[One Month Trial] The Sold-Out 'Z Flip3', My Honest Review

Galaxy Z Flip3. Recently popular among users, it features an analog-style wallpaper reminiscent of the 'feature phone era.'

[Asia Economy Reporter Joesulgina] "Oh my, I have to buy this!" I wasn’t the only one who made up their mind the moment they saw the Galaxy Z Flip3. Surprisingly (???), the biggest fan of the Z Flip3 turned out to be my mother, who is soon approaching her seventies. The size fits perfectly into a mini bag, and the design is stylish. By the time I decided to change my smartphone, I was already far behind my mother’s timing.

The tastes of mother and daughter, which were hard to find similarities in both appetite and style, perfectly matched this time. Somehow, it became our "first-ever pre-order" and "first-ever mother-daughter couple phone." Even the color was the same Lavender. Relatives who saw our mother-daughter couple phones during the Chuseok holiday also said they would buy the Z Flip3, so the foldable craze that literally "sells out because there’s none left" is definitely felt.

After using the Z Flip3 directly for a month following the pre-opening at the end of August, the most satisfying points were definitely the beautiful design and portability.

Right after the Z Flip3 was released, I laughed so much reading the online post titled "The Life of a Flip Owner." But the truth is, over the past month, whenever I met friends, left my phone charging at a coffee shop, or paid with Samsung Pay, people I met said, "This is really pretty," or "Is that the Z Flip3?" Contrary to the expectation that it would only be popular among the MZ generation or the 30s and 40s with foldable nostalgia, I confirmed enthusiastic reactions from the parent generation as well, as an "in-crowd" phone.

Galaxy Z Flip3. You can split the screen to watch OTT content while simultaneously reading portal news.

The Z Flip3 allows you to take photos and video calls while folded in half. The number of times I placed the Z Flip3 folded in an L shape on a nearby surface at a suitable height and took selfies with acquaintances as if someone else was taking the picture has noticeably increased. Although the camera specs have not improved compared to the previous model, the 12-megapixel camera is more than enough for personal photos. The unique Samsung Galaxy color tone and night mode are also satisfying.

It is also convenient that you can split the screen to view multiple tasks simultaneously when needed. However, I don’t use this feature as often as expected. Unlike the 'Galaxy Fold3,' which has a large screen, I’m more accustomed to switching between windows. Personally, I found it more comfortable to use the smartphone in full screen with the device slightly folded at about 15 degrees (except when watching videos).

The Z Flip3’s external display has grown larger, increasing its usability. Without opening the phone, you can check basic messages, listen to music, or record voice memos. The ability to use Samsung Pay is also convenient. My mid-20s cousin, who uses the first-generation Z Flip, cited this feature as the most enviable aspect of the Z Flip3.

The durability, which made me hesitate to purchase the first-generation Z Flip at launch, has noticeably improved. The anxiety about folding and unfolding repeatedly has disappeared. Even though I dropped the phone twice on the floor within three days of activation, the device remained intact. (Thank you!) Although the display crease still remains, it is not bothersome. Fingerprint recognition is possible on the side line, and it worked better than expected even when I roughly placed my finger. When using the smartphone with one hand, having a strap or finger ring is much more comfortable.

Galaxy Z Flip3

The disappointing parts are definitely the battery and heat generation. Even though I charged and used the smartphone as usual, the phone turned off three times while I was out over the past month. On the first day of activation, I was startled when the battery dropped to the 40% range in just three hours. The moment the phone died right in front of the meeting place while I was rushing out for a Danggeun Market transaction was quite embarrassing.

The high-spec phone I used before, the Galaxy S20 Ultra, lasted quite a while even at 5% battery, but with the Z Flip3, you have to be very cautious once it reaches single digits. Because of this, you have to charge it frequently, and the charging time takes longer than existing flagships, which is also a downside. However, carrying a portable battery every time reduces one of the reasons I bought a foldable phone that fits perfectly in a mini bag.

The heat generation is surprising. When watching online video services (OTT) or videos on the smartphone, it quickly becomes hot. Especially the upper part where both the external and internal displays touch the hand is so warm that people joke, "It will be useful in winter." Even those who have used it for just a few hours point this out as a downside, so I hope this will definitely be improved in the next model.

Acquaintances mostly said they wished the Z Flip3 were lighter and thinner when folded. Especially those who expected the past foldables that could be folded and unfolded with one hand commonly said this. My mother also cited portability as the biggest advantage and weight as a disadvantage.

Actually, the biggest complaint over the past month was that it took three weeks after activation to receive the pre-order gifts, including the lucky box. At the time, I had just given away my old wireless earphones, so I was very envious of people who listened to music with wireless earphones in their ears while walking. However, this complaint melted away when I received the package the day before the Chuseok holiday. I hope my acquaintance, Mr. Park, who is still eagerly waiting for the gift nearly a month later, will receive his package soon.