Report: Samsung expected to launch Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 2 in July

Smartphone makers’ plans may have been affected by the global chipset shortage, but Samsung is apparently pushing on with its foldable phone launches this year. According to a report by The Elec, the company is set to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 2 as early as July.

We can also expect design changes to the display and battery of the larger foldable. The report quotes a drop in battery capacity to 4,380mAh — the same capacity as the original Galaxy Fold. As for the display, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 might see less real estate than its predecessor. The folding screen reportedly measures 7.5 inches, while the outer screen comes in at 6.2 inches. A refresh rate bump could be on the cards, though.

The Galaxy Z Flip 2 may also gain a smaller battery, according to an earlier report. The foldable may see a drop from a 3,300mAh dual-cell design to 3,200mAh.

Galaxy Z Fold 3: This year’s Note replacement?

Samsung did confirm in December that it plans to slim down its foldable phone lines, making them more pocketable. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 may sport S Pen functionality too, which should further improve its versatility.

Should Samsung launch its foldable devices in July, it would largely make up for the lack of a Note device this year. The Note series traditionally debuts in August. In March, the company confirmed that there would be no Galaxy Note 21 series this year but didn’t completely rule out the series’ death entirely.

Still, with rumors of a slimmer build, S Pen support, and now a Q2 launch date, it seems that Samsung might be billing the Galaxy Z Fold 3 as this year’s — and possibly future — Note replacement.