Samsung launched its latest flagship folding phones at its Galaxy Unpacked event on 11 August in the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3. The phones launched alongside the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Buds 2.
The phones are now available to pre-order and also come with a few pre-order perks (which we’ll dive into below), and full sales begin on 27 August via Samsung and a number of other retailers – all of which we’re tracking here.
What’s new in the Z Fold 3?
With a focus on productivity, one of the biggest updates on the Z Fold 3 (and Z Flip 3) is S Pen support, which Samsung already offers on its Note and Galaxy Tab S7 tablet range. Now, customers can choose between the S Pen Fold Edition or S Pen Pro to use with the Z Fold 3. Both S Pens have special retractable tips designed to protect the screens from excessive force. Samsung is offering customers a free S Pen with purchase.
Other productivity highlights on the Fold 3 incude a new Taskbar for faster and easier access to apps, and ‘Flex mode’, which allows users to multi-task across the two screens. Fold 3 owners can, for instance, use one half of the phone for video calls (with optimised support for Microsoft Teams) and the other half for notetaking.
There’s greater durability too. Samsung promises the Fold 3 can withstand folding up to 200,000 times, while new IPX8 water resistance, an “Armour Aluminum” chassis – which Samsung claims is the strongest aluminum used on a phone – and a Gorilla Glass Victus display that’s “80% more durable than previous devices”, also join the list of durability upgrades.
Here’s everything there is to know about the Z Fold 3 if you want to learn more about the handset’s cameras, display and specs.
Also see our coverage on where to buy the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Watch 4.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 pre-order deals
Customers who pre-order the Z Fold 3 ahead of the 27 August release can benefit from a year of Samsung Care+ – Samsung’s premium device protection service that covers accidental damage, water damage, screen, and back cover replacements.
Samsung is also offering enhanced trade-in, similar to the one launched in the US last month. UK customers can claim an extra £250 on top of the standard trade-in rate when buying a Galaxy Z Fold 3 (or Z Flip 3)
Pre-orders also include a free Galaxy Note Pack (worth £79.99) which inlcudes a Flip Case, S Pen and 25W Fast Charger. Customers also get Samsung Boost for free, which is a collection of premium apps worth over £250.
Just be sure to claim within 30 days of purchase. Head to Samsung to see these offers.
How much does the Galaxy Z Fold 3 cost?
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is available in the following configurations and price points:
- 256GB – £1,599/$1,799.99
- 512GB – £1,699/$1899.99
The phones are available in Phantom Black, Phantom Green, and Phantom Silver
Where to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 3 SIM-free
While we’re still waiting for confirmation, we expect all major retailers to offer the Z Fold 3:
Where to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 3 on contract
Three has confirmed it will stock the Z Fold 3 with prices starting at £99 upfront and £105 per month for unlimited data. Customers can also get 50% off the monthly rate for the first 6 months.
We’re waiting for other networks to confirm including:
If you missed the Galaxy Unpacked event, here’s how to watch it.