The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is the pinnacle of flip phone perfection. One that is eminently usable, pocketable, and has decent specs.

Significant improvement over the previous model, Excellent camera, Cover display is useful for dual preview selfie

Unusual screen resizing behaviour on some apps and websites, No charger or buds inbox, USB-C 2.0, Barely a day's life with moderate use and slow charging, Big Trhottling issue

When Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Flip 3, I was eager to try it out. You can fold it in half. Flip it open with your wrist one-handed. Use the outside screen when it's closed and place it just about anywhere you want to record videos and take photos. With its lower price, seven colors and the assortment of bold cases that make it look like a toy, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 could be the first foldable phone you'll consider buying. But if Samsung wants the phone to be widely adopted, it needs to deliver on its promised improvements and convince people that they can depend on the Z Flip 3 without compromising their daily phone routine.

With a lower price, 120Hz refresh-rate screen, an "aluminum armor" body and an improved cover screen, Samsung's new smartphone could be the most "normal" foldable available.

Folds in half; Water-resistant; Attractive design; Bigger cover screen; Great main display; Lower price;

Short battery life; Cover screen still could do more; Long-term durability unknown; No dust-resistance rating;

Works well. Samsung also provides the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, the slimmer folding phone, with the improved mechanism of the Z Fold3. But not only the folding technology has improved, the hardware is also state of the art. Our review reveals what the complete package can do.

bright OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, system runs fast, water-resistant according to the IPX8 standard, good camera performance

no storage expansion, only USB 2.0, battery life should be better

Some ideas make sense straight away, and others need a little time to ferment: three generations in, and the Samsung Galaxy Flip 3 is a much more accessible version of foldable phones, and maybe the first time the technology feels something other than a gimmick.

Samsung's most affordable foldable phone yet, No compromise on performance, Cover Display is much more useful now

Battery life isn't great, Cameras are good, but not stand-out, Long-term durability still to be revealed

“The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the first folding smartphone most people should consider buying. It's compact, powerful, and durable, and costs about the same as its competitors. Plus, it's really fun to use.”

Although not a giant leap forward compared to its predecessor, the Z Flip 3 is a much more fluidly designed device, with that front screen now beautifully integrated. It's the best flip phone we've seen to date (sorry Moto Razr) - and with a price tag to tackle 'normal' flagships head-on, it'll certainly turn some minds around, despite a few inevitable compromises that are part and parcel of a foldable device.

Larger front screen is much better looking and more neatly integrated; The tidiest flip phone design of any maker to date; Plenty of power and sturdy software;

Largely similar to predecessor; Screen coating is unavoidably reflective and ongoing 'crease' issues remain; No under panel camera (UPC) - as seen in Z Fold 3;

We haven’t reached the point where there are no sacrifices when opting for the foldable form factor, but the Galaxy Z Flip 3 gets very close. If you are willing to work around the short battery life, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 delivers a flagship phone experience unlike any other.

Unique and stunning design, Bright, vivid 120Hz display, Excellent camera performance, IPX8 water resistance, Affordably priced

Terrible battery life, Lacks telephoto

The story of folding phones thus far has been one of compromise. Choosing a folding phone over a standard slab design has generally meant you compromised on performance, durability, and most of all, price.

It folds in half, It costs the same as other high-end phones, It’s water resistant, Inside screen is as good as other premium phones

Long-term screen durability still a question, Cameras aren’t top tier, Cover screen still too small and limited, Difficult to open one-handed

Small and stylish, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G is a clamshell-style folding phone with a decent sized cover screen where you can read your messages, set timers or even take photos. While the camera system won't blow you away, everything else is pretty spot on.

Sturdy, waterproof design, Fast performance and good battery life, 1.9inch cover screen with widgets

Average camera system, Crease could sometimes get in the way, Quite thick when folded up

If you’re dying for something new and compact, though, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 could well be the most exciting phone of the year.

Immensely stylish and pocket-friendly design, Excellent main screen, Much more affordable than before

Disappointing cameras, Mediocre battery life, Lacks the clear purpose of the Fold 3