Yes. Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event on August 11, 2021, introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, along with the Galaxy Watch 4 series and Galaxy Buds 2. The event was held online, and Samsung presented the foldables as its headline phone launches.
What happened at Samsung Unpacked on August 11?
Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 on August 11, 2021. The date is sometimes searched as “Samsung Unpacked August 11” because it was the event’s key launch date—not because the phones were announced in a later August event.
The presentation focused on Samsung’s foldable-phone lineup. The Fold 3 opened like a small book, offering a larger inner display; the Flip 3 folded vertically into a compact, square-shaped form. Both were positioned as more established, everyday alternatives to earlier generations of foldable phones.
The event also introduced other products, so it was not a phone-only presentation:
- Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic: Samsung’s smartwatch range, developed with Google around the Wear OS platform.
- Galaxy Buds 2: Samsung’s wireless earbuds, announced as part of the same product lineup.
Galaxy Z Fold 3: a book-style foldable
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 was the larger and more productivity-oriented of the two phones. Its main display unfolded to about 7.6 inches diagonally, while a cover display let owners use the device without opening it. The inner screen used Samsung’s foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology and supported a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz.
One of its notable additions was S Pen support on the main screen. Samsung offered compatible S Pen Fold Edition and S Pen Pro accessories, sold separately. The Fold 3 did not have a built-in S Pen slot, and its inner display required the specially designed Fold-compatible pens rather than an arbitrary stylus. That distinction matters: S Pen support did not make the Fold 3 identical to a Galaxy Note with a pen stored inside.
The phone also introduced an under-display camera on the inner screen. It was designed to be less visually prominent than a conventional camera cutout, although the camera remained visible under some viewing conditions. The outer cover camera was a separate, conventional front-facing camera.
Samsung rated the Fold 3 IPX8 for water resistance. That rating is not a claim that the phone is dustproof: the “X” means it was not assigned a dust-resistance rating under that classification. Foldables also have a flexible screen and hinge, so users should avoid treating them like ordinary rigid phones or pressing hard on the inner display.
Galaxy Z Flip 3: a compact clamshell
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 folded down into a compact shape and opened into a conventional tall smartphone form. Its 6.7-inch main screen had a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The redesigned cover screen was about 1.9 inches diagonally, making it more useful for checking notifications, viewing widgets, and framing quick camera shots while the phone was closed.
Unlike the Fold 3, the Flip 3 did not support S Pen input. Its appeal was portability and the ability to use the phone partly folded for certain activities, such as setting it on a surface for hands-free photos or video calls. This flex-style use depended on app compatibility and was not a replacement for a separate tripod or stand in every situation.
The Flip 3, like the Fold 3, carried an IPX8 water-resistance rating. The rating did not mean it was protected from dust, sand, or debris entering around the hinge. Keeping the hinge area clean and following Samsung’s care guidance were sensible precautions for either model.
How the two phones differed
The simplest distinction was the design goal: the Fold 3 unfolded into a small-tablet-sized screen, while the Flip 3 folded into a smaller pocketable package. Their features and physical formats suited different priorities.
- Choose the Fold 3’s format if a large inner screen, multitasking, or compatible S Pen use is important.
- Choose the Flip 3’s format if a compact folded phone and a conventional smartphone screen when open matter more.
- Do not assume they share every feature: the Fold 3 supported compatible S Pens; the Flip 3 did not. Their cover screens and camera arrangements also differed.
Both models belonged to Samsung’s third-generation Z Fold and Z Flip families, but “third generation” did not mean that the two were simply the same phone in different sizes. The hinge design, screens, camera placement, and intended use were distinct.
Availability, pricing and the event’s context
Samsung announced the phones on August 11, 2021, and began preorders that day in markets where they were offered. Samsung said general availability would begin on August 27, 2021, with exact availability and configurations varying by country and retailer.
At launch in the United States, Samsung listed the Galaxy Z Fold 3 from $1,799.99 and the Galaxy Z Flip 3 from $999.99 before applicable taxes, promotions, or trade-in offers. These are historical launch prices, not current market prices; used, refurbished, and remaining new-stock prices can differ substantially. Check a current seller’s listing for the actual price, condition, storage configuration, and warranty terms.
The event also reflected a broader change in Samsung’s premium-phone lineup. The company was investing heavily in foldables while emphasizing durability improvements and useful cover screens. The devices nevertheless involved trade-offs: foldable designs were more complex than conventional slab phones, and buyers had to consider hinge care, repair options, and the condition of the flexible display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Samsung announce the Galaxy Z Fold 3 on August 11?
Yes. Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Fold 3 at its Galaxy Unpacked event on August 11, 2021.
Was the Galaxy Z Flip 3 announced at the same event?
Yes. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 was announced alongside the Fold 3, as were the Galaxy Watch 4 series and Galaxy Buds 2.
When did the Fold 3 and Flip 3 go on sale?
Samsung announced general availability beginning August 27, 2021. Exact availability depended on the country and seller.
Did the Galaxy Z Flip 3 support the S Pen?
No. Compatible S Pen support was a Galaxy Z Fold 3 feature; the Flip 3 did not support S Pen input.
Were the Fold 3 and Flip 3 waterproof or dustproof?
Both had an IPX8 water-resistance rating, but that rating did not establish dust resistance. It is more accurate to call them water-resistant under specified test conditions, not dustproof or invulnerable to water damage.
What other products were announced at Samsung Unpacked on August 11, 2021?
Samsung also announced the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic smartwatches and the Galaxy Buds 2 earbuds.
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