Eric Zeman / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3 have moved through the FCC.
- Both listings hint at features like Qualcomm chipsets, MST, and reverse wireless charging.
- The Galaxy Z Fold 3’s listing points to features like UWB and S-Pen support.
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 in the coming months, being the latest additions to its foldable phone line. We’ve already seen plenty of leaks and heard loads of rumors, and now we’ve got more information to go on.
The two devices just passed by the FCC, suggesting that a launch can’t be far away now. But the device listings also give us plenty of information regarding the new foldable phones.
Galaxy Z Fold 3: S Pen and MST incoming?
Starting with the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the FCC filing confirms the model number SMF926U, broadly lining up with previously leaked model numbers for the large foldable. In case the model number wasn’t enough, reports within the filing explicitly notes “folder closed” and “folder open” orientations as well “screen open” and “screen closed” orientations. If that wasn’t enough, a report even contains a rough diagram illustrating the closed and open design. We wouldn’t rely on this 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 are able to independently verify this in two test reports. Check out the screenshot of one report below for the mention. This lines up with previous rumors regarding the upcoming foldable.
The filing also reveals UWB support, NFC, sub-6GHz and mmWave capabilities, Wireless Power Transfer (i.e. reverse wireless charging at 9W), wireless charging, and the potential surprise return of MST technology.
In the case of the latter, an RF testing report explicitly says “this device supports WLAN/BT/NFC/MST technologies.” Magnetic Stripe Technology (MST) allowed Samsung Pay users to conduct mobile payments at any credit card machine, even if it didn’t support NFC. But the Galaxy S21 series ditched the technology, so this would be a welcome return if confirmed.
It’s also interesting to note that a report mentions the foldable has Qualcomm Smart Transmit functionality which is “embedded in Qualcomm modems.” This essentially confirms that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 indeed has Snapdragon power.
What about the Galaxy Z Flip 3?
Samsung’s upcoming clamshell foldable phone has also passed through the FCC, complete with the model number SM-F711U and references to “screen open” and “screen closed” states. The FCC filing also shows a rough diagram depicting the device in these states. Again, this isn’t representative of the overall design but it does confirm the form factor. Check it out below.
As we saw with the Z Fold 3 filing, the Galaxy Z Flip 3’s regulatory listings confirm support for a variety of features too, such as NFC, Wireless Power Transfer at 9W, and wireless charging. And much like the Z Fold 3 listing once again, the clamshell foldable’s listing refers to Qualcomm Smart Transmit tech “embedded in Qualcomm modems.” This once again points to Snapdragon power inside the Z Flip 3.
We see mention of MST support once again in one report, suggesting that you can use Samsung Pay at terminals without NFC support once again. But we don’t see any references to UWB connectivity in the filing, so you might need to opt for the larger foldable if you want this feature.
Either way, it looks like we 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’ll no doubt see more leaks as we inch ever closer to the launch. Which phone are you more excited to see? Let us know via the poll below.
