{Disarmed} Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, analysis: a good idea, a convenient execution, a familiar result
Samsung has five folding devices under its belt and in its latest round it has finished settling the nomenclature. Two surnames for two well-differentiated formats with that striking feature in common, seeing in the analysis of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G how the third version of the brand's book-type folding is like.
In our first impressions it seemed to us that it had reached a point of maturity that we had not yet seen in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 or the original, the Samsung Galaxy Fold . It remains to be seen if the feeling continues to make our device for a while, so we will tell you in depth after a few weeks with it.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G datasheet
FEATURES | |
|---|---|
Inner screen | 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display QXGA + (2208 x 1768 dots), 120 Hz, 374 dpi and S Pen support |
Exterior screen | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2268 x 832 dots), 120 Hz, 387 dpi |
Processor | Snapdragon 888 5G with 8 cores, 64 bits and 5 nm lithography (2.84 GHz + 2.4 GHz + 1.8 GHz) |
Principal memory | 12 GB |
Storage | 256 or 512 GB UFS 3.1 |
Frontal camera | 10 megapixels, f / 2.2, FOV 80º and 1.22 µm photodiodes |
Inner chamber | 4 megapixels, f / 1.8, FOV 80º and 2 µm photodiodes |
Rear cameras | - Main: 12 megapixels, f / 1.8, 1.8 µm photodiodes, Dual Pixel AF, 83º FOV and optical stabilization - Ultra wide angle: 12 megapixels, f / 2.2, FOV 123º and 1.12 µm photodiodes - Telephoto lens: 12 megapixels, f / 2.4, PDAF, 1 µm photodiodes, Dual OIS, 45º FOV and 2x zoom |
Wireless connectivity | 5G NSA and SA, Sub6 / mmWave LTE Enhanced 4X4 MIMO |
OS | Android 11 |
SIM | 2 x nano-SIM and 1 x eSIM |
Sound | Stereo speakers Dolby Atmos |
Battery | 4,400 mAh |
Biometric identification | Side fingerprint sensor |
Dimensions | 67.1 x 158.2 x 16 mm (folded) 128.1 x 158.2 x 6.4 mm (unfolded) |
Weight | 271 g |
Colors | Phantom Black, Phantom Green and Phantom Silver |
price | From 1,809 euros |
Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Black + gift Flip Cover with S Pen (pre-order)
Retail price at Samsung € 1,809
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G - Mobile phone without SIM card, Android, Foldable, Smartphone, 256 GB, Black + Note Pack (Version ES)
RRP on Amazon € 1,809.00 Price at El Corte Inglés € 1,809.90 Price at MediaMarkt € 1,809 Price at Fnac € 1,809Design: little noticeable changes in a familiar format
Both this new Fold and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 are children of their parents: the Flip is a mobile that folds on itself like the shells of a clam and the Fold is a hybrid between mobile and small tablet that does it as a book. For those of us who have been lucky enough to try its predecessors, the sensations of familiarity invade us instantly ; this sounds like a lot to us.
It occurs both in handling, as in dimensions, as in materials, although there are changes that are not so perceptible and it is worth mentioning. The brand claims to have used an aluminum that is 10% more resistant and is 11 grams lighter than the Fold2, and although it does give off a feeling of robustness , it is something that already happened to us with the previous one. So they have maintained something that was already positive, in principle with that improvement at the resistance level.
The touch is pleasant and when folded it is comfortable to hold , although it is literally twice as thick as a current average mobile. It does so by being at a width of about 67 millimeters, compared to the 75.6 millimeters of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and recalling almost more in this parameter the Sony Xperia 1 III , a true champion of narrowness in the current high-end range.
Compared to its predecessor, it is a little more compact (it is not noticeable) but yes, it integrates a battery with slightly less capacity . As we said, it is above the heaviest standard mobiles, but below the Huawei Mate X2 , perhaps one of the most physically similar devices and a fairer comparison in this sense (295 grams).
| Height (millimeters) | Width (mm) | Thickness (millimeters) | Weight (grams) | Screen (inch) | Battery | Surface (cm²) | Volume (cc) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 (open) | 158.2 | 128.1 | 6.4 | 271 | 7.6 | 4,400 | 202.7 | 129.7 |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 (open) | 152.9 | 128.2 | 6-6.9 | 282 | 7.6 | 4,500 | 204.1 | 140.8 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | 165.1 | 75.6 | 8.9 | 228 | 6.8 | 5,000 | 124.82 | 111.09 |
| Realme GT | 158.5 | 73.3 | 9.1 | 186.5 | 6.43 | 4,500 | 116.18 | 105.73 |
| Xiaomi Mi 11 Utra | 164.3 | 74.6 | 8.38 | 2. 3. 4 | 6.81 | 5,000 | 122.57 | 102.71 |
| Sony Xperia 1 III | 165 | 71 | 8.2 | 186 | 6.5 | 4,500 | 117.15 | 96.06 |
| Huawei P40 Pro | 158.2 | 72.6 | 8.95 | 209 | 6.58 | 4,200 | 114.85 | 102.79 |
| OnePlus 9 Pro | 163.2 | 73.6 | 8.7 | 197 | 6.7 | 4,500 | 120.12 | 104.5 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 160.8 | 78.1 | 7.39 | 228 | 6.7 | 3,687 | 125.59 | 92.81 |
Although they have managed to reduce the weight by a few grams, it is still a heavy mobile and 271 grams is still too much for a single hand when it is unfolded. Although it gives to hold it like an open book at the end, it is like when we have a small tablet for a long time and it ends up getting tired. It becomes somewhat more bearable if it is folded and we use the external screen, although we will miss less inches in some apps.
The central fold as a consequence of the hinge continues to appear visually and to the touch. It is not something annoying nor does it dramatically restrict the experience, but it is fully visible and there are no changes with respect to the above, so Samsung has not yet achieved that smooth panel that perhaps we have idealized many and that for now it has not achieved. no folding. It should be said that it does not cause problems at the level of tactile sensitivity, although we perceive it when we pass our finger over it.
An oleophobic treatment has been applied to the surface of the Z Fold3 to prevent greasy from the fingertips and this is achieved on the back with the cameras, but not so much on the edges (with a little more shine) and not much less on the back cover of the hinge, being quite dirtyThe hinge does not seem to have undergone radical changes and externally it is still covered by a glossy rear cover (with the logo) and two upper and lower covers that seem to prevent the entry of particles both with the mobile folded and open, without showing any holes. . Speaking of finishes, an oleophobic treatment has been applied to the surface of the Z Fold3 to prevent greasy from the fingertips and this is achieved at the rear with the cameras, but not so much at the edges (with something else shine) and not much less on the back cover of the hinge , being quite dirty (especially in the black color).
We talked about the Huawei Mate X2 before and it helps us to bring up something: although we have not been able to test (like its predecessor ), the Huawei promises a complete closure so that there is no gap between the two sides of the folding screen. It's something that has remained largely unchanged on the Fold3, with a slit that fits the corner of a standard card.
Something that is not appreciated with the naked eye, but it is done using the device as if it were swimming in the rain, is the IPX8 water resistance certification . We have not tried to submerge it calmly as the specification suggests, but taking advantage of the anomalous rainy condition in this area we have used it without a cover letting everything get wet and without problem.
For now we have commented that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is robust, somewhat lighter, relatively comfortable and dirty, and quite conservative. Let's talk about edges and "tricks" .
The metal edges that cover the two halves of the device are drawn almost identically to the Fold2, distributing the two stereo speakers on the upper and lower sides of the one that incorporates the secondary screen. Open, the frame that shows the internal flexible screen is also clone, but instead of a hole we see a front camera under the screen .
In xiaomist.com Rolling mobiles vs. folding: what does each manufacturer propose and what technology do they useThe implementation at a technical level does not seem to differ much from what we have seen before in ZTE or what others like OPPO seem to show, but it seems to us much more blatant than what we saw in the ZTE Axon 20 . With the ambient screen or off we can see the camera, as was the case with the normal insertion with a hole, but with the screen on, which is when it is supposed to be more concealed, the pixels are seen with the naked eye, they are much larger than what that we saw in the ZTE and the effect is much less achieved (we will talk about the photographic quality in its corresponding section).
The part of the outer screen has changed slightly: the hole for the front camera is preserved and the panel fits into the case with a thicker left edge, but the screen bezels thinner (and the ratio is 24.5: 9, no 25: 9). The fingerprint reader is physical and is still on the side of the lid that has the cameras, well placed to use it especially with the right thumb or the left middle finger.
Screen (s): the third reaffirmation that something does not fit
The Z Fold3 features a 6.2-inch non-flexible screen on the outside, with a resolution of 2,268 x 832 pixels and a density of 387 pixels. The refresh rate reaches 120 Hz, which, as we will now see, remains on the folding screen.
Speaking of which, it is a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X folding panel with QXGA + resolution (2,208 x 1,768 pixels). This translates into a density of 374 pixels per inch, adding support for the S Pen and a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz.
The resolution of the panels is more than enough to see the content well, even if they do not have a competitive density for a high-end mobile . No blurred content is accused or sharpness is lacking, so it is a correct experience that they give. The contrast is also adequate, especially on the external display.
The panel is very saturated from the factory, although we can use the screen settings to leave a more natural level of vibrancy. If we choose this, however, we will not be able to adjust the white temperature on demand, as is possible with the oversaturation option.
As for the refresh rate, we do not see an improvement over the previous thing but it is not very necessary either. 120 Hz maximum is a more than correct value in a current mobile and an adjustment that is visually appreciated with respect to maintaining 60 Hz, and in this case they have also reached the external screen . Later in the autonomy section we will talk about whether or not it is noticeable in terms of consumption, but the extra fluidity of the specific 120 Hz is appreciated and it suits One UI.
The added fluency of the 120 Hz punctuals is appreciated and suits One UI wellThe maximum brightness is more than sufficient, although the automatic brightness setting is a bit high in low light conditions . The opposite situation occurs with the automatic setting to the minimum when reaching 5% battery, something that Samsung has maintained for years and that is not enough in many situations (although it is always better not to reach this battery percentage).
The ambient screen, or Always On , is already a classic among the possibilities offered by our own software and here we find it available for both panels, although what we adjust will be maintained for both. There is nothing new here, being able to activate the display of music playback and also see the Bixby routine and alarm widgets.
The home screen has many possibilities, seeing that you can choose or not by app drawer and that we can choose what to see differently in each panel, or on the other hand, activate that the changes are copied from one to another. The wallpaper can also be set differently for each screen.
The apps can be viewed in full screen if the app allows it… And if not, also, thanks to the tricks (or forced maneuvers) that Samsung Labs allows. We will see several of them in the software part, but in line with the screen percentage it is good to show how we can also choose whether to see an app in 16: 9 (automatic), 4: 3 (wider) or full screen.
This is how the Instagram interfaces are on the external screen and that of 'PUBG' on the folding screen.Although we have tested the device with a protective plastic on the folding screen, the touch sensitivity has been correct at all times, including also the fold area. Without problems in this sense with the external screen, being able to play and make the gestures enabled without problems.
Samsung warning when turning on the phone for the first time. The manufacturer thus ensures that there are no confusion as in the first Samsung Galaxy Fold .The camera under the screen
As we said when talking about design, the insertion that Samsung has made seems to have been based on larger and less numerous pixels. An approximation that makes it more visible than what we saw in the ZTE Axon 20 , as we said.
The diameter of this camouflaged camera is practically the same as that of the front camera, although in this case the task bar is slightly higher. But in any case, it is quite narrow task bars that remain and they do not steal much from the screen , without reaching the record of the Galaxy S (4.3 millimeters) but remaining at 5 millimeters for the external screen bar and 5.5 millimeters in the case of the inner screen bar.
The pixels that are superimposed on the internal front camera are "tinted" depending on the app, so that depending on the situation it can go more unnoticed . Above all, it will happen in apps that we use with horizontal orientation and full screen, as in the case of games or videos.
Of course, although the camera under the screen does not interfere with the interaction (for example, when there is a touch button on it), what continues to happen is that due to the proportions of the panel there will be a lot of content that leaves two large edges in full screen black , either top and bottom or to the sides (depending on the screen), especially streaming apps. An 18: 9 panel is missing in these cases, although it can be said that with respect to its predecessor "it has gained a screen" by not appearing a black bar to cover the camera.
What screen are we left with? Difficult decision, because both have great advantages and great disadvantages. The folding one is larger and allows you to see the contents very well in any proportion, but in addition to those frames that we have said there is the central fold and that we cannot like to perceive the integrated camera. The external display gives an experience similar to any other high-end Samsung (and medium resolution), but the proportions make it sometimes uncomfortable.
The Game Booster options panel eats away at the external screen. 
On the folding screen it is something else.Performance: powerful whether folded or not, but also hot
Samsung puts a pause on including its own processors with the new Z Fold3. In this unexpected turn of events, the brand has opted for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888 , one of the most powerful processors available today . This may or may not be celebrated according to users, given that when comparing performances on the S21 Ultra the one from Qualcomm appeared to be superior to the Exynos in several of the benchmarks, but inferior in photographic performance.
The heart of the folding is also occupied by 12 GB of RAM and UFS 3.1 storage of 256 or 512 GB depending on the variant. With all this, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 copes well with any task, although it heats up quite easily (without reaching worrying temperatures), especially when using the camera (much more than playing games).
The highest temperatures occur mostly with the camera and multimedia playback.Next, we leave you the benchmarks of the Z Fold3 compared to those of other smartphones with similar characteristics:
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 | Sony Xperia 1 III | I live X60 Pro | Realme GT | ASUS Zenfone 8 | Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | Huawei P40 Pro | iPhone 12 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PROCESSOR | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 888 | Snapdragon 888 | Exynos 2100 | Kirin 990 | Apple A14 Bionic |
RAM | 12 GB | 12 GB | 12 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB | 12 GB | 12 GB | 8 GB | 6 GB |
GEEKBENCH 5 (SINGLE / MULTI) | 1,121 / 2,630 | 1,132 / 3,634 | 1,033 / 3,385 | 1,143 / 3,511 | 1,031 / 3,538 | 1,127 / 3,663 | 991 / 3,272 | 943 / 2,527 | 1,614 / 4,148 |
3D MARK (SLING SHOT) | 8,034 | (Maxed out) | (Maxed out) | (Maxed out) | (Maxed out) | (Maxed out) | 9,226 | 8,726 | - |
PCMARK WORK | 14,115 | 11,857 | 11,163 | 14,673 | 11,113 | 11,691 | 14,043 | 9,476 | - |
See complete gallery » Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3, benchmarks (14 pictures)
Software: House Brand Conservatism
Samsung pulls out its chest with this device at the level of the scope it has for productivity because it has adapted One UI to its folding devices with version 3.1.1 , just released and compatible with previous folding devices of the brand. This software sits on Android 11, giving this hybrid between mobile and tablet some of the functions that focus on improving multi-window and handling.
The apps that are factory installed on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3. 
The factory desktop on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3.Samsung adds some of its own apps that in most cases are utilities such as the file explorer or the calendar. Curiously, we can delete the Samsung News app but not the Samsung Free app , being able to manage those of third parties (although in the case of OneDrive it only lets us deactivate it).
The interface remains as we have seen since the launch of One UI: screens with very spaced text whose manifestation we see very well in the system settings . As a particularity, in the Z Fold3 we can see them iPad style with the Multiple View, which allows the main menu to be seen in one half of the screen and the section that we open in another (and that is supported by some other own app).
We have the customization options that we have seen for the screen, with a lot of variety also taking into account that there are two panels and the Flex mode (which we will talk about later). Interesting additions are preserved and almost drawer such as navigation, the Game Booster and other incentives to what would be Android "stock" that are useful to customize the interaction, such as the assortment of gestures.
Game Booster. 
The settings do not differ much more than a normal mobile or other mobile phones of the brand except for the use of the multiscreen and interaction , precisely the two points that continue to differentiate this flexible screen device. Here we see slight improvements and additions over the Z Fold2, but it's basically the same experience (maybe it's a bit different with the S Pen). We see it below in detail and in parts.
Samsung's layer is still very heavy and dense compared to other lighter ones that consume less resources and that show more fluidity in the change of orientation or the deployment of the notification curtain. It is stable and we have not had unexpected closures, but it needs to be much lighter per se and not need 120 Hz to have an extra fluidity.
The multi-window in Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
On the folding screen, much wider than the external one, we can open up to three apps in split screen mode and five more as a floating window (the rest will remain as a bubble), although normally the comfortable and useful thing is to have up to three apps any way. The brand favors in some way that we use its own apps such as the Samsung browser, allowing here that we can drag a link and make it a split screen window (something that is not allowed in Chrome).
It is in the Fold (any) where we see that the Edge Content side tab ( Edge Screen for friends and for the rest of Samsung mobiles that include it) is as practical as it is necessary, since once it is the tool that will allow us the most add apps to the multi-window and even be able to leave groups of anchored apps there. In this way, if for example we always use Word with email, we could associate them with a fixed icon on the Edge Screen and thus open both directly in split screen. This is not new either, as is the possibility of fixing the Edge bar as if it were a fixed taskbar.
The split window allows you to switch from side to side or the orientation of the apps by pressing in the center, on a three-point button . This will also be the way to anchor groups of apps on the Edge bar.
In the middle are the options to interact with the split screen.Here we see that they have implemented something, at least as a test, which is a shortcut to apps that do not allow split screen . We can see in the settings that there are third-party apps that not only support split screen, but also Flex mode (we'll talk about it now), while others (a loving throat clearing from here to Instagram) still don't even allow the first. What can we do in this case? Activate that all apps support multi-window from Samsung Labs and be able to at least try to use them like this (taking into account that it will be more possible for them to fail due to being forced).
The most convenient way to enjoy all the benefits of multi-window and split-screen work is, of course, the use of compatible apps . These will always start being those of the house, as we will now see with the Flex mode, seeing that in the case of the Samsung browser we can make a new tab open in the form of a new window. As was the case with Fold2, Microsoft Office apps have privileges over other third-party office automation apps and in the case of Excel or Word (among others) we can drag content directly between windows, but not if we use Numbers or Documents of Google.
On the right, a link opened as a new window (from the one on the left). 
Between Office apps we can move objects from one window to another (left), in the case of others, for now, not (Google apps on the right).The double screen
Part of the Z Fold's claim is the versatility that double-screen work can bring, especially when it can be uninterrupted. If we adjust it like this, we can establish that the apps we want do not close when we open the device when working with the external screen, so that we can continue as usual with the flexible screen.
This is especially convenient in apps with a keyboard , since the one that appears on the external screen is so narrow that it is difficult to write without making mistakes, or in the camera app if we want to review the photos and shots that we take repeatedly. What can happen to us if we do the reverse, if we go from the internal screen to the external one, is that the app restarts as it cannot change its size while they are running (it happens with some third parties, such as Instagram).
The move from the external to the internal screen gives us the possibility of resorting to Flex mode if we keep the Z Fold3 open at a 90-degree angle. It is something that already existed previously (since the Z Fold2) and that serves us precisely the cases in which one of the halves acts as a command or keyboard, as in the case of a messaging app, Spotify or the camera app.
Apps in Flex mode: from top to bottom, camera, Samsung notes and the 'Asphalt 8'.We can force Flex mode in Labs, but if the app is not compatible, it may only appear a small generic menu with four shortcuts (to capture the screen, see notifications, etc.). Although another of the negative points remains with respect to its predecessor: the natural thing is to open the mobile and use the part with the external screen as a "joystick", and this makes it very easy to cover the speakers. If we use the other part (the one with the external cameras) we will not cover them, but it is not very pleasant to touch the module with your fingers (nor is it recommended, since fingerprints are a common enemy of the quality of the photographs).
In the end, the use of the Flex mode is something anecdotal in the day to day for several of the aspects that we have commented:
- Few apps support it: above all, few games.
- The Samsung keyboard fits well on the surface and is very versatile. It has practically everything that we would ask for from the keyboard of a device with so much possibility of interaction. But not auto-correcting automatically (you have to tap on the text suggestion) is awkward with such a large screen because you still have to raise your hand.
- The fingerprint reader is designed for locking / unlocking with the grip vertically.
- We cover the speakers or continuously touch the rear cameras.
- The crease creates some reflections in the area, most noticeable on white backgrounds.
Cameras: the powerful thing is the versatility of the rear and this one is about to finish
By background, which Samsung already has in book-type folding, the Folds have not been a leap in photography with respect to their high-end predecessors. In fact, broadly speaking, we hardly see any changes in the hardware with respect to the Z Fold2 , keeping the same sensor at least in the main and the wide angle. The resolution of the front camera under the screen is somewhat lower than last year's interior front (4 megapixels compared to 10 megapixels). This is how they all look:
- Main: 12 megapixel sensor (1.8 µm pixels), with f / 1.8 aperture lens, Dual Pixel AF, 83º field of view and optical stabilization.
- Ultra wide angle: 12 megapixel sensor (1.12 µm pixels), lens with f / 2.2 aperture and 123º field of view.
- Telephoto lens: 12 megapixel sensor (1 µm pixels), f / 2.4 aperture lens, PDAF, Dual OIS, 45º field of view and 2x optical zoom.
- Exterior front: 10 megapixel sensor (1.22 µm pixels), lens with f / 2.2 aperture and 80º field of view.
- Inner front: 4 megapixel sensor (2 µm pixels), lens with f / 1.8 aperture and 80º field of view.
A similar result to last year can be expected, although we must pay attention to the processing and what may have evolved. Let's talk about the app before, which in this case has something else to comment on due to the peculiarities of the mobile.
Camera app
The camera app does not differ much in utilities with respect to what we see in other high-end Samsungs, but the Flex mode that we have discussed and the possibility of seeing the preview of the rear cameras on the external screen is added. The idea is good, not so much the execution, since it is very easy to accidentally touch the flexible screen and it is not deactivated, so in the end it is somewhat uncomfortable to use the rear cameras for selfies (and they are the highest quality, like we'll see later).
To these would also be added that of the Flex mode, which we have seen in the section of the double screen in software.Beyond that, Samsung keeps the HDR setting in the camera settings menu , so running it manually as such does not exist. We can have it in automatic or not have it.
The direct buttons for the wide angle and the zoom are kept at 2x, and the magnification can also be gradually adjusted. The tabs are editable (except for the basic modes) and there is a very complete Pro mode.
The app is complete and adjusts well to the capabilities of the mobile except for that point we mentioned about the preview on the external screen. The camera under the screen does not have a portrait mode either, although the most reprehensible thing is that it works quite slowly and that it is not very difficult for the swipes we make to change the mode to be interpreted as a zoom or vice versa.
Rear cameras
The main chamber is by far the most solvent . It is balanced in colorimetry and dynamic range, giving a level of detail that, without being something remarkable, is not bad in most situations.
Automatic photo with the main camera.Where the resolution is at a somewhat low level with respect to expectations is indoors and cloudy days, which are usually very demanding situations for mobile phones. Here it will be better to use the zoom if we are looking for a good crop, although it tends to exaggerate the contours even if it does not shoot in HDR.
In these more expensive situations, it does not remind us of a high-end mobile because, in addition to losing the definition, noise appears . We will also see this in the external front camera, in the next section.
Automatic photography with the main camera.HDR adds a bit more contrast in shots with more outlines and backlights, but it's not too aggressive either. As we have seen previously, although we deactivate the automatic HDR and in theory it is not activated, when we observe the photographs we see that it seems to be activated anyway.
El zoom a 2x es correcto y ayuda a obtener mayor detalle incluso de noche, aunque aplica un balance de blancos más cálido que la estándar y el gran angular. No llega a ser algo que dañe la foto, pero le quita un tanto de realismo (y en una serie de fotos más rápidas podemos ver que a veces esta "corrección" no se hace y el balance de blancos es correcto).
El gran angular deja bastante que desear a nivel de detalle. Sin ampliar puede dar el pego en situaciones fáciles, como un paisaje de día con luz abundante, pero en interiores, días nublados y de noche queda bastante por debajo de lo esperado.
Fotografía en automático con el gran angular.Las fotografías de noche con la principal están bastante bien y normalmente será casi conveniente no usar el modo noche. Éste último nos ha resultado algo errático (disparando en el modo noche configurado en automático) y en modo automático vemos que no hay un exceso de ruido y que se interpretan bastante bien las iluminaciones y sombras.
El modo retrato es efectivo a nivel de actuación: nos exige cierta distancia, pero suele aplicarlo aunque quizás no la estemos cumpliendo. Pero incluso en abierto realiza una especie de lavado al primer plano, comiéndose bastante detalle y al final con fotografías poco realistas (al sumarse ese desenfoque tan plano).
Modo retrato.Algo a mejorar es el autofocus en fotos macro . Es muy inestable en estas situaciones, que es precisamente cuando quizás necesitemos una mayor estabilidad, pero por suerte tenemos un buen enfoque manual en el modo Pro.
Cámaras frontales
En el caso del Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 hablamos de cinco cámaras frontales : la interna (bajo la pantalla), la de la pantalla externa, y las tres cámaras traseras. Con ello tenemos dos cámaras subjetivas como tal (sólo una de ellas con modo retrato), un gran angular, un tele y una cámara estándar de más resolución que las dos frontales propiamente dichas (con modo retrato).
La calidad de la cámara principal (trasera) con respecto a las dos frontales es apabullanteLa calidad de la cámara principal con respecto a las dos frontales es apabullante: la cámara bajo la pantalla puede lograr alguna foto decente con muy buenas condiciones, pero queda bastante por debajo de la cámara frontal externa y ésta, a su vez, directamente sepultada por la cámara con sensor de 12 megapíxeles.
El detalle desciende a medida que decrece la resolución de los sensores y también el realismo; si bien veremos que la principal aplica esa calidez a la que Samsung nos acostumbra desde hace tiempo (que no acaba de sentar mal, pero no es demasiado realista), las otras dos cámaras tienden a un balance de blancos más frío y sobre todo menos contraste. Además, la cámara frontal externa, con sensor de 10 megapíxeles, da fotografías de unos 6,5 megapíxeles, lo cual tampoco se entiende muy bien.
Lo más cómodo suele ser usar la cámara de la pantalla externa y es relativamente solvente, pero si queremos un retrato de calidad merecerá la pena tirar del teleobjetivo. La estabilización de las cámaras frontales per se es también algo deficiente, habiendo bastante disparos borrosos de noche (sin haber apartado demasiado pronto el móvil).
Ver galería completa » Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3, galería de fotos (34 fotos)
Vídeo
4K es lo máximo que tendremos en este tope de gama de Samsung y nos parece más que suficiente. Con esta resolución obtenemos tomas buenas en cualquiera de las tres cámaras incluso en días nublados, con lo que no se necesita el 8K de los Samsung más ambiciosos en vídeo.
Son tomas con buen nivel de detalle, colorimetría correcta y buen rango dinámico. Podemos cambiar de lentes dentro de la misma toma (se mantiene la resolución, obviamente) y no hay un salto demasiado llamativo.
Independientemente de la resolución, apenas hay cambio en los tonos y el balance de blancos y la temperatura al cambiar de lente. Notaremos que tanto en el tele como el gran angular aparece mucho antes el ruido que normalmente surge en condiciones más complicadas, con el agravante (en este sentido) de hacer zoom en el caso del tele.
El modo de superestabilización nos fuerza a grabar en 1080p y al ser más exigente es mejor no usarlo en baja luz, dado que pueden quedar tomas ruidosas y subexpuestas. La estabilización es mayor que la de serie (óptica en la cámara principal), pero no lo vemos como algo necesario porque ésta ya rinde bien, dando la superestabilización tomas más "tipo gimbal".
En cuanto a las cámaras frontales , se repite lo visto en fotografía y la externa tiene mucho mejor desempeño que la interna. El rango dinámico es algo menor a la cámara principal, pero lo que se nota (como en fotografía) es la pérdida de detalle, especialmente de noche. Eso sí, por lo que hemos comentado que ocurre en la visualización de la vista previa en la pantalla externa, no es lo más cómodo usar las traseras como cámara subjetiva en los vídeos.
Autonomía: el talón de Aquiles que lo deja rezagado
Dentro del Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 encontramos una batería de 4.300 mAh , bajando así un poco la capacidad con respecto a su predecesor (4.500 mAh). Normalmente, una mayor cantidad de mAh favorece la duración de la batería en el uso del móvil, pero al intervenir muchos más aspectos no debemos presuponer que, de manera absoluta, menos es siempre peor.
De hecho, aquí tenemos un resultado distinto que en el Fold2, pero no del todo desfavorable. La autonomía media se nos queda en unas 22 horas , mientras que las horas de pantalla se elevan a 11 horas (a 60 Hz) y dejan lejos las 3,5 horas de pantalla de media el año pasado.
De hecho, en el día a día la experiencia es más o menos la de una jornada de uso por carga. Influirán varios factores; la alternancia de tasas de refresco hasta 120 Hz y el uso de la pantalla interior favorecerán el consumo, igual como todas aquellas apps más exigentes como videojuegos o streaming. Haciendo una combinación de todo, con días con más fotografías que otros, la autonomía suele quedar entre 20 y 26 horas según nos quedemos con la frecuencia de refresco variable o no, respectivamente.
Con eso vemos que la elección de este parámetro si influye en las horas da la batería de sí en una carga, con mejor resultado si lo dejamos en 60 Hz. Pero hablando del uso y teniendo en cuenta que básicamente será más o menos cargar el dispositivo una vez al día de una manera u otra, creemos que compensa dejarlo en 120 Hz por el extra de fluidez que se nota en un software que, como decíamos, se nota aún pesado.
La carga rápida que soporta la hemos tenido que probar con otros cargadores porque el Z Fold3 no incluye cargador . Los Galaxy S21 fueron pioneros en no incluirlo y el nuevo Fold ha recogido el testigo, con sus más de 1.800 euros de precio de salida y "en pro del medio ambiente" (y el ahorro).
In xiaomist.com La paradoja de la caja del smartphone en 2021: la gama alta racanea, la gama baja lo da todoEl Z Fold3 soporta hasta 25 vatios de carga inalámbrica, probándolo con cargadores de hasta 30W. Con ellos la carga es de unos 95-100 minutos, con lo que más o menos son unas dos horas para tenerlo del todo cargado (del 0 al 100% con el móvil apagado). Es bastante tiempo teniendo en cuenta que las cargas a mayor potencia dan tiempos de menos de una hora para baterías similares.
Sonido: un equilibrio de prestaciones que da buen resultado
Como hemos anticipado al hablar del uso del dispositivo, este plegable de Samsung hereda también el sistema de sonido en estéreo de su antecesor, algo que le da puntos positivos por ser algo que debería ser inherente a cualquier móvil de gama alta y/o ambicioso (y no es así en todos los casos). Lo que no tiene es minijack de audio, por lo que hay que recurrir a auriculares USB tipo-C o bien inalámbricos.
El sonido por altavoces va sobrado de volumen con hasta 113 decibelios en la inmediata salida del altavoz al máximo, lo que se traduce en unos 80 decibelios ambientales. Esto no es recomendable ni por intensidad ni por la pérdida de calidad que ya experimenta a ese nivel, siendo mucho más conveniente dejarlo más o menos al 80% , con lo que da unos 70 decibelios ambientales, que sobra para tener la estancia bien ambientada.
El ajuste de los altavoces es correcto y destaca el desempeño de los graves . Si no fuese por la ubicación, el sonido tendría un excelente desempeño en la gran mayoría de las situaciones, hablando de voz, música o juegos.
Y hablamos de tal y como viene de fábrica, sin el Dolby Atmos activado. En el caso de los altavoces externos, este ajuste da algo más de volumen y sonoridad, pero el audio se satura demasiado y casi es mejor tenerlo algo más comprimido.
Tenemos el ecualizador disponible para los altavoces y también para los auriculares , para los cuales hay más herramientas en los ajustes de sonido. Algo que es recomendable es realizar la prueba de audición para que así indiquemos al sistema qué frecuencias potenciar, de manera que normalmente nos dará un sonido algo mejor según el caso.
En auriculares , el Dolby Atmos nos parece más ventajoso. El rango dinámico mejora y sí percibimos un sonido más claro, quizás por la ventaja que ya conllevan los auriculares frente a los altavoces a nivel físico
La última opción disponible es el optimizador UHQ , pero sólo aparecerá disponible para auriculares conectados por cable. Podemos sumarlo al Dolby Atmos y/oa nuestro perfil de audio, y lo que notaremos es un poco más de reverberación y profundidad, sin resultar empalagosa y que puede dar cierto toque a videos y música (sobre todo a acústicos).
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3, la opinión de xiaomist.com
Con los plegables últimos de Samsung se ha producido la ironía de que el más pequeño sea el que más sombra hace. El formato Fold parece tener algo menos de sentido que el Flip en el día a día de un usuario estándar que no necesite tanto una multitarea avanzada y el modo Flex no acaba de brillar, si bien los añadidos de software para potenciar la pantalla dividida están muy bien. Aún así, esto nos ha sonado a viejo conocido. Funciona bien, pero ya nos lo habían contado.
El software y parte del hardware hacen que la experiencia con el Z Fold3 no deje de parecer que es algo experimental , incluso un capricho. Es la tercera vez de algo, no la primera vez de nada, y mientras el Flip nos parece práctico y más cercano a lo que podría llegar a ser mínimamente un estándar (para pocos), el Fold nos ha alejado más de aquella curiosidad que nos provocaba pasarnos cinco minutos sólo observando cómo se plegaba y desplegaba un panel en un dispositivo sin dejar de funcionar.
La construcción parece robusta, la experiencia multimedia con una pantalla grande tiene su gracia y la resistencia al agua da tranquilidad (y probablemente no haya sido fácil de conseguir en un móvil así). Pero la aproximación de la cámara bajo la pantalla nos ha dejado algo fríos, y en general no vemos fácil recomendar a mucha gente un producto con un precio de salida elevado que, además, nos da tanto déjà vu .
8.7
Diseño 8,75 Pantalla 8,50 Rendimiento 9,50 Cámara 8,75 Software 8,75 Autonomía 8In favor
- Plegado resulta estrecho y cómodo de transportar, también a la hora de usar las cámaras traseras.
- La resistencia al agua da tranquilidad y la construcción da confianza al uso.
- Bien por el sonido estéreo (aunque lástima que tapemos los altavoces a veces).
Against
- Es la tercera vez que vemos un pliegue al medio y que tapamos los altavoces al usar el modo Flex.
- La cámara bajo la pantalla no compensa.
- La autonomía sigue siendo demasiado justa.
El terminal ha sido cedido para la prueba por parte de Samsung . You can consult our policy of relations with companies .
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La noticia Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, análisis: una buena idea, una ejecución conveniente, un resultado familiar fue publicada originalmente en xiaomist.com por Anna Martí .
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