When Samsung Electronics revealed its first prototype of a flexible display back in 2011, few people realized they were witnessing a glimpse into the mobile industry’s future. Now, a decade later, Samsung has shipped 4 times more foldable devices in 2021 than in 2020, exceeding the three-fold market growth that analysts expected.¹

Consumer enthusiasm for Samsung foldables is exemplified by the success of the Galaxy Z series. In the first month since launch, the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 exceeded total accumulative sales of Samsung foldable devices in 2020.

With foldable smartphone shipments predicted to grow tenfold by 2023,² let’s take a look at the key moments, top innovations and important partnerships that have helped make foldable devices the next big thing.

Bringing Foldables to Consumers Around the World

Samsung may have first introduced the concept of foldable displays in 2011, but it would take over a decade to bring foldable devices to consumers around the world.

The next major milestone came in 2019, when Samsung finally brought its foldable vision to reality with the Galaxy Fold, its first foldable device. Soon after that came the Galaxy Z Flip. A sleek clamshell design – a throwback to flip phones of yore – made the Galaxy Z Flip an instant icon.

After a decade of progress and three generations of innovation, the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 brought enhanced durability and an improved user experience to foldables. Not only have they set a new standard in the industry, but they rekindled consumer interest in smartphones in general.

Innovations Behind the Technology

From creating new materials and methods to overcoming mechanical challenges, creating the foldable category required Samsung to reimagine the smartphone from the inside out.

From the onset, Samsung engineers understood that the key to creating a new category would be inventing a range of new technologies to ensure the devices would meet the expectations of global consumers.

The Infinity Flex Display and Samsung UTG, for example, enabled the world’s first folding glass display. While its screen may be a continuous piece of glass, a foldable’s body features two distinct components. This unique structure meant that in order to maintain a design slim enough for daily use, engineers would have to completely rethink the placement of internal components. That challenge included designing a new internal cooling system as well as a dual-battery system with technology that optimizes multiple power sources as one.

To ensure that the devices would be capable of withstanding hundreds of thousands of folds, a Hideaway Hinge mechanism was designed with Sweeper technology to help keep out dust and dirt particles. The hinge also added a new layer of functionality to Samsung foldables, allowing them to stand on their own, which makes them perfect for watching content, making video calls, or taking hands-free selfies.

Samsung’s dedication to creating new foldable innovations enabled it to achieve yet another major milestone in 2021 with the release of the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 – the first foldables to receive an IPX8 water resistance rating.

But the features that set Samsung foldables apart aren’t all hidden beneath the surface. With App Continuity – a responsive UI that delivers seamless transitions between folded and unfolded modes – and features like Multi-Active Window and Flex mode, Samsung foldables have unlocked new ways for us to work, play and express ourselves.

Driving Consumer Demand for Foldable Devices

This unprecedented push in innovation has sparked a surging demand for foldable devices, bringing more users to the Galaxy family than ever before. Compared to the Galaxy Note20, Samsung has seen a 150 percent³ increase in consumers who switched smartphone brands for the Galaxy Z Flip3, and a 140 percent increase compared to the Galaxy S21.

A simple explanation for this massive increase is that both Galaxy Z series devices offer distinct features that appeal to specific customer groups in ways that no other smartphones have before.

A buyer survey conducted by Samsung revealed that a stylish design, portability and an innovative folding form factor were the top drivers behind purchases of the Galaxy Z Flip3. The ability to use the cover screen without opening the device was another important factor for those who value privacy, as well as those who want to regulate their screen time to manage their mental health. Buyers of the Galaxy Z Fold3, meanwhile, reported being drawn to its large screen for viewing content, multitasking capabilities and productivity features, including the S Pen.⁴ At the end of the day, it’s clear that both devices are giving consumers more incentive than ever to switch to a foldable, even if it means changing brands or operating systems.

Pioneering the Foldable Future

As more consumers become aware of foldables’ incredible potential, interest in the category will continue to grow. With a variety of innovations set to make their way to consumers in the coming years, Samsung will continue to lead the foldable category with even more pioneering technology.

To achieve this goal, Samsung is heavily investing in R&D while openly collaborating with app developers and industry partners such as Google.

For years, Samsung and Google have been collaborating to make the foldable experience scalable by providing Android developers with the necessary framework and resources. In 2021, the companies announced guidelines for creating apps for large-screen and foldable devices, building on Google’s work to optimize its most popular apps – such as Gmail, YouTube, Duo and Maps – for foldable form factors. Going forward, Samsung will continue to work with partners and developers to develop technologies that will steer the future of the mobile industry.

In establishing an entirely new mobile category a decade ago, Samsung raised the bar for mobile innovation. As it looks toward the next decade and beyond, the company will continue to reinvent the mobile experience to change what’s possible as they unfold.

¹ According to figures from Counterpoint Research

² According to figures from Counterpoint Research

³ Samsung Big Data Center

⁴ Only Galaxy Z Fold3 main display has S Pen capability. Compatible only with the S Pen Fold Edition or S Pen Pro, sold separately.

▲ This beautiful Korean landscape known as the Awesome Savanna, one of the locations featured in the BTS music video ‘Spring Day’, was scouted by location manager Taeyoung Kim

An essential element to bringing a movie or TV show’s characters and narrative to life is the background that is shown behind them. When the location of the characters’ life and events are vivid, an audience is automatically more naturally drawn into the story. In essence, the perfect space can serve as a canvas on which a narrative is painted.

Taeyoung Kim is the first Korean location manager, who over the past 20 years has scouted many beautiful spaces for all kinds of classic productions. In his journeys to find the perfect spots, Kim’s Galaxy Z Fold3 has become his trusted partner, so Samsung Newsroom tagged along on Kim’s latest road trip to discover some new shoot locations with the help of Galaxy Z Fold3.

The Secret Formula to Scouting the Perfect Scene for a Shot

“All spaces have stories:” this is Taeyoung Kim’s philosophy. Kim understands that, wherever a place may be, it is drenched with the traces of the people who have been there over the ages. Kim’s job as a location manager is to discover the story that a space holds and then bring new value to that space. In order to find those special spaces capable of bringing a scene to life, he has traveled more than 800,000km – the equivalent of 20 journeys around the Earth – and accumulated more than 3 million photos for location scouting purposes.

As soon as Kim receives a scenario, he pictures the scenery he wishes to find in his head. After running through tens of thousands of different combinations in his mind, he begins to search for the right places. In the past, he would carry 7 to 8 atlases around with him at all times – to the point where they became torn and worn out. Then, he would have to take photos of each space using a heavy camera and subsequently have to get those photos printed for meetings. Luckily, with his introduction to Galaxy smartphones and Galaxy Z Fold3, these inconveniences are now a thing of the past.

Not only has Kim been able to switch out his heavy-duty camera for a high-resolution camera, but he has also been able to conveniently note, record and share potential locations using navigation, GPS and real-time location sharing on his Galaxy Z Fold3. Kim has been using Galaxy smartphones since the release of the Galaxy Note3, and these days harnesses the Galaxy Z Fold3 for his work. “With my Galaxy smartphones, I have been able to significantly cut down the time and cost it takes to discover a location,” said Kim. “I am now able to solely focus on the space and the scenario I am looking for by simply holding up my smartphone in one hand instead of having to carry around heavy equipment such as a camera and a tripod.”

Galaxy Z Fold3, the Perfect Partner for Taeyoung Kim’s Scouting Journeys

A location scouting trip is all about discovering the optimal place to match the scenario formed already in Kim’s head. To ensure a successful trip, Kim has a selection of essential items that he always keeps with him in his bag. The latest addition to this list of items is his Galaxy Z Fold3, which has replaced his previous duo of a Galaxy S21 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S7. In addition to his smartphone, Kim carries with him his Galaxy Book Flex Alpha, an external hard drive, a scenario book, a drone device, snacks for the trip and a distance measuring device.

Packing and transporting his equipment when heading out on scouting missions has become much simpler for Kim since he acquired his Galaxy Z Fold3. Thanks to the Galaxy Z Fold3, Kim is able to take photos of a location and examine them at a wide angle in a single frame using the device’s large screen, a functionality he previously enjoyed when using the ultra-wide lens of his Galaxy S21 Ultra. In addition, when it comes to exploring more precarious places, such as valleys or cliffs, with Galaxy Z Fold3, all Kim needs to do is hold up his smartphone. “Thanks to the small and lightweight nature of the device, as well as its high-performing camera, I can record the places I have visited without ever having to worry about missing a spot,” noted Kim. “The whole process has been made so much more convenient with the Galaxy Z Fold3.”

Furthermore, as Kim is reviewing an image on the expansive screen of his Galaxy Z Fold3, he is also able to make notes of any relevant information – such as location details, hazardous factors, usable space, dimensions and more – with his S Pen on the spot. This ability to take notes immediately on his smartphone has enabled Kim to capture any inspiration that comes to him when viewing a location as it happens. “Applying cinematic elements to a photo I have taken of a potential location requires some explanation,” explained Kim. “Being able to include figures or other images in these pictures makes it much easier for people to understand my train of thought; my Galaxy Z Fold3 and S Pen have come in extremely useful when it comes to sharing my location scouting images with cinematographers, art directors and producers.”

Once Kim has finished his ideation process and is ready to scout out a location, all that’s left is to embark on is the journey itself. With the Galaxy Z Fold3, all this means doing is entering the location into the navigation system – and off he goes.

In order to learn more about Kim’s location scouting process, optimized by the Galaxy Z Fold3, take a look at the ‘Voices of Galaxy’ video below.

But Samsung’s cutting-edge new foldable solutions couldn’t have been realized without the hard work and collaborative efforts of Samsung’s global network of engineers. Among other accomplishments, these employees were able to incorporate advanced technologies like AI to enable drawing and writing on the Galaxy Z Fold3’s large screen, and to allow the device to convert handwriting in a range of languages into on-screen text with S Pen.

To find out more about just what went into the development of the innovative new S Pen, Newsroom spoke to Olga Radyvonenko from the Visual Intelligence Team at Samsung Research Ukraine.

Q: Can you briefly introduce the Ukrainian Research Institute and the kind of work that goes on there?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the key technologies of our R&D center. Our lab is focused on bringing Samsung users human-centric AI technologies that make input and interaction easy and enjoyable.

Q: The S Pen has now been applied to the Galaxy Z Fold3, making it the first of its kind among foldable smartphones. What role did you play in this process?

The major contributions of our lab to the Z Fold3 were the development of on-device deep learning technologies for handwritten content recognition and the technology for reducing S Pen input latency that combines advances in graphics and AI.

Q: What is the S Pen Software Development Kit? What particular advantages does it bring?

The S Pen Software Development Kit (SDK) is being developed by Samsung researchers and developers from many countries around the world, and we are very proud to be part of this international team. The S Pen SDK provides ways to speed up rendering and to reduce and optimize S Pen input latency. In addition, it comprises smart AI-powered features, such as recognition of handwritten text, shapes, diagrams and handwriting straightening.

Q: Given the unique function of the S Pen on the Z Fold3, was there any function of the S Pen that was developed or expanded specifically for the foldable smartphone?

As the new Z Fold3 has a massive and unique foldable display, we’ve focused on using our AI technology to optimize the S Pen experience as well as improve the latency. Thanks to our point prediction technology powered by deep learning, we are able to predict the next movement of the S Pen to minimize the delay between input and output on the screen of the Z Fold3. This, in combination with the front buffer rendering technology and unique large screen, means that our users can enjoy the most natural handwriting, note-taking and drawing on their Z Fold3.

Q: How many languages does the S Pen now support? What were some of the difficulties of expanding the number of recognized languages for the Z Fold3’s S Pen?

At this moment, the S Pen supports 88 languages in total, 14 of which were newly added in the past year.

Adding a new language for handwriting recognition requires a lot of effort. In order to achieve the world’s best level of recognition quality and speed, we have developed an advanced AI technology. This technology is based on deep learning across millions of users’ samples and language modeling for natural language processing (NLP).

Q: Do you have any special tips for making the most out of the S Pen on the Z Fold3 to share with users?

For those who love writing by hand, the S Pen To Text feature now supports writing with the S Pen directly into text fields. The handwriting is then automatically converted to text. Also, you can edit any printed text with your S Pen – for example, when correcting spacing or inserting words.

One feature that will also interest many users is Neat Shape mode. It can help you to not only draw shapes, but also build a flowchart.

Make sure to check the Tips application and not skip usage tips – there you will discover the newest S Pen and input features, and also learn how to use many other Samsung apps to their fullest potential.

Q: Looking forward, what do you think the future of the S Pen looks like? How might it evolve?

We hope to introduce more ways to support better user experiences by providing even more personalization in the near future. Our mission is to make S Pen input like writing in your notepad with a pen, but better and smarter.

Most of all, I want for as many people as possible to experience the power and convenience of the S Pen and its handwritten input capabilities. It has the potential to enhance input on a wide range of devices. We view the S Pen not only as a cool gadget, but first and foremost as an accessible and useful tool. I hope I will see the S Pen and its features casually used in education, in the workplace and in everyday life. I do believe we are set to see a revolution in input technology.

The full interview video can be viewed here:

Samsung’s high-tech, innovative tests include environmental chamber, water resistance, S Pen usability and folding test. Environmental chamber tests ensure that features, such as video playback, and components, like cameras work properly in a variety of climates — from dry to humid, and hot to cold. Water resistance tests establish the high quality of the very first water-resistant foldable smartphone by even testing in different folding positions, including Flex mode. With S Pen drawing tests, Samsung ensures the performance of the digitizer underneath the foldable display including where it folds. And to ensure that the new foldables live up to their namesake, the Galaxy Z series devices undergo rigorous folding tests to outlast 200,000¹ folds — or around five years of use if folded and unfolded 100 times a day. The enhanced folding tests reflect actual user patterns in real-world scenarios such as folding and unfolding using both hands.

Take a look at the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the testing procedures Samsung uses to ensure that the latest Galaxy Z series devices meet the highest standards possible.

¹ These results were backed by Bureau Veritas, the world leader in testing, inspection and certification services.

At its Galaxy S21 Unpacked event earlier this year, Samsung announced a series of partnerships with automakers. The Genesis GV60 will become the first vehicle to showcase the innovative new technology when it launches in September, starting in Korea.

Samsung’s digital key is powered by advanced UWB technology, a short-range, wireless communication protocol that uses radio waves to operate, much like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. However, UWB transmits radio waves at a much higher frequency, enabling highly accurate spatial awareness and directional capabilities that allow mobile devices to understand their surroundings better.

UWB enables passive entry, so you can say goodbye to digging through your pockets and bags in search of your keys. You’ll be able to lock and unlock your car, start the engine, open the trunk and even activate personalized settings like adjusting your seat and mirror position before you enter the car — all through your smartphone and without pushing a button. If you’re lending your car to a friend or family member for a short period, you can easily share the digital key and even set a time limit on how long the shared key will be available to them.⁴

The solution uses Samsung’s embedded Secure Element (eSE), designed to protect your most sensitive information and encryption keys, so you never have to worry about your keys falling into the wrong hands. The precision of UWB technology also stops potential relay attacks, where the radio signal is jammed or intercepted. Samsung’s digital key is fully compliant with the digital key standard as defined by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), in which Samsung has been one of the driving members.

“We are proud to partner with Genesis as part of our mission to create exciting new mobile experiences that can make people’s everyday lives easier,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “As we continue to drive advancements in mobile technology like UWB, our priority is now to bring these new experiences to as many people as possible, in collaboration with our trusted ecosystem partners.”

“GV60 will set the bar for luxurious electric vehicle representing the electrification of the Genesis brand,” said Albert Biermann, President and head of R&D division at Hyundai Motor Group. “The partnership with Samsung Electronics will strengthen our efforts to provide truly differentiated experiences for our customers to interact with Genesis vehicles.”

Samsung’s digital key will be available in NFC and UWB with the Genesis GV60 initially in Korea by the end of this year. The UWB digital key is compatible with Galaxy S21+ and Ultra, Note20 Ultra and Z Fold2 and 3. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com/levant/apps/samsung-pass/ or www.genesis.com/worldwide/en/models/luxury-suv-genesis/gv60/highlights.html.

About Genesis

Genesis is a global luxury automotive brand that delivers the highest standards of performance, design, safety and innovation while looking towards a more sustainable future. Genesis designs customer experiences that go beyond products, embodying audacious, progressive and distinctly Korean characteristics within its unique “Athletic Elegance” design identity. With a growing range of luxury models — including the G90, G80, G70, GV60, GV70, and GV80 — Genesis aims to lead the age of electrification by focusing on a dual electrification strategy involving fuel-cell and battery EVs, starting with its G80 and GV60 electric models. Genesis has stated its commitment to becoming a 100% zero emission vehicle brand by 2030 and to pursuing carbon neutrality by 2035. Since its initial launch in Korea, Genesis has emerged in key global markets including North America, Europe, China, Australia, Russia, and the Middle East, establishing a strong relationship with customers around the world. For more information, please visit the official website at https://www.genesis.com.

¹ Eligible Galaxy smartphone with Android OS R and above

² Digital key feature will be available within this year.

³ Digital key is shared via Samsung Pass app. Those who do not have Samsung Pass app on the device should install Samsung Pass app prior to use. Key sharing is only available in eligible Galaxy smartphones with Android R and above. UWB is only available in Galaxy S21+ and Ultra, Note20 Ultra and Z Fold2 and 3.

⁴ Digital key is shared via Samsung Pass app. Those who do not have Samsung Pass app on the device should install Samsung Pass app prior to use. Key sharing is only available in eligible Galaxy smartphones with Android R and above. UWB is only available in Galaxy S21+ and Ultra, Note20 Ultra and Z Fold2 and 3.

Check out the slides below to learn more.

Tigers, lions, bears, giraffes, pandas, fennec foxes … These are some of the wild animals that live in Everland, the Land of Fantasy.¹ Everland takes care of endangered animals by making sure that they are raised in an environment closest to their natural habitats and organizes a variety of ecological programs to help visitors learn about the importance of nature and all living things. To dive into the world of the mysterious world of animals, Samsung Global Newsroom has created its Online Zoo series by capturing the animals with various Samsung devices.

We’re thinking of an animal that has shiny eyes, dainty, triangular ears, dark, chubby paws, and a long, bushy tail. Did you figure it out? It’s a lesser panda! (Also known as a red panda.) Just a glance of this cute little creature is sure to put a smile on your face. Unfortunately, unless something is done, lesser pandas may not be around for much longer. Over the last two decades, the world’s lesser panda population has more than halved. Now, only some 10,000 are left. This has led the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, to officially classify lesser pandas as “endangered.”

Each year, on the third Saturday of September, the world celebrates International Lesser Panda Day. This year, that day falls on September 18. In celebration of International Lesser Panda Day, Samsung Newsroom organized a very special event with Da-seul Jeong, also known as Aeso, the illustrator who created the beloved emoji character Ompangi.

The collaboration offered Aeso an opportunity to observe lesser pandas and celebrate the creatures by creating a unique character. A total of eleven lesser panda-inspired drawings were transformed into stickers that can be utilized in our daily lives. Follow along as we recount Aeso’s first encounter with the lesser pandas, and how they inspired her to create a one-of-a-kind character.

Capturing Lesser Pandas’ Charm With the Galaxy Z Flip3

Standing between 50 and 60 centimeters tall, with a roughly 50-cm long tail and weighing between three to six kilograms, Lessy, one of the lesser pandas who calls Korea’s Everland zoo and theme park home, is a nocturnal animal who can typically be found being active or resting in the shade or on the branches of tall trees during the day. This male panda, who has lived alone for the last six years, is slightly sensitive and timid. Lemon, on the other hand, a female lesser panda who joined Lessy at Everland last year, is energetic and a little bit aggressive. The couple doesn’t always get along, and their rather tense form of chemistry fascinates visitors.

An expert on dealing with cute things, Aeso instantly recognized the lesser pandas’ endless charm. On International Lesser Panda Day, the Galaxy Z Flip3 served as her eyes and ears. The smartphone enabled her to not only take selfies on the Cover Display without unfolding the phone, but also allowed her to snap pictures with the screen folded at an optimal angle. This allowed her to capture the lesser pandas’ diverse and expressive movements.

“What struck me when I first saw them was their round shape,” said Aeso. “Their eyes, their ears, their paws… everything was round. This inspired me to create a character that was as round as possible.”

“I also noticed that they had white fur around their noses and ears,” she added. “I thought I should definitely use that. The Galaxy Z Flip3 helped me a lot when I was creating the characters by vividly capturing the lesser pandas’ unique characteristics.”

Giving Lesser Pandas Their Spotlight

When it came to creating a new emoji character, Aeso decided to start by observing the animals’ emotions. “I normally use the Galaxy Note10 to quickly take notes or draw images of emotions and situations that emerge in everyday life,” she explained. “Afterward, I consider how people can empathize with them. The countless emoji that have been created so far resonate with emotions that I have felt in daily life.”

After observing the lesser pandas’ expressions, movements and emotions up close, Aeso started drawing with the S Pen and the Galaxy Z Fold3, which is optimized for sketching. Her app of choice was Clip Studio Paint, a creative app that enhances the usability of tablets. She used the Galaxy Z Fold3 in various ways during the drawing process, placing the device wide open on the floor to make a rough sketch from a broad perspective.

The smartphone’s multitasking features, which allow users to open three apps at once in split-screen mode and five more apps as pop-ups, helped Aeso immerse herself in her work. “When I work, I usually move back and forth between windows containing reference images or materials,” she explained. “This time, it was incredibly convenient because I could see them all at once without needing to bounce back and forth.”

“My hands often hurt after long hours of drawing with pens,” she continued. “But when I used the S Pen that comes with the Galaxy Z Fold3, with its extraordinary grip and feel, even long hours of work didn’t feel so hard.”

When excited, lesser pandas tend to ‘dance’ and wag their tails. Sometimes, when they are observing something closely, they look rather serious. When they see bamboo, they appear to be full of joy. You can see some of these emotions in the drawings below.

Aeso hopes that the stickers will help inspire the world to take action. “I truly hope they can get through this crisis and stay around for a long, long time,” she added.

▲ Samsung Newsroom and Aeso teamed up to create 11 decorative stickers to support the endangered lesser (red) panda.

▲ Along with this image, an additional ten stickers can be downloaded in high resolution below.

¹ Korea’s Everland zoo and theme park

Following their release last month, reviewers around the world have had their say on the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, bringing attention to their cutting-edge designs, multitasking capabilities and improved durability.

Check out the quotes below to see what leading tech reviewers are saying about the latest innovations in the Galaxy Z series.

For those looking to get a closer look at the much-anticipated products, the wait is finally over. Take a look at the video below for a hands-on unboxing of the Galaxy Z series Thom Browne edition, and experience the unique collaboration for yourself.

Featuring a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G offers rich and immersive viewing and gaming experiences you can enjoy no matter where you are. Equipped with versatile multitasking features, the device empowers you to get more done on the go. And with improved durability, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G gives you peace of mind throughout the day.

Check out the card news below to learn more.

With its immersive screen, S Pen, reassuring durability and productivity-enhancing features, who wouldn’t be eager to give the Galaxy Z Fold3 a try? Hesitation on the part of users who haven’t used foldables before is understandable though, given the device’s range of cutting-edge features.

For those users who are unsure of how to get the best out of foldable devices, Samsung Newsroom has taken an up-close look at the device and how best to use it. Check out the user guide below to learn more about what it is like to use the Galaxy Z Fold3, including the device’s comfortable grip, innovative features and newly added S Pen, which is being included with a foldable phone for the first time ever.

Question 1] Will users with smaller hands be able to use the Galaxy Z Fold3 comfortably?

The Galaxy Z Fold3 is lighter, thinner and narrower than its predecessor, giving it a more comfortable grip and better portability. The phone’s horizontal width when folded is 67.1mm, which is a 0.9mm reduction on its predecessor. This means the phone provides a comfortable, snug grip even for those with smaller hands.

The fingerprint scanner on the Galaxy Z Fold3 is also mounted at the point where the thumb touches the device, which allows for more convenient use of the device’s large cover screen. This means users no longer have to place their fingers on the screen to unlock the phone. The top, bottom and sides of the phone were also designed with bold, clean lines to provide smoother usability.

Question 2] How durable is the Galaxy Z Fold3 in practice?

With its significantly enhanced water resistance, users can use the Galaxy Z Fold3 with confidence regardless of where they are or what the weather is like. The phone has a water resistance rating of IPX8,¹ which means it can withstand submergence in fresh water that is up to 1.5m deep for up to 30 minutes. This means you can relax when using the Galaxy Z Fold3 to check your map app for directions while you’re out a drizzly day, or when you’re looking up recipes with wet hands.

And the Galaxy Z Fold3’s unwavering durability gives you further peace of mind. The new protective films on the phone’s main displays, for instance, increase screen durability by 80 percent compared to its predecessor. The device also includes ‘Armor Aluminum’ and enhanced ‘Corning^® Gorilla^® Glass Victus’, which are some of the strongest materials ever used in smartphones.

With this new resilience, you no longer need to worry much about your phone getting scratched when you put it into a small bag with other items. Likewise, you can feel confident keeping your phone in your pocket with other items so that you have it on hand right away when you want to make calls or take photos.

Question 3] Is the large Main Screen really useful for viewing things?

The Galaxy Z Fold3’s large, 7.6-inch Main Screen really shines when it comes to watching videos, with the phone utilizing an Under Display Camera (UDC) to deliver a notch-less, immersive viewing experience. UDC is achieved by including light absorbing pixels in the camera area to increase light transmittance and manage the distance between pixels. What’s more, thanks to the phone’s screen being about 29 percent brighter than that of its predecessor, it can be seen clearly outdoors and in bright sunlight without the need to shade or cover the screen.

In addition, the Galaxy Z Fold3 has a refresh rate of 120㎐ for both its Main and Cover screens, leading to a smooth experience when scrolling or playing media. When in places where it is more convenient to use the phone’s Cover Screen, like on congested public transport, this allows users to comfortably view news articles and other media while enjoying smooth, uninterrupted transitions.

Question 4] How does one best use the Galaxy Z Fold3’s various productivity-enhancing features?

With ‘Multi-Active Window’ splitscreen capabilities, Galaxy Foldables have long been helping users enhance their productivity. This feature allows users to do things like check their schedules while reading e-mails and navigate to the location of a meetup while talking to friends on messenger, among other things.

Now, the Galaxy Z Fold3 has added the ‘Task Bar’ feature to help users move quickly and conveniently between apps. Not only does this allow users to launch the app that they use most often without navigating to the home screen, but it also enables them to open their most-used combination of apps all at once.

‘Flex Mode panel’, which users can use after partially folding the Galaxy Z Fold3, is another new feature. Navigate to the Labs menu (Settings → Advanced Features), and then select the ‘Flex Mode panel’ option to turn this mode on. From there, when users launch an app that is compatible with the Flex Mode panel feature, a panel will automatically appear through which they can capture, and adjust brightness and volume. This feature removes the need to open the phone fully to adjust these settings, and is especially useful for when the volume suddenly increases, when users want to capture their screens, or when their screen brightness suddenly dims.

Question 5] Which camera features are exclusive to the Galaxy Z Fold3?

Now it’s time to use the Galaxy Z Fold3’s camera to take epic pictures. ‘Capture View’ on the Galaxy Z Fold3 allows users to view, delete, and share the pictures they have just taken without going into the Gallery app.

After launching the camera, click the capture view icon in the upper-left of the screen. If users take pictures while the icon is illuminated, they will be able to check the pictures they just took on the left half of the screen. Pressing and holding on a picture allows them to conveniently delete or share images, which comes in handy for both getting rid of the poor shots and sharing the good ones with friends. In addition, this is of great help when trying to capture the perfect picture of fast-moving subjects, such as children, pets or people playing sports.

Question 6] What are some benefits of combining the S Pen with the larger screen?

The Galaxy Z Fold3 is the first foldable phone to support the S Pen. Users can use the S Pen to draw or take notes by hand, thus further enhancing their productivity.

To take notes while watching online lectures or videos in Flex Mode, simply launch Samsung Notes by double tapping the lower half of the screen while holding down the button on the side of the S Pen.

Characters that are difficult to type on a keyboard, such as Chinese and Japanese characters, are also easy to enter with the S Pen. What’s more, if users press the text conversion button before they start writing, their handwritten notes will automatically be converted into typed text. Two types of S Pen are set to be released: the ‘S Pen Fold Edition’, which can be used exclusively on the Galaxy Z Fold3, and the ‘S Pen Pro’, which has built-in Bluetooth and can be used with certain tablets.²

And the cutting-edge features and usability don’t stop there. In order to provide the best possible folding smartphone experience, Samsung Electronics is constantly working with a range of partners to develop apps that are optimized for the large screen of the Galaxy Z Fold3, such as ‘Microsoft Teams’, ‘Microsoft Office’ and ‘Google Duo’.

Do you want to improve your efficiency while adding unique and enjoyable experiences to your day-to-day life? If so, the Galaxy Z Fold3 could be an answer.

¹ The IPX8 rating is based on test conditions of submersion in up to 1.5m of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Devices that carry this rating are not advised for beach or pool use and are not dust-resistant.

² S Pen sold separately. Only the Galaxy Z Fold3 Main Screen has S Pen capability, and it is only compatible with the S Pen Fold Edition and S Pen Pro. All other S Pens and stylus pens not designed for the Z Fold3 (including those made by other manufacturers), and may damage the screen.
The S Pen Pro is compatible with S Pen-supporting devices (Z Fold3, S21 Ultra, Galaxy Note series, Tab S7 FE, Tab S7 and S7+, Tab S6 Lite, Tab S6, Tab S4, Tab S3, Tab Active Pro, Tab Active3, Tab Active2, Tab Active, Tab A 8.0 2019 with S Pen, Tab A 10.1 2016 with S Pen, Tab A 9.7 with S Pen, Tab A 8.0 2015 with S Pen, Note Pro – 12.2, Note 8.0, Note 10.1 2012/2014, Galaxy Book Pro 360, Galaxy Book Flex2, Galaxy Book Flex S Pen, Galaxy Book Flex 5G, Galaxy Book Flex α S Pen, Galaxy Book 10.6, Galaxy Book 12.0, Chromebook Plus V2, Chromebook Pro, Notebook 7 spin, Notebook S51 Pen, Notebook 9 Pen, Notebook 9 Pro)

Starting from August 31,¹ One UI 3.1.1 will also be made available on Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Galaxy Z Flip 5G and Galaxy Z Flip. Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, launched in 2019, will also receive the update around a week later. Read on to learn more about One UI 3.1.1 and the new experiences it is set to bring to foldable users.

Drag & Split

Want to compare prices while shopping online? With Drag & Split, you no longer need to open up a new tab and switch back and forth constantly between windows. The feature lets you simply drag the link you want to check to the edge of your screen and open it in a new window to be viewed simultaneously.

Drag & Split works with many of your favorite apps, including Samsung Internet, Samsung Notes, My Files, Messages, MS Office, OneNote, OneDrive and more

Step-by-step guide: Press down on the link you want to open > Drag the link to wherever you want to on the edge of your screen to open a new window.

* Feature is available on devices Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Flip.

Multi-Active Window and Natural Window Switching

Multi-Active Window lets you use up to three apps simultaneously on your screen, all arranged in your preferred layout. In One UI 3.1.1, you can also adjust both the height and the width of the app windows to suit your needs.

For apps without built-in support: Go to Settings > Click Advanced Features > Go to Labs > Click on Multi Window for all apps

When it comes to changing the layout of your apps to your preferred style, Natural Switching makes transitions more responsive and intuitive. With One UI 3.1.1, the window you want to move will pop up when you press down on the top handle, making it easier for you to drag and drop the app to your desired location.

* Feature is available on devices Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Fold2 and Galaxy Fold.

Rotate All Apps

One of the best advantages the unique form factor of a foldable smartphone offers is the detailed experiences it provides users whether they are viewing an app in portrait or landscape orientation. Understanding that there’s nothing more frustrating than when a certain app is only available in portrait mode, Samsung has fine-tuned the latest One UI upgrade to make switching your phone from portrait to landscape smoother than ever.

With the new Rotate All Apps feature, your apps will smoothly transition to the proper UX to match the portrait or landscape aspect ratio. When the feature is toggled on in ‘Labs’, even vertically fixed apps can be rotated 90 degrees.

Step-by-step guide: Go to Settings > Click Advanced Features > Go to Labs > Click on Auto rotate apps > Choose between two options: Keep app’s orientation or Match phone’s orientation

* Feature is available on Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Fold2 and Galaxy Fold.

Set Aspect Ratio for Apps

With customizable aspect ratios, you can maximize the benefits of your foldable smartphone’s Infinity Flex Display. Say you are scrolling through your friends’ latest social media posts and want to view them in full screen, without the black bars on either side, only to find that the size of the app is fixed. One UI 3.1.1 now lets you change the size of the app so that you can fully immerse yourself in their photos and videos. To get the most out of Samsung’s expansive foldable displays, simply enable this feature in ‘Labs’.

Step-by-step guide: Go to Labs > Click on Customized App Aspect Ratios > Click on apps to customize aspect ratios > Select one of four options: Full screen, 16:9, 4:3, and App default²

* Feature is available on Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Fold2 and Galaxy Fold.

App Split View

When used with Messages, App Split View will show your message list on the left of the screen and your selected conversation on the right, allowing you to take in more information at a glance. A button at the top of the conversation can be clicked to expand it into full screen mode.

For apps that do not come with built-in App Split View support, you can enable the function by turning it on in ‘Labs’. Turning the feature on for a shopping app, for example, will allow you to view the product list on the left and the product details on the right.

Step-by-step guide: Go to Labs > Click on App split view > Select apps for App split view³

* Feature is available on Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Fold2 and Galaxy Fold.

Flex Mode Panel

With the One UI 3.1.1 update, Flex mode, one of Samsung’s signature foldable features, just got more powerful.

For apps that don’t typically support Flex mode, you can now enable the feature by turning on Flex mode panel in ‘Labs’. With the new Flex mode panel, you can enjoy easier control of media while relaxing with your favorite TV shows at the end of a long day.

Step-by-step guide: Go to Labs > Select Multi window for all apps “On” > Click on Flex mode panel > Select apps for Flex mode panel⁴

* Feature is available on Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Flip.

Pin Your Favorite Apps With Taskbar

When using your device to get work done on the go, Samsung understands that the fewer the clicks and taps it takes to complete a task, the better.

Designed to help you work more efficiently, Taskbar makes it possible for you to switch between apps without returning to the home screen or scrolling through the Recent tab. Taskbar pins the apps to the side of the Main Screen, where Edge Panel used to be located, giving you instant access to your favorite apps. Simply enable the feature in ‘Labs’ to make your workflow smoother.

Step-by-step guide: Go to Labs > Select “on” next to Pin your favorite apps > Swipe left on the handle to open up the tray > Tap the grid icon to see all your apps and edit > Tap Pin and the Taskbar will be pinned to the side of the screen

* Feature is available on Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Fold2 and Galaxy Fold.

Cover Screen Mirroring

One UI 3.1.1. makes transitions between the Cover and Main Screen even more seamless and intuitive. Cover Screen Mirroring lets you have the exact same set up and layout of the home screen on both your Cover and Main Screen.

Step-by-step guide: Go to Settings > Select Home screen > Click on Cover Screen mirroring

* Feature is available on Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Fold2.

¹ Availability may vary by country and region.

² 4:3 aspect ratio is not available on Galaxy Fold.

³ Toggle switch will only be shown if the app supports the feature.

⁴ Toggle switch will only be shown if the app supports the feature.

To ensure that your favorite apps have been optimized for the unique foldable form factors of Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Samsung has expanded its partnership with companies including Google and Microsoft to deliver the ultimate foldable experience.

From apps that work seamlessly as you switch from the Cover Screen to the Main Screen to powerful multitasking features, you’ll get the most optimized experiences yet with the latest Galaxy Z series.

Check out the video below to learn more about how Samsung’s partnerships are optimizing the foldable experience.

Style meets function in Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, with a larger, more customizable Cover Screen so that you can match your phone to your personal style. For productivity, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G gets a big boost with optimizations for its Main Screen, including an improved Multi-Active Window and new Taskbar that makes managing your day a breeze.

Check out the video below to learn more about how Samsung is evolving the foldable experience with Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.

Whether you’re filming a dance for social media or catching up on the latest news during your commute, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and Galaxy Z Fold3 5G are built to withstand the sudden surprises. Lighter and stronger, they are built with Samsung Electronics’ Armor aluminum, the strongest aluminum used in modern smartphones.

In addition to being more durable, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and Galaxy Z Fold3 5G are the world’s first water-resistant foldables. Samsung’s engineers put painstaking effort into bringing IPX8 water resistance to the Galaxy Z series for the first time ever, marking the beginning of a new era for foldable devices.

Check out the video below to learn more about how Samsung engineers added durability to the Galaxy Z series and established the first water-resistant foldables.

Featuring Samsung’s Under display camera technology, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G lets you fully immerse yourself into your favorite games and movies with no distractions on the Main Screen. But that’s not all. For the first time ever on a foldable smartphone, you can now write down your idea or draw sketches with the S Pen. Galaxy Z Fold3 5G provides everything you need to stay productive and let your creativity run wild.

Check out the video below to learn more about the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and the S Pen.

With the introduction of their Galaxy Z series, Samsung Electronics redefined the smartphone experience. By merit of the devices’ innovative form factor, the Z series has expanded the ways a smartphone can be used, thus transforming the daily lives of users who are able to fold, unfold and even place their device upright.

But Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 offer much more than just their innovative form factors. With a concise design catered to user tastes, the all-new Galaxy Z series provides mobile experiences that are tailored to our modern lifestyles, going beyond design innovation to provide value to users’ daily lives.

Refined Design at Every Size

While both Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 are foldable phones, the direction Samsung took with their designs differs: whereas Galaxy Z Fold3 features a screen as wide as two smartphones when unfolded, Galaxy Z Flip3 is as compact as half the size of a smartphone when folded.

Differences, aside, both feature unique form factors that come together under the umbrella concept of the Galaxy Z series. Elements that could interfere with the user’s field of view have been shrewdly arranged to allow for visual symmetry and balance in both devices, and the refined designs of both Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 are singular yet leave the same powerful impression that characterizes the ‘Galaxy Z’ identity.

Unfold and Expand

Whether a user is opening, closing or just simply holding their phone, every motion is smooth and effortless with Galaxy Z Fold3, as the device maintains a fine balance throughout its body when unfolded as well as folded. Going beyond seamlessly bringing two screens together with its refined form and components, Galaxy Z Fold3 also appears slimmer and provides a better grip than its predecessors.

Furthermore, users can take advantage of more uninterrupted viewing experiences when using the device unfolded thanks to new Under display camera technology, and the screen’s seamless 120Hz refresh rate and rich stereo provide deeper immersion when watching videos, playing games or enjoying other content.

Fold and Consolidate

One of the stand-out features of the Galaxy Z Flip3 is its iconic, compact design that allows the smartphone to fit comfortably in one hand. In order to make the user’s experience more convenient, Samsung worked hard to refine any unnecessary elements: for example, the device’s camera and Cover Screen are arranged in one single area to avoid any camera protrusion for a sleeker look.

Along with this change, Galaxy Z Flip3’s Cover Screen is four times larger¹ than that of its predecessor, and comes with a range of additional functionalities. Users can check their alarms, control playlists, record a voice memo, set timers and even make payments with Samsung Pay – all when the device is folded.

From Work to Play: Enabling Versatile Experiences

These days, being able to multitask is a common skill – one that is becoming almost second nature thanks to the role smartphones play. Understanding that today’s users never miss out on the things they love to do as well as the things they have to, Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 have been designed to help enhance exactly these types of mobile experiences.

Galaxy Z Fold3 users can take advantage of the device’s expansive 7.6-inch Infinity Flex Display and enhanced Flex mode in order to effortlessly handle multiple tasks simultaneously, while Galaxy Z Flip3 users can harness Flex mode to record videos and host a live chat at the same time – all without needing any extra equipment. Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 have been designed to fulfill the every need of the modern user for both work and entertainment so that there is no need to compromise.

Productivity Features To Let You Do More at Once

Thanks to its intuitive design, Galaxy Z Fold3 is the perfect work companion for day-to-day life. The wide Cover Screen offers access to a wide range of functions all without needing to unfold the phone, and smart multitasking features help increase on-the-go work efficiency. By dragging required apps from the fixed Taskbar² on the Main Screen, users can simultaneously multitask on up to three screens, and any link that is dragged will open up in a new window, preventing any interruption to the user’s workflow.

* The image shown above is for illustration purposes only and may differ from the actual product.

What’s more, Galaxy Z Fold3 is ideal for video conferencing thanks to its enhanced Flex mode, which makes taking notes or browsing materials during a meeting easy no matter where the user may be. Furthermore, the device’s specially engineered S Pen³ lets users drag and drop faster and with more accuracy, and even take handwritten notes for a truly seamless working experience.

Tools To Help You Communicate Better

The design of Galaxy Z Flip3 is iconic in and of itself, but its innovative structure truly comes into play when being used to communicate with a larger group of people.

By simply propping up the device, live broadcasting, vlogs and other similar activities are easier than ever before to film, and even when closed, the Cover Screen can be harnessed to take fun selfies. Galaxy Z Flip3 helps users express themselves just as they want to, be it through their design choices or with their communication with the world at large.

Unique Identities for Every User

While Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 both embody the design identity of the Galaxy Z series, they offer different unique design values to match the multifaceted profiles of today’s users.

While Galaxy Z Fold3 has been designed as a powerhouse device to stand the test of time, Galaxy Z Flip3 offers users style that doesn’t compromise on function, with self-expression built into the very design of the device. With either device in hand, users can enjoy the craftsmanship and innovation that characterizes the Galaxy Z series, all while making a powerful statement.

Timeless Design Housing Cutting-Edge Innovation

The design of the Galaxy Z Fold3 interprets classic smartphone design in modern ways, featuring high-quality color and finishes. The Phantom Black shade continues Samsung’s unique design legacy, while Phantom Green reflects the importance of sustainability within the current zeitgeist. Phantom Silver, while a neutral tone, features a warm pink finish for a shade choice with depth as well as style.

The leather case⁴ of Galaxy Z Fold3 covers both the front and back of the device, and users can harness the separate, exclusive case for the S Pen to conveniently store their S Pen. What’s more, users can comfortably carry their device with just one hand using the case’s attached ring for utmost convenience.

An Iconic Appearance for Unique Tastes

Galaxy Z Flip3 features an expanded range of options with which users can express their own unique personalities and preferences. The legacy of decorating the front of the device with stickers continues on with Galaxy Z Flip3 as users can now display their favorite pictures or wallpapers on the Cover Screen. For those who want an even more unique device experience, exclusive stylish color swatches are available on Samsung.com,⁵ and users can further curate their statement smartphone through the wide selection of case accessories available, including silicon straps and ring grips.

The journey undertaken by Samsung when designing Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 is one that has culminated in a whole new era of mobile life. While continuing on the Galaxy smartphone legacy of innovation, the new Galaxy Z series has been designed to be unique as well as offering users the flagship functionalities users know and love. Going forward, Samsung designers will continue to innovate the Galaxy Z series in order to continuously provide users with new experiences.

* The images shown in this article are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual product. Product specifications may vary by market, region, model and carrier.

¹ Compared to Galaxy Z Flip 5G.

² Requires the set up of Labs on your Samsung Galaxy device.

³ S Pen sold separately. Only Z Fold3 Main Screen has S Pen capability. Compatible only with the S Pen Fold Edition and S Pen Pro. All other S Pens or stylus pens not designed for Z Fold3 (including those by other manufacturers) may damage the screen.

⁴ Accessories sold separately.

⁵ Online exclusive colors will be available on Samsung.com in 30 select markets starting from August 11^st 2021.

The event also saw Samsung announce Galaxy for the Planet, the company’s new mobile environmental sustainability vision with an initial set of 2025 targets to create a more sustainable Galaxy ecosystem.

In case you weren’t able to tune in to the full event, take a look at the video below for a replay of this August’s Unpacked showcase in its entirety, and be sure to check out Samsung Newsroom’s complete coverage of the event to learn more.

Not only does Galaxy Z Fold3 offer users streamlined multitasking and breathtaking viewing experiences, it also features a sleeker and more portable design, making it the ultimate device for working, capturing, playing and more.

In order to get a closer look at the Galaxy Z Fold3’s stunning design and multifaceted functionality, be sure to visit Samsung Newsroom’s Media Library for a range of product images, and keep reading for videos showcasing hands-on experiences of Galaxy Z Fold3.

Immersive, Durable Design

The first video showcases the sophisticated design of Galaxy Z Fold3, featuring its immersive displays and range of color options – Phantom Black, Phantom Silver and Phantom Green – while the second video introduces the equally as innovative design of the all-new Galaxy Z Flip3.

Unfold Your World

For a hands-on look the sleek and durable Galaxy Z Fold3 while folded and unfolded up close and personal, take a look at the video below.

Maximize Your Productivity

For a taste of what a day in the life powered by Galaxy Z Fold3 looks like, check out the video below to see the first foldable smartphone to feature an S Pen in action.