(Pocket-lint – Samsung will reveal the Galaxy Z Fold 3 along with the Galaxy Z Flip 3 during Unpacked, 11 August 2021.
Although Samsung has not confirmed the specifications of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 by itself, many rumours help reveal what we can expect from this third-generation (or fourth, if you include the fixed version) of the device.
Based on speculation, here’s how the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 will compare to the Galaxy Z Fold 2.
Design
Galaxy Z Fold 2: 159.2×128.2x 6.9 (folded), 156.2×68.0x13.8-16.8(unfolded), 282g
Galaxy Z Fold 3: TBC
According to rumours and renders, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 & Galaxy Z Fold 3 will have similar design characteristics. However, the Z Fold 3 will feature a few refinements, including a sleeker rear camera housing.
The Z Fold 3 will continue the vertically-folding book-style design. It has a large front display and opens to an internal display. However, there is talk of the Z Fold 3 adding water resistance as well as a stronger frame.
Some reports suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 could have an under-display front cam on the main screen. This would be a more seamless design to the Galaxy Z Fold 2’s centralised punch hole camera.
Display
- Galaxy Z Fold 2: 6.23-inch cover display, 7.6-inch main display, 120Hz and HDR10+
- Galaxy Z Fold 3: 6.23-inch cover display, 7.56-inch main display, 120Hz. HDR10+. S Pen
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 has a 6.23-inch front display and a 7.6 inch unfolded display with 2208×1768 pixels.
HDR10+ certification is given to the foldable dynamic AMOLED screen. It has a 120Hz refresh speed. Although the cover display is AMOLED, it still has a 60Hz refresh rate.
According to rumours, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will have a 6.23-inch display on the exterior, with a 2268×832 resolution. The inside display, which is 7.56 inches, has a resolution of 2208×1768 pixels. This makes it identical to its predecessor. The main display will again be capable of displaying 120Hz at 60Hz, and HDR10+ support.
The top of the main display is where the devices could differ. Some rumours suggest that the main folding display may have an under-display camera, similar to the Z Fold 2 punch hole camera. The Z Fold 3’s front display will still have a punch-hole camera, just like the Z Fold 2.
The Z Fold 3 will also support the S Pen, just like the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Hardware and specifications
- Galaxy Z Fold 2: Snapdragon 865 with 12GB RAM and 256/512GB storage. 4500mAh
- Galaxy Z Fold 3: Snapdragon 8888, 12GB RAM and 256/512GB storage. 4380mAh
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 platform. It has 12GB RAM and 256GB or512GB storage options.
The device supports 5G and has a 4500mAh lithium battery. It can also charge at 25W fast, 11W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless.
Although there are no rumours about the hardware that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will feature, we expect to see the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Plus or the 888 Plus. Both of these devices will be supported by at least 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.
The Z Fold 3 is likely to be 5G-capable again. However, rumours suggest that the battery capacity may be lower than the predecessor. According to some reports, it could have 4380mAh. This is the same capacity as the original Fold. However, we expect it to support wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and fast charging.
Cameras
- Galaxy Z Fold 2: Triple rear (12MP+12MP+12MP) and two front 10MP
- Galaxy Z Fold 3: Triple rear (12MP+12MP+12MP), front 10MP, UPC 16MP
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 features a triple camera at the rear. It includes a 12-megapixel (f/1.8), 12-megapixel telephoto sensor, and 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera (f/2.2).
The front has a 10-megapixel punch-hole front camera, and the top of the main display is home to a 10-megapixel punch-hole camera.
Rumours suggest that the Z Fold 3 will include a triple rear camera consisting of a 12-megapixel main camera and telephoto sensor. There is also a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. In addition, Samsung claims that it will offer Phase Detection Autofocus for all three lenses. This means we can get fast and accurate focusing.
The cover display will have a punch-hole front camera with 10 megapixels and a 16-megapixel under-display camera. This would be the main difference between Z Fold 2 & Z Fold 3.
Conclusion
According to speculation, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 may offer design improvements over its predecessor, particularly in the rear camera housing.
It will also include a hardware upgrade, improvements to the rear cameras and possibly an under-display cam on the main screen.
The Z Fold 2’s battery capacity may be lower than the Z Fold 2, but the display specifications appear to have remained the same.
While nothing official is yet, you can still follow all the Z Fold 3 rumours in detail in our separate Rumour Roundup.
