As the rumours suggested, there was no signs of Galaxy Note21 during Samsung’s virtual Unpacked event. Instead, just as its “Get ready to unfold” event slogan suggests, the event was all about its new generation of foldable smartphones – the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.
Z FOLD3 5G
The Galaxy Z Fold3 is the flagship foldable smartphone and its design hasn’t changed much from its predecessor, Fold2. For instance, it still has a 6.2-inch cover display with a 10-megapixel (MP) hole-punch camera. While the display size is the same, Fold3’s cover display is now upgraded to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (up from 60Hz in Fold Z2).
Like its predecessor, the Fold Z3 unfolds into a 7.6-inch tablet that shares the same display specs as the Fold Z2. But now, it comes with a 4MP under-display camera instead. In other words, you don’t even see a hole-punch anymore.
At the rear of Fold Z3 is a triple-camera system: a 12 ultra-wide-angle camera, a 12MP wide-angle camera and a 12MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom.
Samsung says the Fold3 now uses its strongest aluminium frame called Armor Aluminium, yet manages to shed some weight from its predecessor at only 271g (down from Fold2’s 282g). The Fold3 also comes with a new protective film that is more durable. It even has a IPX8 water resistance rating – meaning it is able to withstand being submerged in water down to 1.5m in depth for up to 30 minutes.
Furthermore, this Android 11 smartphone is powered by a faster 5nm 64-bit octa-core processor, compared to the 7nm processor of Fold2.
In addition, the Fold3 supports the new S Pen Fold Edition as well as the S Pen Pro styluses. The non-Bluetooth S Pen Fold Edition only works with Fold3. On the other hand, the Bluetooth S Pen Pro can be toggled between devices as well as supporting air commands and air actions.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 will be available in three colours of black, green and silver. Pricing starts from S$2,398 with availability starting on 10 Sept. Pre-order starts now on Samsung Online Store.
Z FLIP3 5G
The Galaxy Z Flip3 is the clamshell form-factor foldable smartphone for those who prefer a smaller and sleeker form factor.
It features a two-tone colour design, thanks to its 1.9-inch cover display beside its rear dual-camera system (12MP ultra-wide-angle and 12MP wide-angle). This cover display is larger than the 1.1-inch cover display in the original Flip. Thus, it is able to show more notifications as well as always-on displays of battery, date and time.
The Flip3 flips open to unveil a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a 10MP hole-punch selfie camera. Like the Fold3, the Flip3 is rated at IPX8 for water resistance and comes with the same Armor Aluminium and protective film.
Not to mention, the Flip3 also sports 5nm 64-bit octa-core processor for faster performance.
This flippable Android 11 smartphone will come in four colours of cream, green, lavender, black as well as three Samsung Online Exclusive colours of grey, white and pink. Pricing of the Flip3 starts from S$1,398 and will be available on 10 Sept. Pre-orders start today at Samsung Online Store.
WEARABLES: GALAXY WATCH4 & GALAXY BUDS2
At the same time, Samsung also launched the much-awaited Galaxy Watch4 smartwatch and Buds2 true wireless earbuds.
Samsung’s next-generation smartwatch series has been teased since Google I/O developer conference in May. Today, the Galaxy Watch4 and Watch4 Classic have been unveiled.
Both models are almost the same, apart from the rotating bezel found in Watch4 Classic. The rotating bezel has been the highlight feature of Samsung flagship smartwatch models, allowing users access to user interface without blocking the watch’s display.
Plus, the Watch4 features an aluminium case with two sizes of 40mm and 44mm, while the Watch4 Classic comes with a stainless steel case in two sizes of 42mm or 46mm.
However, both models feature the new unified platform with Samsung’s One UI on top of Google Wear OS smartwatch operating system. In other words, the Watch4 has a more expansive eco-system to download apps and watch faces.
Both smartwatches come with Samsung’s BioActive Sensor that combines three sensors – optical heart rate sensor, electrical heart sensor and bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor – into one.
The Galaxy Watch4 series also offers Body Composition analysis, so users can check their body fat, skeletal muscle, body water and other data in around 15 seconds. In addition, the smartwatch features a 5nm processor – a first in Galaxy smartwatches as well as eSIM technology.
The Watch4 comes in two sizes of 40mm (choose from black, silver and gold) and 44m (choose from black, silver and green) and is priced starting from S$398. On the other hand, the Watch4 Classic comes in two sizes of 42mm and 46mm (both sizes in either black or silver) with a starting price of S$548.
One last thing is the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 (S$248). This pair of true wireless earbuds comes with a three-microphone system and voice pick up unit to ensure every call is crystal clear.
It also features active noise cancellation, that is said to cut external background noise by up to 98 per cent, with three levels of ambient sound control.
Both the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Buds2 will be available from 10 Sept. Pre-order for the Watch4 and Buds2 start today on Samsung Online Store.
