Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 review: the folding clamshell smartphone is perfected – archyworldys

The first model of Galaxy Z Flip had us a little disappointed on the subject of the photo, compared to what Samsung is able to offer with its Galaxy S. We have to believe that the firm has heard the criticisms addressed to it, and this year it offers much better photographic results. The smartphone relies to do this on two 12-megapixel modules (wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle), which were already present on the previous model.

Main module: 12 megapixels, f / 1.8, eq. 26 mm

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (12 Mpx, 24 mm eq, f / 1.8, ISO 64, 1/100 s)

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 (12 Mpx, 26 mm eq, f / 1.8, ISO 64, 1/100 s)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is undeniably better than the previous model, but not enough to get as close as possible to the best cameras of the moment. By day, it offers a good result, well detailed – despite a slight smoothing due to the software processing. The image also reveals a slightly warmer tone than what the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (12 Mpx, 24 mm eq, f / 1.8, ISO 1600, 1 / 20s)

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 (12 Mpx, 24 mm eq, f / 1.8, ISO 1250, 1/25 s)

At night, the rendering is a little more messy. The software processing intervenes in a too strong way, with a rather pronounced numerical smoothing. We also note the presence of white borders surrounding certain objects in the scene, in particular on the end of the card.

Ultra wide-angle module: 12 megapixels, f / 2.2, eq. 13 mm

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (12 Mpx, 13 mm eq, f / 2.2, ISO 80, 1/100 s)

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 (12 Mpx, 13 mm eq, f / 2.2, ISO 50, 1/50 s)

The second module offers more or less the same result as the first, at least of the day. The photo is quite smooth and the light halo covers more space than on the Galaxy S21 Ultra. But the exposure remains correct, making the cliché exploitable. A real improvement over the first Z Flip.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (12 Mpx, 13 mm eq, f / 2.2, ISO 2500, 1 / 20s)

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 (12 Mpx, 13 mm eq, f / 2.2, ISO 2000, 1/25 s)

In low light, impossible to establish the same observation. Night shots with an ultra wide-angle module are rarely flattering and our Galaxy Z Flip 3 is unfortunately no exception to this rule.

Front module, portrait and video mode

Inside, a 10 megapixel module takes place. The latter does not offer the same result as with external modules. The rendering is more saturated and it is better to focus on capturing selfies with the two 12-megapixel modules when the smartphone is closed. His cover-display 1.9-inch, which serves as a small monitor for framing, fully allows this.

The portrait mode is quite convincing and does not differ from what we are used to finding on the high-end of the South Korean company. The clipping is good, without being breathtaking; some details of a subject fail to be fully captured in the foreground and become blurred.

In video, the Z Flip 3 can shoot up to 4K at 30 or 60 fps. With the front module, you will be able to enjoy 4K at 30 fps. The main module integrates an OIS (optical stabilizer); the stability of your videos will therefore be almost perfect to erase your hand tremors.