Samsung Just Unveiled Its Third Foldable Phone
At Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung unveiled its latest foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 2.
Samsung’s newest foldable phone was announced today at its Galaxy Unpacked event. A refresh of the infamously delayed and flawed Galaxy Fold, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 features improved internals, major design changes, and an improved hinge. The company has addressed almost all issues from the original Galaxy Fold in this new device.
Design
It’s clear that Samsung has made some major design changes. Instead of having an inconveniently small outer display (4.6 inches) like the one on the Galaxy Fold, the new Z Fold 2 sports a 6.2-inch outer display that covers most of the front of the device. The main display is bigger, at 7.6 inches. Similar to Samsung’s other devices, both displays have adapted the hole-punch design for their camera. Compared to the obstructive corner notch on the Galaxy Fold’s main display, the smaller and less obstructive hole-punch design introduces a cleaner, more modern look. The phone is also thinner, making it easier to hold even when folded. The company hasn’t provided an official folded thickness measurement, but according to LaptopMag, we can expect at least a 2mm decrement compared to the Fold’s 15.5mm.
The Z Fold 2’s inner display will feature an ultra-thin glass (UTG) display like the one used in the Z Flip. According to Samsung, the ultra-thin glass should be less vulnerable to damage than the fragile plastic covering used in the Galaxy Fold. Bear in mind that it’s still a flexible display, so it’s still going to be more fragile than a traditional phone screen.
Hinge
One of the major reasons that led to the failure of the Galaxy Fold was the weak and unprotected hinge. The hinge on the Galaxy Fold was a base for dirt and debris. In response to this, Samsung engineered the “Sweeper” in their Z Flip, and now, in the Z Fold 2. The “Sweeper” is a vacuum-cleaner inspired brush that lives inside of the hinge. When the hinge experiences movement, the bristles will start to move, brushing out any dust or particles inside the hinge. The bristles are made up of “carbon and nylon fibers” that will rotate 20 times per second for two years. Samsung also mentioned that the bristles are 25% smaller than the bristles used in the Z Flip. With this information, I can infer that the hinge will also be thinner.
Similar to the Z Flip, the Z Fold 2 will be able to prop up anywhere from 75 to 115 degrees. This is possible because of Samsung’s “cam” system. The “cam” system comprises of “two ridge-shaped pieces” that create friction to allow the device to prop up at different angles. It’s a pretty interesting and clever concept. These innovations can play a big role in the success of Samsung’s foldable products.
Specifications
- Snapdragon 865 Plus
- 120Hz Display
- 5G Connectivity
- 4500mAh Battery
Samsung hasn’t revealed much information about the specifications, but we do know that the internal specifications have received a refresh as well. According to a Qualcomm press release, the Z Fold 2 will be powered by Qualcomm’s latest and greatest processor, the Snapdragon 865 plus. Samsung also confirmed that the Z Fold 2 will come with 5G. Like the S20 series, the Z Fold 2 will also feature a 120Hz display, meaning buttery smooth animations and faster response times. As for the battery, the Z Fold 2 will feature a dual battery setup. Due to the foldable design of the Z Fold 2, there are two batteries in the device that combine to a maximum capacity of 4,500mAh, slightly higher than the original Fold’s 4,380mAh. Don’t worry, you won’t need two charging cables, as there’s a single USB-C port at the bottom of the device. Obviously (and unfortunately), there’s no headphone jack either.
Except for the design and placement of the cameras, the actual specifications of the triple-camera setup on the Z Fold 2 haven’t been confirmed yet. According to Max Weinbach, the Z Fold 2 will use the same cameras in the S20. This means a 12MP main sensor, a 3x optical-zoom telephoto sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and a time-of-flight sensor for better depth in portrait mode photos. The Galaxy Fold charged at a sluggish 15W speed, and we’re hoping the new Z Fold 2 will take advantage of Samsung’s new 25W and 35W fast-charging.
Release Date & Price
More information and pre-orders for the Z Fold 2 will go up on September 1st. You can reserve it here, which will notify you when the pre-orders go up.
The company has also remained secretive about the price. According to display expert Ross Young, the price is expected to range between $1,780 and $1,980. Another source out of South Korea predicted a price of ₩ 2,398,000 or $2,000. I predict the price will be at least $1,980, but I highly doubt that Samsung will go over $2,000.
The Z Fold 2 will be available in two colors, “Mystic Black” and “Mystic Bronze.”
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 truly is a device of the future. With major redesigns of the design and hinge, it’s clear that Samsung has listened to complaints and addressed them with this new Fold device. More information will be coming on September 1, but with the information we currently have, I think the phone will be really good.
