Latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 leak reveals a disappointing display downgrade

By Babu Mohan
published

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 multitasking
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 multitasking (Image credit: Hayato Huseman / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • A new leak suggests the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 may come with a smaller cover display than its predecessor.
  • The phone is tipped to feature a 7.7-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch cover display.
  • Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 2 has a 6.2-inch cover display.

Samsung's next flagship foldable phone may feature a surprisingly small cover display, if a new leak is to be believed. According to leaker @chunvn8888, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will come equipped with a 7.7-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch cover display.

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While the cover display's size will be smaller than the one on the Galaxy Z Fold 2, it is tipped to retain the same 25:9 aspect ratio and 2,260 x 816 resolution. There's no word on the refresh rate of the panel, but previous leaks have suggested both displays on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 are likely to offer a 120Hz refresh rate.

Samsung is expected to introduce the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Galaxy Z Flip 2 at an Unpacked event in the third quarter of 2021. Both phones are likely to be powered by a Snapdragon 888 chipset, just like the best Android phones on sale right now. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is also rumored to include S Pen support, similar to the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Samsung's upcoming foldable is tipped to feature some sort of water resistance as well, although it may not have an IP rating.

Unlike its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 may have to face stiff competition, at least in a few markets. Xiaomi's recently launched Mi Mix Fold is only available in China currently, but the company may launch it in a few other markets later this year. OPPO and Vivo are also likely to unveil their first foldable phones this year.

Babu Mohan
Babu Mohan
News Writer
6 Comments
  • I wonder why the downgrade? This is odd
  • Why on earth is this seen as a downgrade? The purpose of a foldable phone isn't to have a "bigger than Pixel 5" screen when it is FOLDED. The purpose is to have a "smaller than an iPhone 13 Mini" screen when FOLDED and a "bigger than iPad Mini" screen when UNFOLDED. This is PROGRESS, evidence that the folding technology is BETTER and MORE MATURE for a third generation product. If they are able to knock $300 off the price even more so. Goodness, what is wrong with people?
  • 5.4" makes way more sense, especially if it can help bring down the price even a little. ultimately, get the top one to be good for simply functions, responding to messages, etc. it doesn't need to be big. I'll take a smaller exterior screen all day.
  • Bingo. That's why I'm not a fan of something like the Mate X2; massive folded, massive unfolded. No thanks; the phone should be small when folded.
  • I have to disagree. Yes I understand what you are saying but the screen on the outside of the Fold 1 was too small. The Fold 2 outer screen was much better but very narrow. Yes I mostly do texting and quick messaging on the outer screen and my enterprise work on the larger screen. But for $2000, I want both screens to be large. Not small or narrow.
  • I have to disagree as well. This move would merely be a cost savings for Samsung, but slim chance that any cost savings would be pushed to consumers if they only push one device. If they are willing to continue to push this device as a luxury brand, which I am more than willing to pay for, I will definitely not support a downgrade of the outer screen. I use that outerscreen a lot now on a daily basis. If they really care about making device cheaper to reach more consumers, then they can make one with a subpar mini outerscreen and another with an upscale and better outerscreen.