Samsung launched the flagship folding phone in August 2021, alongside the smaller Z Flip 3. The phones launched together with the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Buds 2, refreshing Samsung’s mobile, audio and wearable lines for 2021. The premium Galaxy Z Fold 3 benefitted from some cracking discounts last year, especially during Black Friday, but whether you’re looking to buy SIM-free (unlocked) or on-contract, there are now some even more sizeable offers out there worth considering – the best of which we’ve cherry-picked in this article. Why not also check out our coverage on the best Galaxy Z Flip 3 deals and where to buy the Galaxy Watch 4, plus what to expect from Galaxy Z Fold 4 if you’d rather buy the newer model.
How much does the Galaxy Z Fold 3 cost?
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is available in the following configurations and price points across the US, UK, Europe, and India:
12GB RAM/256GB storage – $1,799/£1,599/€1,799/₹149,99912GB RAM/512GB storage – $1,899/£1,699/€1,999/₹157,999
The Z Fold 3 is available in Phantom Black, Phantom Green and Phantom Silver. 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.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 deals
Where to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 3 SIM-free
US retailers
UK retailers
Where to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 3 on contract
Currently, the biggest contract offers in the UK are boosting data allowances so you can get anywhere from 100GB to unlimited data with the handset. US contract deals are offering the phone upfront for free in some cases when you trade in your old device and sign up to an unlimited plan.
US networks
Verizon – Get a $200 Verizon gift card AT&T – Unlimited data for $85 per month w/ HBO Max included US Cellular – Unlimited data for $49 per month w/ 2x Redbox movie nights
UK networks
EE – Select plans currently come with £10 off the upfront cost and £10 off the monthly cost. Some plans also come with a free Note Pack, which includes a Flip Case, S Pen and 25W fast charger O2 – Best plan: 30GB data for £70.98 per month, £50 upfront Sky Mobile – Best plan: Get 50GB data for £72 per month, £36 upfront Three – Best plan: Get unlimited data for £83 per month, £99 upfront Virgin – Get unlimited data for £72 per month, no upfront cost Vodafone – Plans start at £68 per month, with £49 upfront Affordable Mobiles – Best plan: 100GB data for £58 per month, £199.99 upfront Carphone Warehouse – Best plan: Unlimited data for £93 per month, £99 upfront Mobile Phones Direct Best plan: Unlimited data for £77 per month, £99 upfront
What’s new in the Galaxy Z Fold 3?
With a focus on productivity, one of the biggest updates on the Z Fold 3 is S Pen support, which Samsung already offers on its Note and Galaxy Tab S 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 in some markets. See our review, where it received 4/5 stars and an Editor’s Choice badge. Other productivity highlights on the Fold 3 include 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 the likes of 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 Aluminium” chassis – which Samsung claims is the strongest aluminium 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.
