The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 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 across all cameras. Drop an Expert RAW DNG to read it instantly.
Check Image Counter →The Galaxy Z Fold 3 (2021) is powered by the Snapdragon 888 and features a triple rear camera system: a 12 MP main sensor (f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF), a 12 MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 123°), and a 12 MP 3× telephoto (f/2.4, OIS). A 10 MP selfie camera sits in the cover display; the 7.6-inch main foldable display hides a 4 MP under-display camera — a first for the Fold line.
The Z Fold 3 was the first Fold with S Pen support (Fold Edition and Pro models) and the first with an IPX8 water resistance rating. The hinge is rated for 200,000 fold/unfold cycles. Like all Galaxy smartphones, it uses CMOS electronic readout only; every capture increments the image counter embedded in Expert RAW DNG files.
| Model | Release | Main Camera | Inner Display | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Z Fold 3 | 2021 | 12 MP f/1.8, OIS | 7.6-inch AMOLED | Expert RAW (DNG) |
| Galaxy Z Fold 4 | 2022 | 50 MP f/1.8, OIS | 7.6-inch AMOLED | Expert RAW (DNG) |
| Galaxy Z Fold 5 | 2023 | 50 MP f/1.8, OIS | 7.6-inch AMOLED (hinge gap closed) | Expert RAW (DNG) |
DCIM/Expert RAW to your computer. Confirm the file has a .dng extension.| What to Check | How |
|---|---|
| Hinge smoothness | Open and close 15–20 times; the hinge should hold firmly at any angle and feel consistent throughout travel |
| Inner display crease | Check the fold crease at the midpoint of the 7.6-inch display under direct light; some depth is normal, but sharp ridges or separation are not |
| Under-display camera | Test video calls and inner selfies; the 4 MP UDC is the Z Fold 3’s most distinctive feature and should operate without artefacts |
| Battery health | Settings → Battery and device care → Battery. The 4400 mAh split battery is non-replaceable; below 80% warrants consideration |
| Water seal | Inspect hinge and USB-C port area for cracks that could compromise the IPX8 rating |
| Image counter | High counter (>35,000) suggests intensive photographic use — not a hardware failure indicator |
The headline upgrade in the Z Fold 4 is the main camera: a 50 MP sensor replaces the Z Fold 3’s 12 MP, delivering sharper photos and better low-light performance. The Z Fold 4 also uses the more efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset and introduces a slightly wider cover display aspect ratio, making the phone more comfortable to use one-handed when folded.
The Z Fold 3 retains full S Pen compatibility and offers identical IPX8 protection. For buyers who use the Fold primarily as a tablet and for video, the Z Fold 3 is an economical option; photographers who rely on the rear cameras will find the 50 MP jump on the Fold 4 meaningfully better.
No. All Galaxy Z Fold smartphones use CMOS electronic readout only. There is no focal-plane shutter and no rated mechanical lifespan for the image sensor.
Fold users tend to use the inner display for productivity and video, with photography as a secondary use case. Expect 10,000–30,000 captures per year for a moderately active user. The counter indicates usage intensity; hinge cycles and battery health are the more meaningful hardware metrics.
No. The image counter is stored in persistent hardware memory and cannot be reset by any user action, including factory reset or software update.
No. The S Pen on the Z Fold 3 is used for stylus input and annotation — it does not capture photos. Only actual camera captures increment the image counter.