The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 (2021) supports Expert RAW in DNG format and has no mechanical shutter — the image counter stored in each DNG file records total electronic captures. Drop an Expert RAW DNG to read it instantly.
Check Image Counter →The Galaxy Z Flip 3 (2021) is powered by the Snapdragon 888 and features a dual rear camera system: a 12 MP main sensor (f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF) and a 12 MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 123°). The main 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display supports 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh. The 1.9-inch Super AMOLED cover display allows notifications, selfies, and quick controls without opening the phone.
The Z Flip 3 was the first Samsung foldable with an IPX8 water resistance rating — a notable first for the clamshell form factor. The hinge is rated for 200,000 fold/unfold cycles, the same as later Flip generations. Like all Galaxy smartphones, it uses CMOS electronic readout only; the image counter is embedded in every Expert RAW DNG file.
| Model | Release | Main Camera | Cover Display | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Flip 3 | 2021 | 12 MP f/1.8, OIS | 1.9-inch AMOLED | Expert RAW (DNG) |
| Galaxy Z Flip 4 | 2022 | 12 MP f/1.8, OIS | 1.9-inch AMOLED | Expert RAW (DNG) |
| Galaxy Z Flip 5 | 2023 | 12 MP f/1.8, OIS | 3.4-inch AMOLED | Expert RAW (DNG) |
| Galaxy Z Flip 6 | 2024 | 50 MP f/1.8, OIS | 3.4-inch AMOLED | Expert RAW (DNG) |
DCIM/Expert RAW to your computer.| What to Check | How |
|---|---|
| Hinge smoothness | Open and close the device 15–20 times; listen for creaking; the hinge should hold any angle firmly without sagging |
| Main display crease | Inspect the fold crease at the midpoint of the 6.7-inch display under direct light and in dark conditions |
| Battery health | Settings → Battery and device care → Battery. The Z Flip 3’s 3300 mAh battery is smaller than later Flips; below 80% warrants replacement |
| Cover display | Check the 1.9-inch cover screen for scratches and pixel uniformity |
| Water seal integrity | Inspect the hinge area for cracks or debris that could compromise the IPX8 seal |
| Image counter | High counter (>30,000) indicates heavy photographic use — not a hardware failure indicator |
The Z Flip 3 and Z Flip 4 share the same 1.9-inch cover display and identical 12 MP + 12 MP dual camera system — camera performance is effectively equivalent. The key upgrade in the Flip 4 is the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset (vs 888), which offers better efficiency and a cooler thermal profile during video recording. The Flip 4 also carries a slightly larger 3700 mAh battery vs 3300 mAh on the Flip 3.
For used buyers, the Z Flip 3 represents strong value: identical cameras, IPX8 protection, the same 200,000-fold hinge — at a lower price. The main trade-off is the older chipset and smaller battery.
No. All Galaxy Z Flip smartphones use CMOS electronic readout only. There is no focal-plane shutter and no rated mechanical lifespan for the image sensor.
Heavy camera users may accumulate 20,000–40,000 captures per year. The image counter indicates usage intensity but carries no mechanical wear significance — assess hinge smoothness and battery health when evaluating a used Z Flip 3.
No. The image counter is stored in persistent hardware memory and cannot be reset by any user action, factory reset, or software update.
The Z Flip 3 is an excellent used buy at the right price. Camera output is identical to the Z Flip 4, and it shares the same IPX8 rating and hinge durability. The main advantages of the Z Flip 4 are its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset (better efficiency and gaming performance) and slightly larger battery.