"Galaxy Z Flip3 5G" review-Enriched functions that make full use of folding!

Samsung's foldable (folding) smartphone has two models: horizontal folding "Z Fold" and vertical folding "Z Flip". Although it is the same folding model, the style, positioning, and target are different. Of these two models, the one that is easier to use is the “Galaxy Z Flip3 5G” introduced this time.

Released from NTT Docomo and KDDI (au). The price is 148,896 yen for docomo version and 148,925 yen for au version.

Even though it is a smartphone with a large screen, it is easy to carry around and use

Z Flip3 is a foldable smartphone that can be carried around as a smartphone when opened and a compact size when folded. It has the same style as the folding mobile phones of the feature phone era, and by folding the vertically long body vertically from the center, the long side becomes half the size and can be carried around.

What is different from the feature phone era is that when you open it, the entire screen is a display, making it easier to view content. Since the display can be folded inward, the large screen can be carried safely, and when opened, it can be used as a normal smartphone.

The display is a 6.7-inch FHD + Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex display, which has the same size and resolution as the previous model, but supports a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. Games and screen scrolling have become smoother.

The body size is a little more compact than before, with a size of 72.2 x 166.0 x 6.9 mm when open and 72.2 x 86.4 x 15.9 to 17.1 mm when closed. Weight is 183g. As for the smartphone size when opened, for example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max with the same screen size is 78.1 x 160.8 x 7.65 mm and 238 g, so it is a thinner and lighter smartphone with a slimmer body.

However, when you fold it, it will be smaller (although it will be a little thicker).

Larger cover display

The new "cover display", the rear display next to the camera, is a major change. The previous cover display was elongated at 1.1 inches, but the Z Flip 3 has increased it to 1.9 inches. The resolution has increased from 300 x 112 dots to 512 x 260 dots.

By increasing the size of the screen, visibility has been improved. The time is usually displayed on the cover display, and you can change the illustration and background image from the settings to your liking. You can also display two clocks at the same time, so it may be convenient when you want to check the time difference with other countries (useful when you want to check the time in Japan while traveling abroad, I would say).

By swiping left and right on the cover display, you can also use functions such as music control during music playback, weather forecast, and today's schedule. It is a pity that the app cannot be displayed.

In addition, it is also possible to use it as a camera monitor. As we will see later, this is a very useful and convenient feature.

A new way to fold and stand on its own

The biggest feature of the Z Flip3 is that the display can be folded. Compared to the horizontally folded Z Fold3, the display is a slightly softer type, which is probably the difference in compatibility with the S pen. Perhaps because of this, the bendable part in the center is not very noticeable, and the dent is not so large when you touch it. Therefore, as long as you use it normally, you will not feel any problems with folding it.

Supports flex mode to fix in the middle of bending. You can place your smartphone on the table and let it stand on its own for added convenience. If the app supports flex mode, the UI will be divided vertically around the folded position, making folding convenient.

For example, the YouTube app displays videos at the top and comments at the bottom. You can play the video while watching the comments, and it is also convenient for watching the video while standing on its own.

The video size is smaller than the full screen display, but you can check the content to some extent. so it is easy to check.

Also, if you lay it on its side and bend it a little, it will stand on its own even in a horizontal position, and you can watch it in a style similar to a horizontally long curved display for desktops. It's convenient to be able to use your smartphone independently anytime, anywhere.

Folding smartphone that expands the range of shooting

The Z Flip 5G has a dual camera on the back. Both use a 12MP sensor, and there are two types of cameras, an ultra-wide angle and a wide angle.

The in-camera is 10MP, but one of the advantages of Z Flip 5G is that you can comfortably take selfies without using the in-camera.

If you press the power button on the side twice while closed, the camera will start and the cover display will become a monitor. You can check the display of the main camera on the cover display, so you don't have to open your smartphone and use the front camera. Use the volume button instead of the shutter button.

Since the screen size is small, it is not possible to check the overall composition, but it works well as a monitor. You can shoot faster than opening the terminal, and you can fix it, so it is a useful function in various scenes.

Even when the camera is open, Flex mode changes the UI of the camera, making it easier to shoot while placed on the ground or on a table. In low-angle mode, the live view is displayed at the bottom of the screen, so you can shoot while checking the composition even when the camera is closed to the limit.

You can put it on the ground and shoot from below, but it's more convenient for everyday use if you can take a picture looking up from the waist level.

The camera is a 12MP dual camera, and the impression is that it is a normal smartphone camera with no quirks. It is suitable for SNS with a rich color that is typical of Galaxy, but it does not have a new shooting function that is distinctive compared to the past.

Still, the wide range of shooting in flex mode is unique to foldable smartphones. The fun and convenience of such photography shines through.

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is not "just a folded smartphone". The compact and easy-to-carry body is especially recommended for those who want to have both a large screen and easy portability. .

There is also an Osaifu-Keitai on the back, which can be touched even when it is folded.

Since it is also waterproof, it is comfortable to use, such as placing your smartphone while taking a bath and enjoying SNS and videos. Pop accessories such as cases are also available, and I have the impression that it is targeted especially at women, but regardless of gender, it is a terminal that I want you to experience the convenience of folding.