Camera user interface Source: Pocketnow
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G comes with the same camera sensors as its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 2. While the camera hardware has stayed the same, the software has received a few updates to keep it flagship-worthy and good enough for 2021.
At the Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung also unveiled the next generation of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G device. Although the device only has two rear cameras, this one is identical to the one used in the Galaxy Z Fold 3. We’ll delve into camera quality in our in-depth review of these two devices, but in the meantime, we recommend checking out our best Galaxy Z Flip 3 manuals and the best Galaxy Z Flip 3 deals we’ve found so far.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 camera specifications
| category | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 |
|---|---|
| Main camera on the back | 12MP, ƒ / 1.8 aperture, OIS, dual pixel autofocus |
| Rear ultra-wide camera | 12MP, ƒ / 2.2 aperture |
| backup camera | 12MP, ƒ / 2.4, 2X telephoto optical lens |
| Return video | [email protected] |
| Front camera (outside) | 10MP, ƒ / 2.2 aperture, fixed focus |
| Front camera (inside) | 4MP, ƒ / 1.8 aperture, fixed focus, under display |
| Front video | [email protected] |
Changes to the camera app
The camera has most of the same features and functionality as the previous generation Galaxy Z Fold 2, but there are a few software updates that make it easier to take advantage of the unique form factor. Some of the camera features also made it to the Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Fold in a recent One UI update, but one or two may be limited to the newer Galaxy Z Fold 3.
Camera UI (user interface)
Camera user interface Source: Pocketnow
The camera settings are very Samsung-like and easy to use, even if you’ve never used a Samsung smartphone before. If you’ve used a Samsung device in the past, the learning curve for existing users is little to none. You can go left and right to switch between modes and you can go all the way to the right to view all camera modes and add selected ones to the existing ones on the main screen. It’s relatively customizable and easy to customize to suit your preferred setup.
Flex mode
Flex mode Source: Pocketnow
The flex mode was advertised with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and is a nice way to control the device. To get into flex mode, you can simply fold half of the display and the hinge will automatically adjust, letting you stop at any angle you want. Flex mode is essentially a tripod when you place it on a desk or other flat surface.
In the top half of the display you will see the viewfinder and get a preview of what you want to record. Both the selfie and the rear camera can be used in this mode, so it’s great for a quick conference call too. The lower half of the screen shows a preview of the last photo taken in a large view, while the lower right part gives you more precise camera control and of course the shutter button.
I find this very useful on my Z Fold 3, but it’s just about remembering to use it. If it’s pitch dark and the sky is clear, I would recommend placing the phone on a flat surface with half of the device facing the sky – just enough to set the shutter speed and take the picture. There are many ways and unique images that you can take this way and when you have the Z Fold 3 this mode is well worth remembering.
Mirror the viewfinder on the cover display to take selfies
Viewfinder mirror source: Pocketnow
Samsung didn’t really name this mode so I’ve used the screenshots above to give you a better idea of what I’m talking about here. While you are taking a photo or video, a “SELFIE” icon will appear at the top of the screen, indicating that you can preview the viewfinder on the outer display while using the inner (larger) display to view the Take picture. This allows friends and family members to see themselves mirrored so they know when you are taking the picture and what they look like right now.
It’s a great option when you’re taking a small group photo or during a ceremony, and it could certainly make a great party trick and conversation starter.
Take selfies with the rear camera
Source: Pocketnow
Source: Pocketnow
Source: Pocketnow Take a selfie with the rear camera
Samsung built a 4MP under-display camera into the Galaxy Z Fold 3’s large display, and while it works fine, it’s far from great and ideal in most situations. It’s good enough to video chat with friends and family, but you really don’t want to use it to capture important moments with it.
Samsung knew this and therefore created the option to allow users to take selfies with the rear cameras. While the phone is folded, you can turn on the selfie camera from the outer display and then press the “SELFIE” button at the top of the screen. This prompts you to “Take selfies with the rear camera: open your phone, take a selfie on the title screen, then take it with the powerful rear camera.”
This is an excellent way to take selfies, though it does take a few extra steps, and it could ruin a picture if you want to take it quickly and on the fly, but otherwise it’s definitely a conversation starter and nice party trick.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G is the newest foldable flagship from Samsung. It has an IPX8 certificate, supports the S Pen and comes with the powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset.
