Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

This is easily the most important category to go into for both of these phones, as the folding mechanism is probably the most exciting element for any buyer. While both phones share a lot of similarities, there are a lot of differences to be had, too.

The Fold 3 is the larger of the two devices by a large stretch, thanks to its book-like fold. Unfolded, it sports a 7.6-inch AMOLED display, running a 2208 x 1768 resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate. The size of it can’t be understated — it’s a tablet-sized display hidden within a phone. The cover screen is a 6.2-inch AMOLED 120Hz panel with a 2268 x 832 resolution. It’s narrower than a regular phone but still very clear, colorful, and everything you’d want from a phone screen.

The Flip 3 takes a different approach to the folding formula with a clamshell fold. The inner display is a 6.7-inch 2640 x 1080 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s not as wide as the Fold 3’s screen and is definitely a more regular phone screen (aside from the bending), but it’s clear, crisp, and colorful. The cover screen is much smaller, being more keyed toward notifications and basic information, like the weather. It sports a 260 x 512 resolution and measures just 1.9 inches.

Aside from the strong physical differences, the two devices are somewhat similar. Both have an IPX8 rating for water resistance, stronger Gorilla Glass Victus glass, and an improved hinge that’s even better at keeping out the small particles that spelled disaster for the first Galaxy Fold.

So on paper, the Fold 3’s larger screens and bigger specs mean it wins, right? Well, not really. While the Fold 3’s tablet-like display is excellent and very useful once you get used to it, it means the phone is as thick as two phones when folded. That’s technically also an issue for the Flip 3, except the Flip 3 comes with a smaller folded footprint, which will attract those who don’t want as large a phone in their pocket. The phone’s ability to shrink down and transform into a more regular size is as strong a selling point as the Fold 3’s massive display, and we think the two are at loggerheads. Picking between the two styles is going to be a personal preference, as it’s largely a choice between style and performance.

Winner: Tie

These two foldable phones are flagships through and through, and that means strong flagship specs. Both have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which is going to be enough to keep the phone humming away happily and playing top-tier games for a long time to come. The Fold 3 does have an advantage with 12GB of RAM, and the option between 256GB or 512GB of internal storage. The Flip 3 comes with 8GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, giving the larger device a small edge. Still, it’s relatively slight.

As you might expect, the larger device also comes with a much larger battery. The Fold 3 has a 4,400mAh dual battery, while the Flip 3 has a smaller 3,300mAh dual battery inside. These are two relatively small batteries for the size of phones we’re dealing with, and so battery life isn’t as long-lived as we’d have liked. The Flip 3 holds up slightly better than the Fold 3, which generally needed an evening top-up to get through the day. Still, neither is a powerhouse in this regard, and it’s disappointing.

Both phones support 25W fast charging, 10W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging — though it’s important to note neither comes with a charger, so you’ll need to buy your own, unfortunately.

We’d previously awarded this to the Galaxy Fold 3 for the stronger specs — but due to the disappointing battery performance, we’re changing it to a tie.

Winner: Tie

You might have expected Samsung to call it a day and just say, “Hey, the phones fold, that’s special enough,” but it hasn’t. Both phones have a 5G connection, a special feature that’s rapidly becoming less and less special as time moves on. The Flip 3 makes the most of its compact folding shape with the Flex Mode, giving you hands-free photos and video streaming quickly and easily, but it’s the Fold 3 that really shines where special features are concerned.

The large inside screen means it’s excellent for multitasking, and you can open up to three apps at the same time. Add support for the S Pen to this (but only special, Z Fold 3-supported S Pens are allowed), and you’ve got a big, handy phone that’s versatile and powerful in equal measure. It wins this round.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3