Samsung launched its latest flagship folding phones at its Galaxy Unpacked event on 11 August in the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3. The phones launched alongside the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Buds 2.
The phones are now available to pre-order and also come with a few pre-order perks (which we’ll dive into below), and full sales begin on 27 August via Samsung and a number of other retailers – all of which we’re tracking here.
What’s new in the Z Fold 3?
With a focus on productivity, one of the biggest updates on the Z Fold 3 (and Z Flip 3) is S Pen support, which Samsung already offers on its Note and Galaxy Tab S7 tablet range. Now, customers can choose between the S Pen Fold Edition or S Pen Pro to use with the Z Fold 3. Both S Pens have special retractable tips designed to protect the screens from excessive force. Samsung is offering customers a free S Pen with purchase.
Other productivity highlights on the Fold 3 incude a new Taskbar for faster and easier access to apps, and ‘Flex mode’, which allows users to multi-task across the two screens. Fold 3 owners can, for instance, use one half of the phone for video calls (with optimised support for Microsoft Teams) and the other half for notetaking.
There’s greater durability too. Samsung promises the Fold 3 can withstand folding up to 200,000 times, while new IPX8 water resistance, an “Armour Aluminum” chassis – which Samsung claims is the strongest aluminum used on a phone – and a Gorilla Glass Victus display that’s “80% more durable than previous devices”, also join the list of durability upgrades.
Here’s everything there is to know about the Z Fold 3 if you want to learn more about the handset’s cameras, display and specs.
Also see our coverage on where to buy the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Watch 4.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 pre-order deals
Customers who pre-order the Z Fold 3 ahead of the 27 August release can benefit from a year of Samsung Care+ – Samsung’s premium device protection service that covers accidental damage, water damage, screen, and back cover replacements.
US customers who pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 3 from Samsung can benefit from a $200 instant credit to spend on accessories and up to $800 credit with trade-in. US shoppers also get a bonus $100 credit when opting for the 512GB Z Fold 3, similar to the reservation promo Samsung launched in the US last month to fast-track pre-orders. Other freebies in the US include 4 months of YouTube Premium (new customers), 3 months of Spotify, and 6 months of SirusXM Streaming.
Samsung is offering the enhanced trade-in to UK shoppers too. UK customers can claim an extra £250 on top of the standard trade-in rate when buying a Galaxy Z Fold 3 (or Z Flip 3).
Pre-orders in the UK also include a free Galaxy Note Pack (worth £79.99), which includes a Flip Case, S Pen and 25W Fast Charger. Customers also get Samsung Boost for free, which is a collection of premium apps worth over £250.
Just be sure to claim within 30 days of purchase. Head to Samsung to see these offers.
In India, customers can pre-reserve a Galaxy VIP Pass for ₹2,000 and get a free Galaxy SmartTag. After the amount is paid, Samsung will email further instructions on how to purchase the Galaxy Z Fold 3 (and will take ₹2,000 off the total cost).
How much does the Galaxy Z Fold 3 cost (UK/US/India)?
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is available in the following configurations and price points:
- 12GB RAM/256GB storage – £1,599/$1,799.99 (around ₹1,33,650)
- 12GB RAM/512GB storage – £1,699/$1,899.99 (around ₹1,41,070)
The phones are available in Phantom Black, Phantom Green, and Phantom Silver.
Where to buy (pre-order) the Galaxy Z Fold 3 SIM-free
UK retailers
Apart from Samsung the Z Fold 3 is available to pre-order from:
We’re still waiting for confirmation from the following major retailers:
US retailers
Where to buy (pre-order) the Galaxy Z Fold 3 on contract – Free Xbox Game Pass from EE
Confirmed UK networks
Confirmed US networks
In the UK EE’s plans for the Z Fold 3 are some of the most impressive. On top of the Galaxy Note Pack with the free S Pen, you can also get a free 12-month Xbox Game pass subscription and save up to £500 when you trade in your old eligible device. Plans start at £100 upfront and £89 per month for 10GB data.
Virgin’s offers start at £64 per month without any upfront cost (over 36 months) for 2GB data, though for £5 more per month, you can also get a Galaxy Tab S7 bundle thrown in.
Three was the first to confirm Z Fold 3 stock, with prices starting at £99 upfront and £105 per month for unlimited data. Customers can also get 50% off the monthly rate for the first 6 months.
Mobile Phones Direct has a variety of plans from O2 and Three with prices that are more competitive for bigger data plans, compared to going directly to the network, while Affordable Mobiles has similarly competitive plans from O2, Three and Vodafone.
The Fold 3 is available from Carphone Warehouse too, on Vodafone plans starting at £69.99 upfront and £85 per month for 50GB data.
You can go to Vodafone directly too, where the Z Fold 3 is available on customizable EVO plans. Plans start at £49 upfront and £59 per month for 6GB data (24-month term). See all Vodafone offers.
Plans are customizable at O2 as well and include up to 6 months of Disney+ or up to 12 months of another streaming app such as Amazon Prime Video. Prices start at £30 upfront and £61.54 per month for 1GB data (over 36 months). Until 30 September, you can save up to £530 when you trade in your old Samsung Galaxy device.
Sky Mobile has also confirmed its plans with prices starting at £12 upfront and £64 a month for 2GB data.
We’re waiting for BT to confirm Z Fold 3 availability, though customers can register their interest at Tesco Mobile right now.
We’ll be adding more retailers, networks, and deals as they’re confirmed, so stay tuned! If you missed the Galaxy Unpacked event, here’s how to watch it again.
