The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is now officially on sale, but you may be wondering if this gadget is worth $1,799. While this foldable phone is certainly not for everyone, my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 review suggests that it is worth the splurge, especially if you want to use an Android tablet and cell phone in one device.

In fact, one might say that the Z Fold 3 looks more attractive than the upcoming iPhone 13 Pro Max, at least based on previous rumors about Apple's next big phone. the Z Fold 3's huge 7.6-inch display opens up literally every possibility, and Samsung has also made the foldable more durable and water resistant.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max should still win in areas where the iPhone 12 Pro Max excels, such as performance, pocket friendliness, camera quality, and battery life. However, if you're on the fence about whether to buy the Galaxy Z Fold 3 or the top-of-the-line iPhone 13, here's where Samsung's foldable could win out.

If the rumors prove true, the iPhone 13 Pro Max will feature a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, with a higher refresh rate, but will remain the same size as the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The Galaxy Z Fold 3, on the other hand, boasts a massive 7.6-inch 120Hz panel, and there are significant differences between the different screens.

Let's say you are using Gmail on the Galaxy Z Fold 3. With the inbox on the left and the message content on the right, it looks as if you are using a laptop. Also, in Chrome, you can access tabs at the top of the display. Furthermore, unlike what one would expect from the iPhone 13, there is no notch here. The camera below the display disappears when not in use, allowing more content to be viewed. And watching YouTube or Netflix on a panel this size is truly immersive.

Right now, the closest the iPhone comes to multitasking is picture-in-picture, but that hardly counts; on the Galaxy Z Fold 3, you can launch two apps side by side, such as the Messages app and Gallery, and drag and drop an image into a sent note. Drag and drop the image to paste it into the outgoing note. It is also possible to launch two of the same apps side by side, which is useful for comparison shopping on Amazon with the Samsung browser.

Even better, the app pair on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 allows you to instantly have two apps open at the same time, and if you really want to do some core multitasking, you can run three apps at once.

Taskbar is a new Lab feature that places a Windows-like taskbar on the right side of the screen, giving you instant access to your favorite apps at any time.

After testing the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 side-by-side, I don't think Apple needs to worry about photo quality. Apple simply produces better results in terms of detail and contrast, and shoots better looking portraits.

Still, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 allows you to be more creative when shooting. There is Single Take, which allows users to take a photo or video with the press of a button, and Director's View, which allows users to use both the front and back cameras at the same time. And if you want to take the ultimate selfie, you can use the rear camera's selfie mode to get the best shot using this foldable back camera.

While testing the Galaxy Z Fold 3's under-display camera, I really appreciated the ability to make Google Meet video calls by simply folding the phone in half like a laptop and placing it on my desk. Sure, having an iPhone 13 Pro Max or other large screen phone for a few minutes isn't bad, but if you want to chat longer, Flex mode is great.

Flex mode also works with other apps like Camera and YouTube, with controls in the bottom half of the screen and content at the top. I would like to see more apps added, but in some cases it is great to have this option.

While I don't expect the iPhone 13 Pro Max to support the Apple Pencil, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the first foldable display to allow the use of the S Pen. The S Pen Fold Edition allows users to take notes, draw, and sign documents on the large 7.6" display for an additional $49. A case that includes an S Pen slot and an S Pen costs $79. This can remotely control the device, but is also a larger, thicker pen. For more pros and cons, see our in-depth impressions of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 S Pen.

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is a bit too thick and heavy for most people, and the battery life could be better. However, if you want a phone that offers more space along with laptop-like productivity, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 may be a better choice than the iPhone 13 Pro Max.