The technology scene’s worst-kept secrets are finally out. Samsung today hit the refresh button on its foldable lineup, announcing two new smartphones “built with the craftsmanship and flagship innovations Samsung users have come to expect” during its latest Galaxy Unpacked event.

As their names suggest, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G are third-generation devices, offering plenty of new tech and features to the foldable market, including an IPX8 rating for water resistance and S Pen support for the Korean company’s flagship folding handset. Surprisingly, both devices are cheaper than their predecessors, too, despite the upgrades under the hood and elsewhere.

The upgrade you’ve been waiting for. Now with an IPX8 rating. #GalaxyZFold3 #GalaxyZFlip3 #SamsungUnpacked
Learn more: https://t.co/KG3cpxUoD4 pic.twitter.com/hj23vGvExl

— Samsung Mobile (@SamsungMobile) August 11, 2021

A first for foldable smartphones

In the Philippines, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G are priced as follows:

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
  • 256GB: P87,990 (around $1,741)
  • 512GB: P95,990 ($1,901)
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
  • 128GB: P52,990 ($1,049)
  • 256GB: P56,990 ($1,129)

Local preorders begin August 19 for both models at all Samsung Experience Stores, select Samsung Blue Stores, and authorized retailers nationwide. Offline customers can get up to P27,400 ($542) worth of freebies, including the following:

• a full year of Samsung Care+ protection;
• a pair of Galaxy Buds Pro;
• an e-voucher worth up to P5,000 ($99);
• 50% off the Flip Cover with an S Pen;
• and a 25-watt travel charger.

You can also preorder through Samsung.com to get as much as P20,400 worth of freebies, including:

• a year of Samsung Care+ coverage;
• an e-voucher valued at P10,000 ($198);
• and a 25-watt charger.

The latest-gen Fold carries over a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Unlike last year’s model, though, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G features an in-screen camera, making it the first Samsung device with a selfie camera (partially) hidden underneath the panel rather than requiring a notch or punch-hole cutout.

The cover screen is still 6.2 inches across and retains its Gorilla Glass Victus coating, but now operates at 120Hz. The back of the phone also incorporates Corning’s most durable glass for unprecedented protection against bumps and drops. As expected, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset with a 5G modem that offers both Sub6 and mmWave 5G support. However, its camera specs are largely unchanged, so in terms of getting a flagship-grade camera experience, the new Fold likely disappoints.

As for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, it will run Samsung’s Android 11-based One UI 3.1 on a Snapdragon 888 coupled with 8GB RAM. The internal display has a 6.7-inch diagonal and offers FHD+ resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate, while the external screen measures 1.9 inches, nearly twice as large this time around. The rear panel that folds in half is wrapped in Corning Gorilla Glass Victus as well. Like the new Fold, the camera setup here remains largely the same.

Video: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked August 2021, in case you missed the global launch, where the company also unveiled the Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Watch4, and Galaxy Watch4 Classic

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G specs

• 7.6-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
• 6.2-inch secondary Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor with 5G
• 12GB RAM
• 256GB/512GB UFS 3.1 storage
• Triple 12-megapixel, f/1.8 main, 12-megapixel, f/2.2 ultra-wide, 12-megapixel, f/2.4 telephoto, 10x digital zoom rear cameras
• 10-megapixel, f/2.2 front camera (secondary)
• 16-megapixel under-display front camera (main foldable screen)
• Fingerprint reader (side-mounted)
• 4,400mAh battery with 25-watt fast charging
• One UI 3.1 based on Android 11
• IPX8 water resistance
• Stylus support
• Colors: Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Green

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G specs

• 6.7-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz refresh rate
• Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor with 5G
• 8GB RAM
• 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 storage
• Dual 12-megapixel, f/1.8 main, 12-megapixel, f/2.2 ultra-wide rear cameras
• 10-megapixel, f/2.4 front camera
• Fingerprint reader (side-mounted)
• 3,300mA battery with 25-watt fast charging
• One UI 3.1 based on Android 11
• IPX8 water resistance
• Colors: Phantom Black, Green Lavender, Cream

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