After years of using a conventional smartphone, I have recently converted to a flip or folding phone in September 2021 and here is my honest Galaxy Z Flip3 5G review.
Since July of 2007, I had already been using a smartphone when the original Apple iPhone 1 was launched in the USA, and I had my unit shipped to me one day after the launch.
To be honest, the technological advancements of smartphones in the last 14 years have really changed so much, and only those who started from day one will fully understand this.
Galaxy Z Flip3 5G Review Malaysia
 |
| The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G smartphone. |
From the humble iPhone 1 beginnings in 2007, I eventually moved to the Samsung Galaxy Note 1 in 2011 due to many positive reasons, namely the Android operating system (OS).
And since moving over to Samsung, I have never looked back or regretted the change as I found more positive factors that made my experience even better.
Over the years, the conventional one-face smartphone was the staple for everyone until the idea of a folding phone came around in 2019. First edition models made headlines, but the technology was still lacking.
There was a mixed feeling among consumers, and of course, the mainstream media, critics and blogs took the opportunity to hammer these folding devices.
But now, after two additional years of intense research, Samsung has come out as the leader in folding phones with some very impressive improvements.
 |
| The Flip3 5G folding phone was reviewed outdoors. |
So, it has been a week since I started using the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G phone, and to my surprise, so much has been improved from my initial review of the first Galaxy Z Flip I did in May 2020.
I have to be honest and say that I'm still testing the flip phone out because I need to use it longer than just a few days to give it a full and proper review.
Therefore, this is an overall quick review of the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, while in the coming weeks, I will have more detailed reviews of the flip phone.
Remember, I am a consumer-user of the folding phone and not one of those tech blogs or websites that do all these super technical reviews. I mean, which ordinary layman understands all this tech jargon?
The most important number you should be concerned about is the processor, ram and storage, where both variations of the Z Flip3 come with the Snapdragon 888 chip, 128GB or 256GB storage, and 8GB of RAM.
Z Flip3 Camera
I've been a considerable smartphone photography person from the early days; therefore, the camera is probably one of the most important things for me in any smartphone.
One of the functions I am currently addicted to is the ultra-wide camera system on the phone, making my landscape photography more enjoyable.
And the Z Flip3 is the only flagship unit that comes with a unique two-camera setup. This includes a primary wide-angle 12MP at f/1.8 and a 12MP ultra-wide at f/2.2.
In layman terms, these are some of the highest standards in photography, so you get amazing photos without trying too hard.
 |
| This photo was taken at the Perdana Botanical Gardens using the standard mode on the Z Flip3 5G. |
What I Like About the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G?
I've always been used to the one-piece conventional smartphone design as it has grown on all of us over the last decade. And changing to the Galaxy Z Flip3 is something that needs getting used to.
I will list down what I like below and just summarize it for easy reading.
The Size - After folding the Z Flip3, it measures a fabulous 8.5cm x 7.5cm with a thickness of just 2cm. This is quite amazing as it fits into any standard pocket, bag or pouch.
The Water Resistance - Wow, and I mean wow! How Samsung has managed to make this folding phone water resistance is totally mind-boggling. The new IPX8 rating means that this flip phone can be submerged in 1.5 metres of water for a whopping 15 minutes! Now, this takes folding phones to another whole new level.
The Price - While the inaugural model in 2019 shocked many people with a relatively high price, Samsung surprised everyone when they dropped the cost of the Z Flip3 to RM3,999. Not only that, if you buy the Z Flip3 5G from Samsung, you will get additional discounts and promotions.
What I Dislike About the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G?
Folding Screen Crease - To be honest, there is still a slight crease in the folding part of the screen, but it's not as apparent as the earlier model. So, this is still here to stay until they find a solution, which I think is not a significant issue.
Camera Area Heating Up - If you decide to be a sports or fashion photographer, this is not the camera you want to use, as continuous shooting will heat up the camera lens area. So, the camera is made for casual lifestyle photography.
Battery Life - This is probably one of the irks for many smartphone users as everyone wants to have the longest battery life. However, it also depends on how you use the phone.
If you are someone who is constantly online, multi-tasking with social media, websites, youtube and playing games, you probably need a large power bank on standby.
But if you are a minimalist or casual user, the battery life will suit your daily lifestyle for almost an entire day, depending on the usage.
Being Honest About My Reviews
After years of reviewing smartphones, I have found that many try very hard to over-review smartphones and avoid any negative or bad comments and suggestions.
To me, I have always been both positive and negative to give a well-balanced review. This again is to show that I am not just doing it for the sake of doing it like many out there.
 |
| The unique Galaxy Z Flip3 5G. |
More Detailed Information
For even more detailed information, specifications, videos and offers, please visit the Samsung Malaysia website.
You can also visit any Samsung outlets around your town or city to see the actual model on display. There, you can also test out the folding phone and ask the staff questions.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier in this article, I am an everyday user of this smartphone and not a gadget techie who talks numbers and tech jargon in their reviews.
My aim is to provide a simple and easy to understand review for anyone who wants to know more about this folding smartphone.
I hope you found my Galaxy Z Flip3 5G review in Malaysia entertaining, and if you have any questions, please do ask me here, and I will do my best to answer them for you.