Samsung needs to fix this brightness issue on its foldables

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a major step-up over the Galaxy Z Fold 2 thanks to a number of improvements and new features, like water resistance, an under-display camera, S Pen support, stronger design, and a brighter and more power-efficient folding display. The last part may not actually be as good as we thought, however, based on our experience with battery life on the Galaxy Z Fold 3, and we think the way Samsung’s foldable phones handle display brightness is to blame.

The Galaxy Z Fold lineup uses separate ambient light sensors for the cover and main displays, and the main display’s brightness is adjusted based on input from both those sensors. This is similar to how Samsung’s regular flagship phones have ambient light sensors on the front and back for brightness control. As the experts at DisplayMate explain it, “your eyes are generally more adapted to the surrounding ambient light level that is behind and around the phone, which needs to be taken into account in setting the proper screen brightness.”

However, in our testing, we realized the Z Fold 3 seems to be giving a much higher priority to the cover display light sensor, which is driving up the main display’s brightness even when it’s not needed and resulting in high battery use as a result.

We’re seeing battery drain of up to 10% with 30 minutes of use on max brightness, which is pretty disappointing considering Samsung’s using a new power-efficient OLED panel for the phone. As we said in our 24-hours impressions article, the 100 mAh smaller battery could be part of the reason why battery life isn’t great, and it’s also possible that battery life will improve as we continue to use the device and it adjusts to our usage patterns.

Still, out of the box it’s one of our biggest gripes with the Z Fold 3, and we really hope Samsung can make some improvements. Perhaps give us the option to disable the use of the cover display light sensor for brightness control on the main display? We’re not sure what the solution would be, but fingers crossed the Z Fold 3 comes out flying in battery tests once we have used it for a longer period.

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Here’s how much Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Z Fold 3 cost in India

Samsung has finally revealed the pre-order dates, pricing, and availability information for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 for the Indian market. The company’s newest foldable smartphones will be available for pre-order in India from August 24 to September 9, and they will be available for purchase starting September 10, 2021.

In India, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is priced at INR 84,999 (around $1,145) for the 128GB variant, while the 256GB variant costs INR 88,999 (around $1,199). The 256GB version of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 costs INR 1,49,999 (around $2,210) in the country, while the 512GB version costs INR 1,57,999 (around $2,219). The Galaxy Z Flip 3 will be available in Cream and Phantom Black colors. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 will be available in Phantom Black and Phantom Green colors.

As an introductory offer, consumers pre-booking the Galaxy Z Flip 3 or the Galaxy Z Fold 3 can get an upgrade voucher worth INR 7,000 or a cashback of INR 7,000 if the purchase is made using an HDFC credit or debit card. In addition, Samsung is offering consumers a one-year Samsung Care+ service plan that includes accidental damage (physical and liquid) cover.

Those who pre-reserved any of the two foldable smartphones in India will get a Galaxy SmartTag for free. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 can be pre-ordered via Samsung India’s online store, Samsung Shop app, and various retail stores across India.

Galaxy Z Flip 3

• Model: SM-F711B
• Dimensions: Folded: 86.4 x 72.2 x 15.9~17.1 mm
  Unfolded: 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm
  
• Display: 6.7 inch / 170.18 mm Dynamic AMOLED Display
• CPU: Snapdragon 888
• Camera: 12MP

More specifications

Galaxy Z Fold 3

• Model: SM-F926B
• Dimensions: Unfolded: 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm
  Folded: 158.2 x 67.1 x 14.4~16 mm
  
• Display: 7.6 inch / mm Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• CPU: Snapdragon 888
• Camera: 12MP

More specifications

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Specs leak: Don’t count on buying the AMD-powered Galaxy S22

Excited for the AMD-powered editions of the Galaxy S22 series? So are we, but getting your hands on one of these won’t be easy in the slightest. That’s according to the latest industry rumor concerning Samsung’s next flagship series, which also happens to disclose some other technical details about the upcoming devices.

Let’s start with the more straightforward part of the news: display sizes. Namely, the Galaxy S22 is said to feature a 6.06-inch screen, 0.14 inches smaller compared to its predecessor. A near-identical resizing is in store for the Galaxy S22+, which is expected to sport a 6.55-inch panel. The Galaxy S22 Ultra, on the other hand, is destined for a 6.81-inch display. It should hence have a similar physical footprint to that of the 6.8-inch Galaxy S21 Ultra.

AMD or not, the Galaxy S22 Ultra will remain a few steps ahead of its peers

Furthermore, only the Galaxy S22 Ultra is anticipated to sport an LTPO panel, with the other two smartphones using LTPS tech, as per the same source. In the battery department, the trio is estimated to feature 3,800mAh, 4,600mAh, and 5,000mAh cells. So, no real change compared to this year’s models. Other than the base Galaxy S22 possibly looking at a slight downgrade compared to the 4,000mAh Galaxy S21 – at least on paper.

The lineup is also said to circumvent Samsung’s under-display camera tech. The very one responsible for one of the most underwhelming aspects of the Galaxy Z Fold 3. As for the main camera setups, the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+ are expected to sport familiar-looking triple-lens setups utilizing a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 12-megapixel telephoto module, and another 12-megapixel, ultra-wide shooter.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S22 Ultra should utilize Samsung’s cutting-edge 108-megapixel sensor for its main camera and double down on the telephoto front for a total of four rear cameras. On top of leveraging a laser autofocusing system.

As for the system-on-chip powering the 2022 flagship range, the Snapdragon 898 is expected to be the silicon found in the vast majority of markets. While the Exynos 2200 is still on course to be commercialized by early next year, its yield is predicted to remain low until at least mid-2022. Meaning your chances of picking up a Galaxy S22-series device equipped with the much-anticipated AMD GPU are pretty slim, no matter where in the world you’re located.

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[Poll] What’s your reason for buying the Galaxy Z Flip 3?

The initial excitement for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 has faded away now. Samsung fans have had a lot of time to read and watch all of the material available online to decide whether they will buy Samsung’s latest foldable smartphone.

There are a number of reasons why the Galaxy Z Flip 3 might be appealing to customers. Those who skipped the predecessor over durability concerns will appreciate the Galaxy Z Flip 3’s improvements in this area. The hinge has been fortified, there’s Gorilla Glass Victus, the foldable display has a tougher screen protector and the entire device is water-resistant.

It also delivers flagship-level performance with the Snapdragon 888 chip and 8GB of RAM. The cameras may not be there yet but at least the device is more powerful than the original model. That’s certainly a step in the right direction.

Or would your reason to buy the Galaxy Z Flip 3 simply be the lower price tag? Its predecessor started at $1,380. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 starts at $999. That gets you a significantly improved device that also has a refreshed design that appears more modern.

If you have decided to buy the Galaxy Z Flip 3, vote below and let us know your reason for spending $999.

What's your reason for buying the Galaxy Z Flip 3?

• Enhanced durability and water resistance
• Lower starting price
• Refreshed design
• Snapdragon 888 and improved specs

Results

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Galaxy Z Fold 3 uses a newer, more power-efficient Super AMOLED display

The Galaxy Z Fold 3, which was unveiled last week, comes with various improvements over its predecessor. It has a faster processor, a tougher body, an IPX8 water-resistant rating, and S Pen compatibility. The South Korean firm has now revealed that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 also features a more power-efficient display.

Samsung Display announced earlier today that it has developed a new flexible OLED panel called Eco OLED, which is used in the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The Eco OLED panel is 25% more power-efficient than the display panel used in the Galaxy Z Fold 2. To achieve this, the company used a new panel laminate structure rather than using a conventional polarizer. The new structure blocks external light reflection and increases the light transmittance by 33%.

The polarizing plate, usually used in OLED panels, is an opaque sheet that increases OLED visibility by stopping the light from outside the panel from hitting the electrodes between the pixels and being reflected. However, it decreases the light produced by the OLED panel by more than 50%. While other brands have tried replacing this polarizer, Samsung Display has become the first company to achieve it. The Eco OLED panel also allows UPC (Under-Panel Camera) to be used below the screen for a bezel-less and punch-hole-less viewing experience.

Samsung Display has trademarked the new display technology in seven markets, including China, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and the US.

Sungchul Kim, President and Head of Mobile Display Business for Samsung Display, said, “The Eco OLED is a groundbreaking technology that significantly lowers power consumption by improving upon panel design that has been the industry norm for years. With the shift to 5G and devices with larger, foldable screens, the industry needs energy-efficient components that offset the battery life concerns that these technologies can bring. In addition to the Eco OLED, Samsung Display will continue to optimize technologies and produce organic materials that reduce battery drain.”

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Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Watch 4 prices, pre-order details revealed in South Korea

Earlier today, Samsung revealed the pricing and pre-order dates for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 for the South Korean market. The company also announced the pricing of the Galaxy Buds 2 and the Galaxy Watch 4 series for its home country. The South Korean firm will accept pre-orders for its new wearables from August 17 to August 23.

The Galaxy Buds 2 is priced at KRW 149,000 (around $128), and it will be available in four colors: Graphite, Lavender, Olive, and White. While the Galaxy Buds 2 will reach store shelves in South Korea on August 27, the pre-orders will start arriving on August 24, 2021. Buyers who pre-order the new wireless earbuds will get a Galaxy Z Flip 3-style Flip Case. Samsung is also offering various cases in collaboration with Cafe Knotted.

The Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic will be available for pre-order from August 17 to August 23 as well. Pre-orders will start arriving at customer doorsteps from August 24. Samsung has already sold the Galaxy Watch 4 in limited quantities via its First Trial Team program.

The Galaxy Watch 4 40mm is priced at KRW 269,000 (around $230), while the 44mm version costs KRW 299,000 (around $256). The 40mm LTE and 44mm LTE variants of the Galaxy Watch 4 are priced at KRW 299,200 and KRW 330,000, respectively. The 40mm version will be available in Black, Pink Gold, and Silver colors, while the 44mm version will be available in Black, Green, and Silver colors.

The 42mm and 46mm versions of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic are priced at KRW 369,000 (around $316) and KRW 399,000 (around $342) in South Korea. The 42mm LTE and 46mm LTE versions of the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic cost KRW 399,300 (around $342) and KRW 429,000 (around $368), respectively. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic will be available in Black and Silver colors.

Samsung will offer Google Play Store credits worth KRW 20,000 (around $17) to those who pre-order the LTE variant of the Galaxy Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. Those who pre-order the Bluetooth version of the Galaxy Watch 4 series will get a charging dock that’s shaped like Samsung’s The Serif lifestyle TV and Grande AI washing machine.

Galaxy Buds 2

• Model: SM-R177
• Dimensions: Ear Buds: 21.1 x 17 x 20.9 mm
  Cradle (Ear Buds): 27.8 x 50 x 50.2 mm
  
• Display:
• CPU:
• Camera:

More specifications

Galaxy Watch 4 (40mm)

• Model: SM-R860
• Dimensions: Watch: 40.4 x 39.3 x 9.8 mm
  
• Display: 1.2 inch / 30.4 mm Circular Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos W920
• Camera:

More specifications

Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (42mm)

• Model: SM-R880
• Dimensions: Watch: 41.5 x 41.5 x 11.2 mm
  
• Display: 1.2 inch / 30.4 mm Circular Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos W920
• Camera:

More specifications

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Galaxy Z Flip 3, Z Fold 3 pre-order details revealed for South Korea

Samsung has revealed the pre-order dates and pricing information for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 in South Korea. The company will accept pre-orders for these devices from August 17 to August 23, and the deliveries of the pre-orders will start from August 24, 2021. The phones will be launched on August 27.

The 256GB variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is priced at KRW 1,987,000 (around $1,700) in South Korea, while the 512GB variant costs KRW 2,097,700 (around $1,800). The 256GB version of the foldable phone will be available in Phantom Black, Phantom Green, and Phantom Silver. The 512GB version will be available in Phantom Black and Phantom Silver.

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is priced at KRW 1,254,000 (around $1,077) in Samsung’s homeland. The foldable phone will be available in seven colors: Cream, Green, Grey, Lavender, Phantom Black, Pink, and White. Grey, Pink, and White versions will only be available from Samsung’s online store, though.

Those who pre-order Samsung’s new foldable smartphones will get the Galaxy Buds 2 for free. Those who pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will also get the Flip Cover with S Pen. Customers who pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip 3 will get three fashional covers: Silicone Cover with Strap, Silicone Cover with Ring, and Clear Cover with Ring.

Buyers who pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip 3 or the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will get one free protective cover for the foldable screen. They will also get a free one-year subscription to Samsung Care+, which includes accidental damage repair for two times, discounts on repairs, and three free visits to a service center.

Samsung is also offering attractive trade-in discounts to those who return older Galaxy devices while buying the Galaxy Z Flip 3 or the Galaxy Z Fold 3. For example, the company is offering a trade-in discount of KRW 1,100,000 (around $950) for returning the Galaxy Z Fold 2.

Samsung is also offering other benefits that include a YouTube Premium subscription for four months, Millie’s e-book subscription for three months, a three-month subscription to audiobook service Welaaa, 70 comics on Naver, a three-month subscription to Joins Prime magazine service, and coupons for Three Kingdoms Blade smartphone game.

Interested buyers can experience the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 in the Galaxy Studio section of more than 30 Samsung Digital Plaza stores across South Korea. Customers can also experience the smartphones for two nights and three days and even rent the Galaxy Watch 4 along with the foldable phones.

Galaxy Z Flip 3

• Model: SM-F711B
• Dimensions: Folded: 86.4 x 72.2 x 15.9~17.1 mm
  Unfolded: 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm
  
• Display: 6.7 inch / 170.18 mm Dynamic AMOLED Display
• CPU: Snapdragon 888
• Camera: 12MP

More specifications

Galaxy Z Fold 3

• Model: SM-F926B
• Dimensions: Unfolded: 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm
  Folded: 158.2 x 67.1 x 14.4~16 mm
  
• Display: 7.6 inch / mm Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• CPU: Snapdragon 888
• Camera: 12MP

More specifications

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