-in tripod, so I can set it up anywhere. It also supports the S Pen, and on the large inner display you can take notes and draw wonderfully.

There are three points of criticism:

• The pen is not included as it is with the Galaxy Tabs, the Note series or the S22 Ultra, but has to be bought separately. Only the matching S Pen works, no other.
• It can’t be stored in the device. You have to carry it separately and can easily lose it.
• It only works on the inner display, not on the outer display. I find that a shame, I would have used it there often for quick notes.

I really like how the outer and inner displays work together. When I quickly check my mail on the outside and notice there is more to read, I open the device and have a large, clear view. The built-in speakers are super loud and rich. You can make calls too, and the reception is really good.

Design, build quality and camera

The matte glass back catches your eye right away. The build quality is outstanding, the device feels high-end, and the hinge and folding mechanism seem very sturdy.

The camera is good. The 12-megapixel main camera and the 10-megapixel front camera do a good job, not at the level of a Galaxy S22 Ultra or iPhone 13 Pro, but decent for the average user. Video recordings in particular convince me. The under-display camera only has a resolution of 4 megapixels and, in my opinion, should only be used in an emergency, for example for a video call.

Weaknesses: weight, opening, format and battery

• Weight: At 271 g it is very heavy. You get used to it, but you notice it when you hold it in your hand for longer.
• Opening: The sturdy mechanism makes the device hard to open. One-handed it is not possible at all, and even with two hands I have to slide my fingers between the displays. A notch in the body would be handy. Ad: A case and a finger holder on the back have solved both. The finger holder was a game changer for me, because it lets me hold the opened device comfortably. Both are linked below.
• Format: The outer and inner displays no longer have the familiar 16:9. You notice that with YouTube videos and Instagram. The outer display is too narrow, the keyboard too small, and typing is not comfortable. A slightly wider overall format would be much more comfortable for me.
• Battery: With 4,400 mAh I get through the day, no more and no less. With intensive use it has to go on the charger at 9 p.m. For a smartphone and tablet with an original recommended retail price (RRP) of 1,800 euros, that is rather unacceptable. I can live with it, but anyone who values a strong battery will see it as a problem.

Verdict: would I buy it again today?

Yes, absolutely. For anyone who wants to combine smartphone and tablet and doesn’t put the biggest focus on camera and battery, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is, in my view, the best device on the market at the moment. There are already great deals at Samsung, and you can find bargains used as well.

But we’re approaching the point where you have to ask yourself whether you shouldn’t wait those few months and get the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It may have a better battery, a better camera and, if we’re lucky, a retractable S Pen. Then, however, a very high RRP at market launch is to be expected again.