But here’s the thing… I’m not paying $1,000-1,800 for a phone just because it folds in half. In fact, I’m not paying over $1,000 for… any phone (that’s a different topic). However, what if trying out your first foldable phone didn’t cost more than buying a budget Android device – even in times of a global financial crisis and higher phone prices?
Well, what’s waiting on the other side isn’t simply a clamshell Samsung foldable phone with great reputation, but also one of the best (used) phone deals around – of course, if you really want to try something different.
Amazing deals make the once expensive Galaxy Z Flip 3 the cheapest and best way to try your first Samsung foldable
Although there might not be a brand new Galaxy foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 can now be found for about $300 on Swappa (or eBay), which, if you think about it, makes this device a completely different value proposition. To me, that’s pretty much like looking at a “new” phone. But should you pull the trigger on such a deal, or are folding phones still a risky buy?
Foldable phones aren’t expensive anymore but there are many other reasons to choose one over a “normal phone”
Speaking of the Galaxy Z Flip 3, it only makes sense to quickly talk about why you might want to give the foldable clamshell thing a go. Without going into the nitty-gritty (here’s our Galaxy Z Flip 3 review for more), I’ll try to point out the practical differences you might notice if you were to get a modern flip phone over a slab:
- It’s truly innovative and different – sure, slab phones are making decent progress in cameras and charging, but nothing comes close to a completely different form factor; folding phones are about as innovative as it gets nowadays
- It can potentially change the way you use your phone – the fact that it takes an extra step to flick the phone open might make you use it less, which could be a real game-changer for people who can’t put their phone down
- It’s tiny – when folded, of course, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 fits in any pocket; taking a phone that’s even smaller than my iPhone 13 mini to the gym, or on a walk with you is when you start to appreciate the real benefits of carrying a compact device; oh, and you can down when the phone is in your pockets – it’s a miracle
- You can take selfie photos and videos with the main rear cameras, which is ideal for vlogging or… “influencer…ing”; the image quality coming from the rear cameras of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 will beat any selfie camera you can think of
The $300 Galaxy Z Flip 3 isn’t the best phone if you want the longest battery life or if you’re looking forward to the Galaxy Z Flip 5
Of course, the fact that a used/refurbished Galaxy Z Flip 3 costs about $300 doesn’t mean everyone should hurry up and order a bunch of them for the whole family…
- Don’t buy a Galaxy Z Flip 3 if you use your phone a lot – the reason is the so-so battery life, which can certainly get you through a full day of use but only if you aren’t a power user (in all fairness, the same applies to the Galaxy S22, so the foldable form-factor isn’t really to blame here)
- Don’t buy a Galaxy Z Flip 3 if you want the best camera system – although the Flip 3 has a very capable set of cameras, Samsung’s cream of the crop shooters are found in the “S” series of flagships – especially the Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Don’t buy the Galaxy Z Flip 3 if you do a lot of gaming – the Snapdragon 888 is powerful enough to handle pretty much any game, but the Flip 3 is prone to overheating; again, the average battery life wouldn’t help gamers either
- If you plan on switching to a clamshell foldable and stick with it for the next 3-5 years, it might be worth waiting for the new Galaxy Z Flip 5, which won’t only last longer but also bring the price of the Galaxy Z Flip 4 down
Buying used/refurbished phones on Swappa or eBay – do it right!
- Do not pay outside the platform
- Negotiate – the price is rarely final (about a year ago, I bought my iPhone 13 mini for $450 with 10 months remaining warranty)
- You can always return a phone if it’s not in the advertised condition
- Don’t rush – new deals pop up all the time
- Always look for remaining warranty for your own peace of mind – some phones are virtually brand new
Yes, Samsung! People are “on the fence” about foldables, but the iPhone isn’t the reason for that; let’s make a cheaper Galaxy Fold?
Take Tecno Phantom V and the soon-to-be-announced Pixel Fold (expected to undercut the Galaxy Z Fold in price). If a relatively small phone-maker like Tecno can make a Galaxy Z Fold 4 competitor for the equivalent of $1,100, then surely there’s a way to cut costs and make a Galaxy Z Flip that’s at least 30% less expensive?
Another great reason to target the mid-range price segment is that Android users simply aren’t willing to pay thousands of dollars for an Android phone. Have you seen the top 10 best-selling phones in the world list for 2022? Only two Samsung phones made it into top 10, and both of them cost less than $200.
But hey, if you’re comfortable with shopping on Swappa or eBay, the possibility of getting an unlocked Galaxy Z Flip 3 for $250-300 is here now, and if you’re really itching to get your hands on what Samsung calls “the future”, this is just one way to do it…
