Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3 hit FCC, reveal loads of details

Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, the latest additions to its foldable phone line, in the coming months. We’ve seen a lot of leaks and heard a lot of rumors, and now we have more information.

The two devices have just passed the FCC, which suggests that a launch may not be far now. But the device lists also give us a lot of information about the new foldable telephones.

Galaxy Z Fold 3: S Pen and MST incoming?

Starting with the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the FCC filing confirms the model number SMF926U, which is largely the same as previously leaked model numbers for the large foldable device. In the event that the model number is not sufficient, the orientation “folder closed” and “folder open” as well as “screen open” and “screen closed” are explicitly stated in reports within the storage area. As if that weren’t enough, a report even includes a rough diagram illustrating the closed and open design. We wouldn’t rely on it for specific dimensions and design elements, but you can check it out below.

MySmartPrice reports that this filing also confirms S Pen support in the Galaxy Z Fold 3, and we can independently verify this in two reviews. See the screenshot of one of the reports below for the mention. This coincides with previous rumors about the upcoming foldable.

The filing also reveals UWB support, NFC, sub-6 GHz and mmWave capabilities, wireless power transfer (i.e. reverse wireless charging at 9W), wireless charging, and the potentially surprising return of MST technology.

In the latter case, an RF test report expressly states “this device supports WLAN / BT / NFC / MST technologies”. Magnetic stripe technology (MST) enabled Samsung Pay users to make mobile payments at any credit card machine, even if it didn’t support NFC. But the Galaxy S21 series has given up on technology, so this would be a welcome return if confirmed.

It is also interesting that one report mentions that the foldable device has a Qualcomm Smart Transmit feature that is “embedded in Qualcomm modems”. This essentially confirms that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 actually has Snapdragon power.

What about the Galaxy Z Flip 3?

Samsung’s upcoming foldable clamshell phone has also passed the FCC, complete with the model number SM-F711U and notices of “screen open” and “screen closed” states. The FCC file also shows a rough diagram that shows the device in these states. Again, this is not representative of the overall design, but it does confirm the form factor. Check it out below.

As we saw when submitting the Z Fold 3, the approval lists of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 also confirm the support of a wide range of functions such as NFC, wireless power transfer at 9W and wireless charging. And similar to the Z Fold 3 listing, the clamshell foldable listing refers to Qualcomm Smart Transmit technology that is “embedded in Qualcomm modems”. This again points to the Snapdragon power in the Z Flip 3.

A report mentions MST support again, suggesting that you can use Samsung Pay again on terminals without NFC support. But we don’t see any indications of UWB connectivity in the filing, so you may have to go for the larger foldable device if you want that feature.

Anyway, it looks like we will know a little more about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 ahead of the expected Q3 launch window. And we will no doubt see more leaks the closer we get to launch. Which phone are you looking forward to more? Let us know via the poll below.