Fundamentally, the new Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a phone that folds in half to get smaller, whereas the new Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a phone that opens up to make the screen bigger, like a tablet. The two latest additions to the Galaxy Z foldable line were announced at a virtual Unpacked event Wednesday. Samsung showcased durability improvements made to both folding phones from their predecessors, including a new metal material used for the body and frame, along with improvements that strengthen the folding screens. Out of the two, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the scene-stealer. It manages to look just like a regular stylish phone that happens to fold in half.
The original Z Flip is one of my favorite phones and is still the Android phone I carry when I’m between phone reviews. The Z Flip 3 brings a laundry list of improvements like a lower price, a more beefed-up design, a larger cover display and 2021 specs. But it’s the Z Flip 3’s price and colors that reveal Samsung’s true hopes for the perfectly square phone. The Z Flip 3 might be the first foldable phone aimed at a mass audience that has a chance of living up to such hype.
Galaxy Z Flip 3: Samsung’s smallest foldable phone now…
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Need more proof that Samsung wants the Z Flip 3 to entice a wider audience? The Z Flip 3 comes in seven different colors: cream, green, lavender or phantom black. Samsung also has three exclusive colors that are only available on its website: gray, white and pink. The colors give the Z Flip 3’s square “drink coaster” design a contemporary fun feel.
If a variety of colors and a lower price aren’t enough to get more people interested, the improvements Samsung made to the Z Flip 3’s durability and software could help it take a significant step away from being a “niche phone” and one that more people use as their daily driver. Preorders are open now and the Z Flip 3 launches on Aug. 27. Samsung also created a number of cases specifically for the Z Flip 3 that add pizzazz, more grip or a strap.
Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 US prices
Phone
Storage
RAM
US price
Galaxy Z Flip 3
128GB
8GB
$1,000
Galaxy Z Flip 3
256GB
8GB
$1,050
Galaxy Z Fold 3
256GB
12GB
$1,800
Galaxy Z Fold 3
512GB
12GB
$1,900
Samsung made a bunch of cool cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 3.
Drew Evans/CNET
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 gets a larger cover screen with more functionality
The tiny pill-shaped cover screen on the earlier Z Flip and Z Flip 5G was useless for anything more than seeing the time or battery life. By contrast, one of my favorite features on the Motorola Razr and Razr 5G is the Quick View display on its case. You can do pretty much anything without opening the phone up. The Z Flip 3’s cover display is four times larger than the Z Flip’s pill screen, so now you can actually read your notifications instead of just part of them.
The cover screen on the Z Flip 3 is larger and lets your view an entire notification.
Drew Evans/CNET
The new screen can show four lines, with the option to scroll down to see longer notifications. You can also check your emails and group chats all without flipping open the Flip. There are six widgets that will work on the cover screen. Among them you can check the weather or your step count and use Samsung Pay. The cover screen and rear glass are now made with Gorilla Glass Victus, which Samsung says is 50% more durable than the Gorilla Glass 6 on previous models.
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 gets water resistance
The metal frame and hinge on the Z Flip 3 are made up of a new material marketed as Armor Aluminum. According to Samsung it’s 10% more durable. Like the Z Fold 3, the body of the Z Flip 3 is rated IPX8 for water resistance which means that it can survive under 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. I should note that there isn’t any rating for dust resistance.
In terms of 5G connectivity, the Z Flip 3 supports sub-6 and mmWave 5G in the US.
The Z Flip 3 has an eye-catching design and comes in 7 colors
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The Galaxy Z Flip 3 has a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate screen
When you do flip the phone open, the main screen greets you with a new protective film which Samsung says makes it 30% more durable than the original Flip. The new screen also has a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate that should make scrolling through content, gaming and animations look smoother. That’s a big upgrade. The Z Flip 3 also gets stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos.
One of the biggest upgrades to the Z Flip 3 is that the screen can now run at 60 or 120Hz to make animations look smoother or gaming more immersive.
Drew Evans/CNET
On the inside of the phone is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset with 8GB of RAM and either 128 or 256GB of internal storage. It has the same dual battery setup as the Z Flip 5G and also supports 15-watt fast-charging — despite not coming with a 15-watt charger, or any charger for that matter. The Z Flip 3 has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
The number three in Galaxy Z Flip 3 is for cameras
The Z Flip 3 has three cameras. There’s a 10-megapixel selfie camera housed in a hole punch cutout in the main screen and two cameras on the outside cover: a main 12-megapixel wide angle camera with optical image stabilization and a new 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. Unlike the Z Fold 3, the Flip doesn’t get an “under-display camera.”
The Z Flip 3 gets a second camera on the outside. It has an ultrawide lens.
Drew Evans/CNET
Flex mode on the Galaxy Z Flip 3 does more
In terms of software, the Z Flip 3 runs Android 11. Samsung does say that it added functionality into the software to support the phone’s shape. Flex-Mode, which debuted on the original Flip, lets you position the phone like a mini laptop and show an app on the top half and the controls for that app on the bottom half.
The Z Flip 3 now has more apps that can take advantage of Flex Mode. I’m excited to see how improvements to multitasking work and if the software made the same strides as the hardware.
At the end of the day, the Z Flip 3 represents a significant step forward for bringing foldable phones to the mainstream. Samsung seems confident that the Z Flip 3 is a “ready for primetime” mass-market device and one that people can count on like a regular phone. We’ll see.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
