Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Z Fold 2: What’s the difference?

Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 with an open face

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the culmination of all the experiences the company learned from the first Galaxy Fold and the Galaxy Z Fold 2 build and at a cheaper price point. However, if you already have the predecessor, is it worth the upgrade? Let’s compare the two to see which one comes out on top in the battle between Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 2.

See also: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 first impression


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Galaxy Z Fold 2


Specifications

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
To sue

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3:

Outside:
6.2 inch AMOLED
120 Hz refresh rate
2,268 x 832 resolution
387ppi
Gorilla Glass Victus
Inner:
7.6 inch AMOLED
120 Hz refresh rate
2,208 x 1,768
374ppi

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2:

Outside:
6.2 inch AMOLED
60 Hz refresh rate
2,260 x 816 resolution
386 ppi
Inner:
7.6 inch AMOLED
120 Hz refresh rate
2,208 x 1,768
373ppi

processor

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 888

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2:

Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus

R.A.M.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3:

12 GB

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2:

12 GB

storage

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3:

256 GB or 512 GB
UFS 3.1
No expandable storage

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2:

256 GB
UFS 3.1
No expandable memory

perfomance

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3:

4,400mAh dual battery
25W wired charging
Wireless charging
Reverse wireless charging

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2:

4,500mAh dual battery
25W wired charging
Wireless charging
Reverse wireless charging

Cameras

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3:

Outside front:
– 10MP sensor, ƒ / 2.2
Internal UDC:
– 4MP sensor, 2.0 μm, ƒ / 1.8
Exterior rear:
– 12 MP wide, 1.8 μm, OIS, Dual Pixel AF, ƒ / 1.8
– 12 MP ultra wide, 1.12 μm, ƒ / 2.2
– 12MP Tele, 1.0μm, OIS, 2x Zoom, ƒ / 2.4

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2:

Outside front:
– 10MP sensor, 2.2
Internal:
– 10MP sensor, ƒ2.2, 1.22μm,
Exterior rear:
– 12 MP wide, 1.8 μm, OIS, Dual Pixel AF, ƒ / 1.8
– 12 MP ultra wide, 1.12 μm, ƒ / 2.2
– 12MP Tele, 1.0μm, OIS, 2x Zoom, ƒ / 2.4

Audio

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3:

Stereo speakers
Dolby Atmos support
No headphone jack

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2:

Stereo speakers
Dolby Atmos certified
No headphone jack

biometrics

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3:

Side-mounted capacitive fingerprint sensor

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2:

Side-mounted capacitive fingerprint sensor

software

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3:

Android 11
One user interface

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2:

Android 10 (upgradeable to Android 11)
One user interface

Dimensions and weight

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3:

Folded dimensions:
– 67.1 x 158.2 x 16 mm (measured at the hinge)
Dimensions unfolded:
– 128.1 x 158.2 x 6.4 mm (on the frame)
Weight:
– 271g

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2:

Folded:
– 68.0 x 159.2 x 16.8 mm (measured at the hinge)
Unfolded:
– 128.2 x 159.2 x 6.9 mm (on the frame)
Weight
– 282g

To dye

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3:

Phantom green, phantom black, phantom silver

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2:

Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze


Design and display

Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 slightly folded

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

The design of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is familiar at first glance and doesn’t deviate much from the established formula. However, the more refined elements stand out when compared to the solid but still prototypical Z Fold 2. The size of the indoor and outdoor displays stay the same, but Samsung managed to shave a millimeter or two on all sides. It’s not a particularly noticeable difference, but it does give the Z Fold 3 a better edge-to-edge look.

Durability is always an issue with a foldable device, and Samsung is taking it one step further with the Z Fold 3. The metal frame and Corning Victus glass make for a more stable phone, and Samsung claims the interior display is 80% stronger. It’s a tad lighter than the Z Fold 2, but it still feels like a solid phone when you hold it. Speaking of durability, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the first in the series to be rated IPX8 for water resistance.

Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 open screen

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

You can also see a significant improvement in the hinge. It’s more fluid, and opening and closing feels cleaner, smoother, and most importantly, more robust. It’s still foldable, so be careful, but that’s certainly less of a problem with the Z Fold 3 than its predecessor.

The outer display of the Z Fold 3 is 6.2 inches and is the same size as its predecessor. However, it has a refresh rate of 120Hz (down from 60Hz) for a smoother browsing experience.

The Z Fold 3’s selfie camera under the display allows for a seamless viewing experience with no nicks or holes.

The interior display, however, remains the same. Both phones have a 7.6-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD + resolution and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. However, Samsung has managed to tuck the indoor camera under the screen. The selfie camera under the display enables a seamless viewing experience without a notch. However, we’ll have to wait our full test to see how the camera performs.

Another difference between the two phones is that the Z Fold 3’s display now supports the use of Samsung’s S Pen stylus. However, it is not included, so you will need to purchase it separately.


Hardware and cameras

Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 back in green

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Both Z Fold devices have the best processing package of their time. The Snapdragon 888 drives the Z Fold 3, while the Snapdragon 865 Plus ensures that the Z Fold 2 runs smoothly. Both come with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, while you also have a 512 GB storage version of the Z Fold 3. The Z Fold 2 is also available in a 512GB variant, but that’s exclusive to a handful of Asian markets.

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 has a slightly smaller battery than its predecessor – 4,400 mAh vs. 4,500 mAh. We’ll have to wait for the full test to see if it makes a huge difference. The good news is that the Z Fold 2 offers impressive battery life with six to seven hours of screen life. Expecting something similar from the Z Fold 3 wouldn’t go far.

Both come with fast wired charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. However, Samsung is certainly not jumping into the race for ultra-fast charging with these devices. Hopefully, you already have a charger or wireless charger handy, as the Z Fold 3 doesn’t come with one.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 laptop mode 2

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

Samsung is transferring most of the camera setup from the Z Fold 2 to its successor. You get a 12MP wide-angle, 12MP ultra-wide-angle and 12MP telephoto lens on the back and a 10MP selfie shooter on the front. We were pretty impressed with the Z Fold 2’s camera performance in our test, so we’ll see something similar with the newer foldable one.

There’s one exciting change here, though: there’s an under-display camera with the indoor screen. Samsung has already warned that this camera will not be great at just 4 MP. But I’m glad they’re experimenting, and this is a feature that hopefully will make its way into the mainstream soon. Could we finally be done with nicks between this one and the Mi Mix 4?


Price and colors

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (256 GB): $ 1,799 / € 1,799 / £ 1,599
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (512 GB): $ 1,899 / € 1,899 / £ 1,699
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 (256 GB): $ 1,999 / € 1,799 / £ 1,599

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is available in two versions, with 256 GB or 512 GB of storage. The difference between the two models is $ 100, with the phone starting at $ 1,799. While this is the same price you can buy the Z Fold 2 now, it’s actually cheaper than the Fold 2’s $ 1,999 price when it launched.

You can pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 3 now and take advantage of great trade-in prices and other special offers. The phone will be available from August 27th.

Cashbox: The best foldable phones you can get

Speaking of availability: Samsung seems to have discontinued the Z Fold 2 in the US. It is no longer available on the Samsung website, but you can pick it up from Amazon. Of course, if you’re looking to spend that much money on a phone, you can get the newer model for the same price.

As for the colourways, the Z Fold 2 comes in Mystic Black and Mystic Bronze. The Z Fold 3 is available in Phantom Silver, Phantom Black and Phantom Green.

Hang up the Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 screen

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

The first foldable with an IP rating for water resistance.

Samsung’s newest flagship foldable model looks very similar to the 2020 model, but offers some new design elements and some better specs. It also has an IPX8 rating and supports the use of an S Pen, all at a lower entry-level price than in previous years.


Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs. Galaxy Z Fold 2: Which One Should You Buy?

Hang up the Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 screen

Eric Zeman / Android Authority

There is no doubt that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the better device of the two. The phone is tougher, looks and feels more polished, and comes with a better build package. It also has an improved display.

If it’s your first time buying a foldable device, the Z Fold 3 is a breeze.

Then there’s the IPX8 rating, S Pen support, and a camera under the display. The only advantage the Z Fold 2 has over its successor is the battery size, which is 100 mAh larger.

If it’s your first time buying a foldable device, the Z Fold 3 is a breeze. Mainly because both phones are currently the same price. But if you already have the Z Fold 2, you should probably stick with it for a while as the differences between the two phones aren’t that big to justify the upgrade cost. Samsung is offering up to $ 800 trade-in value for the Z Fold 2 for a limited time, but that’s still an extra $ 1,000 to come up with.

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