SEOUL, Sept. 1 (Korea Bizwire) – Samsung Electronics Co. on Tuesday officially introduced its latest foldable phone, Galaxy Z Fold 2, which boasts enhanced design and multitasking capabilities as the South Korean tech firm aims to solidify its leading status in the foldable handset market.
At the Galaxy Z Fold 2: Unpacked Part 2 online event, Samsung unveiled advanced features of its third foldable smartphone, highlighting a unique mobile experience.
“With the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, we closely listened to user feedback to ensure we were bringing meaningful improvements to the hardware, while also developing new innovations to enhance the user experience,” Roh Tae-moon, head of mobile communication business at Samsung, said.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 was unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked event on Aug. 5, but Samsung did not reveal detailed specifications of the device or its launch date.
Samsung said the Galaxy Z Fold 2 will hit shelves in around 40 countries, including the United States and South Korea, on Sept. 18.
In South Korea, the book-like folding device will be sold at 2.398 million won (US$2,024), with preorders starting from Sept. 11 to 15.
The 5G-supporting Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the follow-up to Samsung’s original foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, which was launched last year.
The company added “Z” in the name to consolidate its foldable smartphones under one brand. The Z lineup includes the Galaxy Z Flip, a vertically folding phone.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 features a 7.6-inch main screen when unfolded, while having a 6.2-inch cover display, both larger than its predecessor’s 7.3-inch and 4.6-inch displays.
Its main display supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, allowing users to enjoy smoother motion and transitions.
Samsung used ultra-thin glass (UTG) for the Galaxy Z Fold 2, as it did it for the Galaxy Z Flip, and applied a “hideaway hinge” and sweeper technology to provide better durability and dust resistance.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Sept. 1, 2020, shows the company’s Galaxy Z Fold 2 foldable smartphone. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The device sports a rear triple-camera setup with a 12 megapixel (MP) main shooter, a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 12MP telephoto sensor. It also has a 10MP camera on the main display as well as on the cover display.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 comes with 12GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, but no microSD slot for storage expansion. It packs a 4,500mAh battery.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 will be available in two colors: mystic black and mystic bronze. In select markets, users can choose four distinct colors for the hinge: metallic silver, metallic gold, metallic red and metallic Blue.
Samsung said the Galaxy Z Fold 2 provides “expanded usability” and “seamless multitasking” regardless of whether it is folded or unfolded.
For instance, users can take a high-quality selfie with the rear cameras with the device’s cover screen acting as the viewfinder.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 owners can also experience upgraded “multi-active window” feature, which can open up to three apps at once. Not only can they adjust screen layouts, users can open multiple files from the same app and view them side by side.
Samsung added its collaboration with global partners, like Google and Microsoft, has allowed the company to offer a better ecosystem for foldable devices.
“A new form factor becomes meaningful only when it unlocks new user experiences,” said Patrick Chomet, head of customer experience office at Samsung’s mobile communications unit. “To deliver this, we have worked in close collaboration with our partners who share a common vision for the future of the foldable ecosystem.”
Like the Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung will also release the limited edition of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 in partnership with fashion brand Thom Browne.
Its Thom Browne edition package will include the Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Watch 3, Galaxy Buds Live and an array of fully customized accessories, according to Samsung.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2′s Thom Browne edition will be available for pre-order starting Tuesday in select markets with general availability on September 25. In South Korea, the limited edition will be sold at 3.96 million won.
This photo provided by Samsung Electronics Co. on Sept. 1, 2020, shows the Galaxy Z Fold 2 Thom Browne Edition Package. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Samsung expects the Galaxy Z Fold 2 can reinforce its status in the premium smartphone market along with the Galaxy Note 20 phablet and other foldable devices.
The 5G-variant of the Galaxy Z Flip will go on sale on Sept. 18. In South Korea, the Galaxy Z Flip 5G comes with a price tag of 1.65 million won.
The company also hopes the latest smartphones can boost its mobile sales amid the pandemic.
Samsung dropped to the second spot in global smartphone shipments in the second quarter of the year.
According to data from market researcher International Data Corp., Samsung shipped 54.2 million smartphones in the second quarter of the year to take a market share of 19.5 percent. China’s Huawei Technologies Co. became the top smartphone seller after shipping 55.8 million smartphones in the second quarter for a 20 percent market share.
Analysts here predicted the Galaxy Z Fold 2 to sell around 500,000 units this year, more than its predecessor.
(Yonhap)
