Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Three vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Extremely

Samsung has unveiled the new flagship foldable duo – the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G and Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G. This article compares the Galaxy Z Fold 3 with the Galaxy S21 Ultra and shows which of them may be the better choice for you. To help you make the best decision, we’ve also rounded up some of the best Z Fold 3 cases and some of the best Galaxy Z Fold 3 deals we could find today.

At the Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung also unveiled the brand new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series and the new generation of wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds2. All devices are now available for pre-order and there are some additional perks, not to mention the fantastic trade-in values ​​and other perks.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra specifications

specification	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
To build	Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the outer screen and back Armor aluminum frame IPX8 water resistance	Middle frame made of aluminum Gorilla Glass Victus back Gorilla Glass Victus Front
Dimensions & weight	Folded: 67.1 x 158.2 x 16 ~ 14.4mm Unfolded: 128.1 x 158.2 x 6.4 mm 271g	165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm 229 grams
advertisement	External display: 6.2 inch HD + Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2268 x 832; 387 PPI 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate Inner display: 7.6 inch QXGA + Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2208 x 1786; 374 PPI 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate	6.8 ″ QHD + Dynamic AMOLED 2X Curved Display 3200 x 1440 pixels 515 ppi 120 Hz variable refresh rate 120 Hz supported on QHD + 10-120Hz 20: 9 aspect ratio 1500nits peak brightness HDR10 + Always-on display Infinity-O display
SoC	Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 1x Kryo 680 (ARM Cortex X1-based) Prime-Core @ 2.84 GHz 3x Kryo 680 (ARM Cortex A78-based) performance cores @ 2.4 GHz 4x Kryo 680 (ARM Cortex A55-based) efficiency cores at 1.8 GHz Adreno 660 GPU	International: Exynos 2100: 1x ARM Cortex X1 @ 2.9GHz + 3x ARM Cortex A78 cores @ 2.8 GHz + 4x ARM Cortex A55 cores @ 2.2 GHz USA: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888: 1x Kryo 680 Prime Core @ 2.84 GHz 3x Kryo 680 performance cores @ 2.4 GHz 4x Kryo 680 efficiency cores at 1.8 GHz
RAM	12 GB of RAM 256/512 GB UFS 3.1 storage	12 GB LPDDR5 + 128 GB 12 GB + 256 GB 16 GB + 512 GB
Recharge battery	4,400mAh dual cell battery 25W fast charge support 10W wireless charging support 4.5W reverse wireless charging Charger not included	5,000mAh 25 W USB Power Delivery 3.0 fast charge 15W wireless charging 4.5 reverse wireless charging No charger in the box in most regions
security	Side-mounted fingerprint sensor AI face recognition	Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner
Rear view camera (s)	Primary: 12 MP, f / 1.8, Dual Pixel AF, OIS Extra wide: 12MP, f / 2.2, 123 ° FoV Telephoto: 12 MP, f / 2.4, PDAF, Dual OIS, 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom	Primary: 108 MP, wide-angle lens, f / 1.8, 79 °, 24 mm, 1 / 1.33 ″, 0.8 µm (pre-non-binning), OIS, PDAF, laser AF Secondary: 12 MP, ultra wide angle lens, f / 2.2, 120 ° FoV, 13 mm, 1 / 2.55 ″, 1.4 µm, dual pixel AF Tertiary: 10 MP, telephoto lens, f / 2.4, 35 °, 72 mm, 1 / 3.24 ″, 1.22 µm, OIS, 3x optical zoom, dual pixel AF quaternary: 10 MP, telephoto lens, f / 4.9, 10 °, 240 mm, 1 / 3.24 ″, 1.22 µm, OIS, 10x optical zoom, dual pixel AF
Front camera (s)	Outside camera: 10MP, f / 2.2 Inner camera: 4MP, f / 1.8, sensor under the display	40MP, f / 2.2, 0.7 µm, 80 ° FoV, PDAF
Ports)	USB 3.2 Type-C	USB 3.2 Type-C
Audio	Stereo speakers Dolby Atmos	Stereo speakers from AKG Dolby Atmos
Connectivity	4X4 MIMO, 7CA, LAA, LTE Cat.20 SA / NSA 5G (Sub6 / mmWave) WLAN 6E Bluetooth 5.2 NFC	Bluetooth 5.1 NFC WLAN 6E 5G
software	A user interface based on Android 11	Samsung One UI 3.1 based on Android 11
Other properties	IPX8 Support for S Pen Fold Edition / S Pen Pro	IP68 water resistance Samsung DeX UWB Wacom stylus and S Pen support (sold separately and stored externally) MST support in some regions
To dye	Phantom black Phantom green Phantom silver	Phantom gray Phantom white Exclusively at Samsung.com: Phantom Titan Phantom Navy Phantom brown

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Design

The design of the two devices is very different. One folds up while the other sits flat and cannot be unfolded. The question is which of these is the better device for you. If you’ve always wanted a portable tablet, you could technically pick up the Galaxy S21 Ultra and use it as such. After all, it even supports the S Pen and has a huge screen at 6.8 inches. On the flip side, if you’ve always wanted a slightly more portable tablet and an even bigger screen, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 offers just that in a compact form factor.

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is larger and weighs more than the Galaxy S21 Ultra, although it only measures about 50 grams more. The outer display of the Fold 3 is still very narrow, which makes videos and other content look a bit strange at first and certainly takes some getting used to. The S21 Ultra offers the standard smartphone aspect ratio to which we have become accustomed over the years. When the Z Fold 3 is folded, it can be very thick at 16mm, while the S21 Ultra always measures 8.9mm unless you put a case on top. Even then, it will be a lot less and a lot more convenient to keep and carry in your pocket all day. It’s not a huge problem, but you should keep it in mind as you will likely need to change a few habits.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the first to have IP certification and IPX8 certification, which means it can withstand splashes of water, so it should be fine to use in the rain. If you want more peace and quiet and occasionally take your phone with you to the beach or places with lots of sand, the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers more protection in every scenario. We must warn you that technology does not go well with water and dust, and you should always avoid doing so to avoid damaging your expensive equipment. Accidents happen, and it’s good to know that both devices offer some protection.

Thom Browne Edition Thom Browne Edition Thom Browne Edition S Pen Galaxy Z Fold 3 colors

Samsung has also announced that a Thom Browne Edition Galaxy Z Fold 3 and S Pen Pro will be released in late September.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Performance

Both the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and the Galaxy S21 Ultra are equipped with the same chipsets – at least in the US. Both devices are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 chipset and work similarly. It is one of the highest quality chipsets on the market right now. It offers energy efficiency and the performance you need to play graphics-intensive games and get things done quickly and easily.

Both devices should be very similar for everyday tasks and offer the same performance, quality, and user experience. The main difference is that on the Galaxy Z Fold 3, most of the time you interact with the 6.2-inch outer display to make calls, view the calendar, and complete smaller, faster tasks. On the Galaxy S21 Ultra, you would only interact with the main display, which is larger at 6.8 inches and offers more space to write and consume content.

When it comes to productivity, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 excels, and you can see the main differences. Because of the larger display, many said it had become their favorite device. Many people have also replaced or sold their iPads and tablets since the Fold provides a more comfortable viewing experience for reading books, working, and consuming most content. This is very person specific and depends on how you use your devices on a daily basis. You can also use your foldable phone differently than a standard phone as it offers a lot more flexibility to work and enjoy content on the go.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: Camera

The Galaxy S21 Ultra’s camera is considered one of the best of 2021. It has a 108 MP main sensor with laser autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS). There is also a 10 MP periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor. The selfie camera is a 40 MP sensor.

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 has the same camera setup as the Galaxy Z Fold 2 from 2020. It has a 12MP main sensor with dual pixel autofocus and OIS. There is a 12-megapixel telecamera with 2x optical zoom and a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor. If you look at the specs, it becomes clear that the Galaxy S21 Ultra offers far more camera sensors and features to capture more breathtaking images. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is still great, and it will capture all of your moments and allow you to take great pictures both day and night, but don’t expect it to take your breath away like it does Galaxy S21 Ultra can. Both devices are aimed at different users, and if you’re looking for the absolute best photo experience, the Galaxy S21 Ultra has more features and better quality overall.

Should you buy Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 vs Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra?

Before you pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 3, ask yourself if you need a bigger screen and consider what you would use it for. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a great companion for eBook readers, an entertainment center that offers movies on a larger screen and games. But let’s say you just want to use it for social media, surf the web, and send email all day. In that case, you might be better off with a slightly smaller, thinner, and overall more comfortable device like the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the ultimate flagship that has all of the performance, design and flagship features you have always wanted in a smartphone. If you want the best true flagship non-foldable experience, this is it.

If the thickness, the heavier and larger form factor doesn’t put you off and you want to use the more durable foldable flagship, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 offers just that. Thanks to more screen space and options, you can use the S Pen and your smartphone for even more tasks. Samsung managed to make this their best Galaxy Z Fold yet, and they’ve updated and improved almost every aspect to further improve the user experience. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is more durable than the Z Fold 2 and any other existing foldable smartphone out there today.

You can pre-order your next Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and receive $ 200 Samsung credit. Samsung also gives you a free year of Samsung Care + if you choose a 3-year Samsung Care + plan.

Roland Udvarlaki

Roland is a technology enthusiast and software engineer based in the UK. He is also a content creator and author and is best known by the name “Techusiast”.