I've been a huge fan of the Galaxy Z Flip ever since it came out in 2020. The device just had me in awe of how it felt, a feeling I explained at great length in my Galaxy Z Flip hands-on. It's not just the form factor with all the feel-good vibes of nostalgia it evokes or the solid fit and finish.
It's how the device wraps all that's revolutionary about it in a cloak of normalcy. The Galaxy Z Flip had a point to prove after the botched launch of the original Galaxy Fold. Samsung showcased its engineering prowess with the device perfectly. It shut everyone up who doubted Samsung's move into foldables.
Samsung has reminded everyone again about its leadership in the foldable segment with its latest devices. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is such a substantial upgrade compared to its predecessor that it's hard to imagine that this is only the second iteration of Samsung's clamshell foldable.
It has only taken us one generation to get an IPX8 water-resistant Galaxy Z Flip device that also has a brighter foldable panel with a stronger protective film. The performance has been bumped up to flagship-level with the Snapdragon 888 chipset. Stereo speakers have been added for an enhanced audio experience.
All of that is superb but what I'm most impressed by are the design changes. They may be subtle but boy are they meaningful. The larger 1.9-inch cover display does more than just make it easier to get stuff done without having to flip the phone open.
It adds a whole new visual aesthetic to the device. The frame around the display is blacked out regardless of the color you choose. The color options that Samsung has created for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 perfectly complement it. Getting the dual-tone design right isn't easy but Samsung has done a wonderful job with it.
My assessment is that Samsung has aimed to achieve a look of understated elegance with the Galaxy Z Flip 3. It has made the sides flatter which helps make the design appear modern. That blends in nicely with the muted and subtle finish of the Cream, Green, Lavender and Phantom Black colors.
What I particularly like about the new finish is that it's no longer screaming to grab your attention like Mirror Purple and Mirror Gold on the Galaxy Z Flip. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is going to grab your attention for all the right reasons. You'll be in awe of the refinement made to the industrial design and just how well it pairs with the new colors.
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 also feels more sturdy in the hand thanks to the tougher aluminum Samsung is using. Gorilla Glass Victus protects the entire back and also contributes to that premium look. This confluence of perfection has landed me in a dilemma. I don't want to hide the Galaxy Z Flip 3's beauty behind a case.
I wouldn't mind using a case with a Mirror Purple Galaxy Z Flip but I can't even think about hiding the visual appeal of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 behind a case. It's not to show it off to the world. It's because I just never want to stop looking at it.
Durability is obviously a big concern with foldable smartphones. Many wouldn't dare use one without a case. To be fair, Samsung does have a range of very cool Galaxy Z Flip 3 cases, but it's also given us reasons to justify using the device without a case.
For starters, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is built to be more durable than its predecessor. It uses a tougher material, a stronger screen protection film, has an improved hinge and is even water-resistant. There's also Gorilla Glass Victus on the back which is the toughest cover glass yet.
Perhaps the biggest justification of using the Galaxy Z Flip 3 without a case is provided by the price tag. At $999, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 costs the same as a Galaxy S21+. I've been using $999 flagships without a case for years. There's no lingering thought at the back of the mind that I'm putting more at risk than what I normally have been.
One can't deny that there's no direct comparison of the durability of a foldable and a conventional smartphone. I understand the risk but it's one I'm willing to take for my own satisfaction.
