Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 release date, specs rumors

In August 2020, Samsung announced two new smartphones: the new Galaxy Note 20, and the second generation of Galaxy Z Fold. The first generation of the Flip model caused so many controversies and had to have a second launch as the initial devices had faulty folding mechanisms, but the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Fold 2 did resurrect the image of Samsung’s foldable phones and were much more popular. Now, we are slowly getting ready for next year’s model, so here is everything we know so far about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Specs

Based on everything we can predict about the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3, we expect something very similar to the previous generations but with a few improvements here and there. Furthermore, we expect the internals to be on a flagship-level which means we can almost be certain that the device will have 5G connectivity, Snapdragon 875, as well as at least 12GB of RAM. The internal storage is expected to be at least 256GB, while the battery is expected to match, if not exceed the 4500mAh seen in the previous model. Finally, some rumors also mention additional features we haven’t seen on the previous generations including a possible IP rating, as well as potential compatibility with the S Pen, maybe even with a specified slot as is the case for the Note lineup. 

Quickly referring to the camera setups, we do not really know much about it until we see the first renders of the final design, but there are still a few things we can safely assume. The front camera is expected to have 10MP lens, but it is still not certain will the company stick to the punch-hole design or will it try to add an under-display camera instead. The back camera is known even less at this point, expecting at least 3 sensors to be included but we are yet to see how they will be incorporated in the overall design.

Samsung Galaxy Z Design

The overall design of the Z Fold 3 is going to stay the same, or very similar to the previous generations. In practice, this means that we can expect a foldable device with two displays that can be folded in half similarly like a book. The vertical fold did prove to be a better choice than the horizontal considering the chaos with Flip, so there is nothing to point at a dramatic design change. For the pretty high price we expect, we also expect a very good and sturdy build as seen in the 2nd gen. 

Talking about the main display, we expect something relatively similar to the 7.6-inches from the 2nd generation. 120Hz refresh rate is definitely going to be included as it became a staple of Samsung’s flagships ever since it was released the first time. The outside display is expected to be around 6 inches, but we will see whether the company will maintain the same approach with the Z Fold 3 as before, or will there be wiggle room for a larger option. The front camera is expected to be a part of a punch-hole setup, but there is still an option of an under-display camera that has not been rejected.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Release date & Price

Usually, Samsung sticks to a certain schedule regarding its more popular devices which is why each year you can expect to see the Note or Galaxy S series at approximately the same time. However, Fold has always been an exception as the first was originally revealed in June 2019, while the second-gen was revealed in August 2020. Usually this early in the year we would mostly rely on the schedule pattern to predict further release, but it seems that is not as accurate this time around. Some rumors are considering that the device is going to be released in June 2021, perhaps at the MWC that will take place the same month. When it comes to price, don’t expect anything even close to affordable as the Fold series brings quite high price points. The 2nd gen was available for $1999, and we can expect the upcoming flagship to stick to a similar price point. 

UPDATE / 2 February 2021 / 

Having an unusual design, the new Galaxy Fold finds itself quite often in the news thanks to numerous rumors and leaks. According to Ross Young who shared more insight into the design on Twitter, we got an idea of what display changes we can expect with the upcoming model:

  • Main display: 7.55″ (previously 7.59″)
  • Cover display: 6.23″ (previously 6.21″)

Based on this, we can see that both the main and cover display are going to be a bit smaller than in the previous model, which he explains as a result of creating more space for the S Pen to be included. Soon after his Tweet, Samsung has also officially confirmed that S Pen is going to be included in more devices rather than only the Galaxy Note lineup where it all started. This step has already been made with the Galaxy S21 Ultra model, and if there is any model in Samsung’s wide device lineup, it is the Fold. The rumors of full integration have been coming from several sources, but we are yet to see whether the device will also have a place to keep it, or the S Pen will have to be held in the protective cover as is the case with S21 Ultra.

UPDATE / 11 February 2021 / 

A month after the release of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Series, we are getting the first rumors about an actual launch date for Samsung’s foldable smartphones. Some of the first rumors hinted that Galaxy Fold 3 might launch in June, but thanks to the pretty famous leaker Ice Universe, we now know it might be closer to July. On Twitter, he revealed that “we may have to wait 5 months to see the Flip 3 and Fold 3”, which lands us from February to July.

A few rumors that are also showing up refer to the under-display camera options rather than a punch-hole design we have seen before, and similarities between the rear housing of the device to S21.

UPDATE / 25 February 2021 / 

Ice Universe who shared the news of the potential release date further shared some details about the upcoming Z Fold 3. The tweet refers to an under-display camera but based on a few relative fails with this feature among other companies, Samsung might lose the leverage of a foldable phone if the camera itself does not perform well enough. Luckily, Samsung has already shared by the beginning of the year that it will be releasing laptop displays with such camera setups, leaving us hopeful they are prepared for the upcoming smartphone.

Furthermore, we are getting more confirmations regarding S Pen support for the new device as ET News shared that Samsung has succeeded in adding the feature despite technical complications along the way. This means you will be able to use the S Pen on Fold 3 the way we could do on the Galaxy Note lineup. Practically, this means that certain specs will be adjusted to better withstand such use over time, including the display sensitivity.

UPDATE / 9 April 2021 / 

It has been quite a while since there were any rumors about the Galaxy Z Fold 3, but, thanks to Patent Apply, we are now even more sure that the upcoming smartphone is going to come with S Pen compatibility. One of Samsung’s patent filings shows the new way the company is planning on adding its smartpen, S Pen, to the new devices which are expected to be released in Summer 2021.

Adding a pen to a foldable smartphone is quite a challenge, but the patent seems to show that Samsung managed to overcome it and maintain the quality and screen size. The patent images above show the way different inputs for the Z Fold 3, including the virtual keyboard and Bixby as expected, as well as S Pen. Other patent images show even more functions the S Pen could be used for, including image and text editing, navigation in the maps, paint tools, and more. Of course, even though these features are included in the patent, that does not mean we will be seeing all of them at launch in the Summer as some might come in future updates.

UPDATE / 20 April 2021 / 

More details have been incoming regarding the new Z Fold 3 model. As is expected to be the case with Galaxy Z Flip 3, Fold 3 will probably also have the “Armor Frame”. The new frame design was revealed through details of a trademark, and it hints at an improved protection design on the new folding devices, perhaps including Carbon or Titanium materials. Furthermore, according to the Sammobile report, the device will also have some level of IP rating which will come as a pleasant improvement considering the premium price of the device. Finally, according to some industry sources, Fold 3 will come with a bit smaller battery capacity than its predecessor. The size of the device itself would be the same as the original Z Fold, but with a 7.5″ display which would mean we will be looking at a potential zero-bezel design.

UPDATE / 12 May 2021 / 

Thanks to a tweet by user @TheGalox_, we have a leak of the promotional photos of the upcoming Fold model. The overall design of the device is quite similar to its predecessor with the vertical, butterfly-like folding machanism with a triple-camera housing on the back. However, the gap between the two parts seems to be smaller than previously. Moreover, the device is expected to have S Pen support. But, the most surprising feature based on the leak was that it will be the first foldable device with an under-display front camera. Based on the photos, we expect the device to come in at least Black and Silver color options, as well as Green and Beige.

UPDATE / 26 May 2021 / 

Besides the rumors that Samsung might be planning its Unpacked event for August during which it will reveal the new Fold and Flip flagships, we know more details about the gestures that could be used on the new Fold model. According to a patent, Samsung has applied for a “Galaxy Z Fold Squeeze Gesture” which could be an excellent solution to problems some of the users were having with finding the buttons quickly while the device is folded. Instead of buttons, we might actually see a focus on gestures for some tasks such as power on or volume controls.

UPDATE / 30 June 2021 / 

With August slowly approaching, more details are being revealed about Samsung’s new foldable devices including the new potential release date. According to reports, Fold 3 is expected to start shipping on the 27th of August, meaning the launch event should take place a few weeks prior during which we will officially find out all of the details. According to the latest rumors, the Unpacked event is expected to take place on 3rd of August.

There are also a few features that were revealed in the meantime, including the under-display camera which has been confirmed by a popular leaker, Max Winebach. Based on the previous trademark by Samsung, the new Fold 3 will have a UPC (under panel camera). Moreover, thanks to the leaks by Evan Blass on Twitter, we have a more accurate representation of the device itself with the photos he has revealed. The triple camera setup seems more flush and better incorporated into the back panel of the device, while the presence of the S Pen in the photo confirms the expected compatibility. Lastly, we expect Pink, Green, and Black color options. Of course, the names are probably going to be more eccentric as is usually the case with Samsung’s naming approach.

UPDATE / 13 July 2021 / 

Thanks to a leak from a Korean website Digital Daily, we know that Samsung is planning on holding its Galaxy Unpacked event on the 11th of August 2021. But, to make us even further excited, Evan Blass shared a few short videos on his Twitter including all devices he believes will be revealed during the event. Among them is also Z Fold 3, shown below from all angles and in all colors: White, Green, Black.

More details were also revealed in regards to the stylus Fold 3 is supposedly going to be compatible with. At the very beginning of 2021, FCC filing revealed that Samsung is working on a bigger version of its S Pen: S Pen Pro. Now, we are also finding out that it will actually be compatible with Z Fold 3, as well as S21 Ultra, Note 20 and a few Tabs. However, in the photo leaks of Fold 3, there is a smaller S Pen which means that it will probably be sold with a “Fold Edition” S Pen at first, while the S Pen Pro will be sold separately.

ALSO READ: Galaxy Z Flip 3 release date, specs, design rumors

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