Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 could lose some weight

(Prototype credit: Ben Geskin)

The Samsung Milky way Z Fold 3 will exist the lightest entry in the series yet, according to a new tweet from reliable leaker Ice Universe.

In a typically short-course reveal, the leaker simply wrote "Fold3 269g" — two words that give u.s.a. an interesting bit of intel about the upcoming foldable. If the Samsung Milky way Z Fold 3 really is 269g (9.48 ounces), information technology volition be the lightest in the range to engagement, and a promising change of trajectory given that Galaxy Z Fold two (282g (9.nine ounces)) was really heavier than the original Milky way Fold (nine.vii ounces).

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To be clear, even at 269g, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is inappreciably in the featherweight category of smartphones, and in my experience anything over 200g feels a flake on the weighty side in the pocket. For comparing'due south sake, that makes it just under xviii% heavier than both the iPhone 12 Pro Max (228g, 8.03 ounces) and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (229g, 8.07 ounces), neither of which most people would consider light.

Only there are skilful reasons that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold handsets are heavier than near smartphones: you're essentially getting both a phone and tablet in one, and that requires more than materials across the board: two screens, a construction thick enough to be resilient when unfolded and plenty battery to ability the thing, to proper noun but a few. With that in heed, it'south an impressive feat of engineering for Samsung to make its flagship foldable'south weight comparable to other smartphones.

So why is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold three gear up to be lighter than its predecessors? Well along with the usual generational blueprint improvements, we know that the battery in the new model should be of a slightly lower chapters than its predecessor, clocking in at four,380mAh, which should shave a little weight from the 4,500mAh cell used in the Galaxy Z Fold 2.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is expected this summer, likely in either July or August and well-nigh sure to debut aslope the company'south other foldable, the Z Flip three. Thanks to screenshots supposedly taken from a marketing video, nosotros know that Samsung could include the company's first under-screen camera, and that the handset volition support the Due south Pen, too.

While we oasis't seen any pricing leaks, given the original Milky way Fold and sequel toll $1,980 and $1,999 respectively, information technology would be a huge surprise if the new model cost much less.

More: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 vs. Galaxy Fold

Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are institute all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing upwards the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, you'll probably observe him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more probable, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.