Galaxy Z Fold 3 camera: All you need to know

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

256GB, w/trade-in

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

512GB, w/ trade-in

$849 ⁹⁹

$1899 ⁹⁹

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 camera upgrades

At first, we expected that the upcoming foldable phone would implement the triple-camera system found in the Galaxy S21. This seemed like the logical Samsung choice, as its 2021 entry-level S series phone has some pretty good and modern cameras. And while we would love to see the cameras of the Galaxy S21 Ultra make their way into the Galaxy Z Fold 3, this would’ve made the foldable device even more expensive than before, which is why the regular Galaxy S21 camera system seems like a nice compromise.

But unfortunately for some, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has a camera system that is relatively unchanged compared to its predecessor. Last year's Z Fold phone had a similar setup to the Galaxy S20, minus its big 64MP telephoto sensor.

Does this mean that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will struggle camera-wise? Not necessarily. See, Samsung has always been great at delivering excellent cameras, and this was the case with the Galaxy Z Fold 2 as well. While it is a little bit disappointing that the next generation Z Fold doesn't have any significant camera upgrades, it still has a decent camera system. And don’t forget that not everything is about camera sensors. Improvements in the camera department can also be accomplished by having new processing power and software.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 camera upgrades: Specs

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 has a triple-camera system with a new camera module design. Here are the details about each camera:

• Main camera: 12MP sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, Dual Pixel technology, OIS, 1.8µm pixel size
• Ultrawide camera: 12MP sensor with 123˚ field of view and an f/2.2 aperture, 1.12µm pixel size
• Telephoto camera: 12MP sensor with 2x zoom, OIS, f/2.4 aperture, 1.0µm pixel size
• Front camera (inner display): 4MP sensor with f/1.8 aperture
• Front camera (outer display): 10MP sensor with f/2.2 aperture

As you can see, these sensors look to be the same ones that we saw on the previous Galaxy Z Fold 2. Like we mentioned before, these are still pretty good cameras, and they will probably be on par with the likes of the Galaxy A72, the OnePlus 9, and the iPhone 11. The only camera upgrade we see is the telephoto sensor having OIS. This will make the image steadier, and allow for easier focus on an object.

As far as camera features go, the new Galaxy Z Fold 3 has plenty. Samsung is heavily advertising the foldable phone’s night modes and its total of five cameras. You can use all of them when in a video call however you like.

When taking a photo with the folding display open, you have the option to turn on Capture View Mode. This mode lets you preview the last images you took instantly, without having to go to the gallery. 


The Night mode on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has also seen improvement. Flex mode is also present. This shooting mode let's you put the Galaxy Z Fold on a table with its folding display open at an angle around 90°. By doing so it acts as its own camera stand. In this mode you get better stabilization as there is nothing to shake the device. The device's interface also changes accordingly.

Another new night feature is Night Hyperlapse. This mode lets you capture a timelapse video with both the rear and front cameras. If you want to capture some cool light trails, you activate it, shoot, and it captures seconds worth of long exposure photos. After that, it combines the photos into a video.

The last new feature to be introduced with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is called Director’s View. As its name suggests, this feature helps you toggle between all of the cameras more easily and record video from multiple angles. We can’t wait to try this one out.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 under-display camera: Taking a risk?

There has been much speculation about the Galaxy Z Fold 3 introducing the first under-display camera on a Samsung device, and the reports were true. The new selfie camera of the Z Fold 3's inner display is under the folding display, positioned in the same location as the punch-hole unit used in the Galaxy Z Fold 2.

Putting your first under-display camera in a device that you hope to be a success is risky, to say the least, but Samsung is known for being adventurous in order to push innovation forward. The camera itself is a 4MP sensor put under the foldable panel. Our first impressions from our short hands on with the foldable device are pretty good, the camera looks to capture plenty of detail during daylight, and the image doesn't have any distortion at all.



Samsung is not the first company to use an under-display selfie camera in a production device. ZTE has already done that a couple of times in its recent phones, though its technology is still struggling to produce good enough pictures.

As for the front camera on the outer display, just like the Galaxy Z Fold 3’s back cameras, it looks to be the same sensor as the one used in its predecessor. It is a 10MP punch-hole unit located in the middle with an f/2.2 aperture. This sensor was present in plenty of 2020 Samsung devices and it has proven itself to be able to produce quality selfies.