Galaxy Z Fold 3 may lack overpowered camera system, but it’s probably a smart move

Ever since Samsung introduced the idea of ​​a foldable phone, consumer and media opinions have been divided on the product category. Some think foldables are the future, while others think it’s an overpriced gimmick. I have been firmly in the old camp since day one. In fact, I’m so hardcore about foldables that I paid $ 800 above retail price import the original Galaxy Fold during its first week of launch, when the device was only available in South Korea. I paid a similar markup for the first Huawei Mate X when that phone was in short supply.

Since then I’ve got my hands on and extensively tested every foldable that has hit the market, including the more obscure ones like the Royole FlexPai 2. So I think it’s fair to say I’m an enthusiast with an opinion enlightened on the condition of the foldables.

The most impressive and forward-thinking foldable hardware right now is the Huawei Mate X2, as it has managed to do a few things that are considered flaws in the otherwise excellent Galaxy Z Fold 2. Huawei has managed to put together a true flagship camera system, including a 10x periscope zoom lens in the Mate X2, as well as a hinge that folds completely flat without leaving any space. The Galaxy Z Fold 2, by comparison, has a low 2x telephoto zoom and a noticeable gap when closed.

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 (left) and Mate X2 (right) when folded.

Of course, comparing the Mate X2 to the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is not a fair direct comparison, as the Samsung device is a 2020 phone, while the Mate X2 is a 2021 device. I thought when the Galaxy Z Fold 3 would have arrived, Samsung would integrate these hardware improvements into the device and it would take the lead in the most avant-garde foldable hardware.

Galaxy Z Fold 2 (left), Mate X2 (right).

But that doesn’t seem to be the case so far. Thanks to very reliable escape Evan blass, what should be the official renderings of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3 are in plain sight, and the visuals show that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 still leaves a slight gap when folded, just like the previous two Folds. The camera system also doesn’t appear to include a Periscope zoom lens used in Samsung’s “Ultra” series of phones.

Unless those renderings are incorrect (which is unlikely, given Blass’s impeccable track record), the Galaxy Z Fold 3 likely uses the same camera system as standard non-Ultra Galaxy S21 phones. These cameras are pretty good, but pale compared to the jaw-dropping zoom prowess of the Galaxy S21 Ultra and the 108MP main lens with a large sensor.

This means that, just like last year, Samsung’s foldable flagship will have a lower camera system which can’t quite keep up with the best camera systems seen in premium panel flagships not only from Samsung, but also from Huawei and Xiaomi.

I think this year the decision to go for a lesser camera system is a choice. After all, if Huawei could manage to integrate a true flagship camera system into the Mate X2, Samsung should be able to do that as well. I think Samsung will choose not to incorporate its Ultra camera system into the Galaxy Z Fold 3 because it wants to do practical improvements which will be more attractive to the average consumer.

Samsung confirmed this during a call to investors late last year. According to South Korean media The elecSamsung officials told investors the company plans to make foldable phones “more mainstream” by being “lighter and thinner” than before.

the Galaxy Z Fold 3 could probably achieve it, according to another reliable leaker who goes by the pseudonym of Ice Universe. This would not have been possible if Samsung had used its Ultra camera system, which so far stands out for its bulky camera module.

Samsung’s Ultra phones have bulky camera modules to house the Periscope camera and the 108MP large-sensor camera.

Another advantage of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 that does not use the Ultra camera system is that it lowers the cost of components, which should lead to a lower price. This is also happening, because another leak from South Korea claims that the retail price of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will be 20% lower than that of the Z Fold 2.

If all of these leaks are true, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will be the cheapest and lightest phone in the Fold series again. This addresses two of the top three complaints about old foldables. But what about the third concern: sustainability? The Galaxy Z Fold 3 probably answers it too, as another rumor suggests get an official IP water resistance rating.

Essentially, in developing the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Samsung decided to broaden the appeal of the phone instead of pushing it more into a niche device for enthusiasts. This is a smart business decision. As impressive as the Huawei Mate X2 is, its starting price of $ 2,700 would have been a failure for most people, even if the phone didn’t have the Google issue. Samsung doesn’t want the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to appeal to crazy phone geeks like me. He wants the Galaxy Z Fold 3 to have the same mass appeal as a Galaxy S phone, and all of these changes should help him achieve that.

Going forward, I wouldn’t mind dividing the Fold line into regular and Pro variants to expand the horizon of foldables into consumer and hobbyist spaces. It would also be a smart move, serving smartphone enthusiasts like me the excess I crave while providing a more affordable and convenient option for average users who want to take a leap of faith with foldables. Non-Pro variants might even make compromises along the way, like going for a high-end mid-range SoC or a yesteryear flagship SoC instead of the current-gen flagship SoC, and lowering the price even further. in the same form factor. Folders need this diversification to mature as a viable product segment for average users. But for now, not being outright excess should do it for this year.