In the run-up to the first anniversary of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Fold 3, Samsung is adding new tricks to the U.S. variants of both devices.
Samsung may be hard at work readying its next-generation foldable smartphones, but it isn’t abandoning the 2021 models, which have gotten some cool new features via a recent update. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 are Samsung’s current foldable smartphone offerings targeted at different demographics. The former has a clamshell design and a much smaller form factor, making it suitable for those who don’t need a foldable smartphone that unfolds into a larger device.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Fold 3, which is also the more expensive model, is bigger and packs a flexible display that unfolds into a tablet-sized device. Later this year, Samsung will launch a follow-up to both devices, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4, respectively. The new phones are expected to be announced in Aug. 2022, packing a refined design and new processors.
The new update to the U.S. variants of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 brings a handful of new features that significantly improve existing features while adding new ones. This update is available for both the carrier-locked variants sold by T-Mobile as well as the unlocked versions, according to XDA-Developers. Chief among the new features coming to both phones is support for eSIM. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 launched with the hardware for eSIM, but the feature itself isn’t available in all regions, including the U.S. However, the new update activates the feature and, by doing so, also adds support for Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS). This means that owners can use two different numbers on their phones — one SIM via the nano-SIM slot and the other via eSIM.
New Camera Features
In addition to getting eSIM and dual SIM support, Samsung is also adding some new camera features to the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 phones. Apart from the regular optimizations to the camera, the changelog mentions that “Auto Framing,” which debuted on the Galaxy Z Fold 2, is now available in video mode and select video calling apps. Auto Framing works similarly to Center Stage on the iPad Pro. It keeps the camera focused on the person and keeps the shot centered, and when it senses more people have entered the frame, it widens the view.
Samsung says users should also notice an improvement in the quality of pictures taken with social media or third-party camera apps. In addition, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 gets an improved Night portrait feature. Furthermore, it also gains support for using the telephoto lens in Pro mode. Samsung has also included the June 2022 security patch along with the update.
