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

Folding screen is a lot of fun; Attractive design; Accessible price (for folding phone); Powerful specs;

Unexciting camera; Battery could be bigger; Screen is no larger than most smartphones;

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the best clamshell foldable you can buy, with specs and a price comparable with flagship phones. Its relatively small battery holds it back, as does its lack of a telephoto camera lens, and wary consumers may want to wait to see what innovations come in the next iteration – but if you want a phone that folds up to fit in more bags and pockets, while offering the same performance as flagship phones, the Z Flip 3 is a good option to buy today.

Good lower price; Good specs; Refined design and displays;

No telephoto lens; Middling battery; Outer display still not terribly useful

Folds up into a neat package; Smooth 120Hz inner display; Water resistant; Much cheaper (but still not cheap);

The outer display is better but still fairly limited; Mid-range cameras; Average battery life;

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.”

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