The dust is still settling on Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked virtual event, but already fans are turning their sights to the tech giant’s next generation of gear. This time around it’s all about foldables and futuristic performance, with Samsung unveiling the third iteration of its flagship Z Fold. Stronger, sleeker and stylus-ready, the folding revolution is finally gathering pace, but that’s not the only thing Samsung revealed at the Galaxy Unpacked Event. Here is everything you may have missed.
Galaxy Z Fold3
So what you will about foldable phones, but interest in the technology is growing and so too are the applications for their use. For Samsung, the latest variation of its iconic Z Fold brings a host of new features, albeit not from a physical perspective.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 features near-identical screens to last year’s Fold2, complete with the same slim display on the outside shell and a full tablet-like 7.6-inch screen when unfolded. But under the hood, Samsung has delivered the goods. Inside, the Z Fold3’s panels now feature 120Hz refresh rates for smoother motion, as opposed to just the big screen last year, with an under-display selfie camera for the main screen.
Other notable features relate to the hardware, with the new flagship foldable phone now including support for the S Pen and boasting IPX8 water resistance. While it might not be the most exciting evolution in technology, it’s all moving in the right direction for Samsung. The tech giant revealed that the Z Fold 3 is also getting an experimental setting that will allow any app to be used in the phone’s multi-window mode, even if the developers haven’t designed the app for it. It’ll cost AUD$2,499 and be available for pre-order starting today.
DJI Mini 2 is an Ultra-Light 4K Drone Under 249 grams
Galaxy Z Fold 3 Technical Specs
| Main Screen Display | 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display (22.5:18) Infinity Flex Display (2208 x 1768), 374ppi, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
|---|---|
| Cover Screen Display | 6.2-inch HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display (24.5:9), 2268 x 832, 387ppi, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 67.1 x 158.2 x 16.0mm(Hinge) ~ 14.4mm(Sagging) |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | 128.1 x 158.2 x 6.4mm |
| Cover Camera | 10MP Selfie Camera : F2.2, Pixel size: 1.22μm, FOV: 80 ̊ |
| Under Display Camera | 4MP Under display camera: F1.8, Pixel size: 2.0μm, FOV: 80 ̊ |
| Rear Triple Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide Camera: F2.2, Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV: 123 ̊ 12MP Wide-angle Camera: Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.8, Pixel size: 1.8μm, FOV: 83 ̊ 12MP Telephoto Camera: PDAF, F2.4, OIS, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 45 ̊ |
| Memory | 12GB RAM with 512GB internal storage (UFS3.1) 12GB RAM with 256GB internal storage (UFS3.1) |
| OS | Android 11 |
| Processor | 5 nm 64-bit Octa-Core Processor |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
While the Z Fold3 copped much of the attention, Samsung’s other perspective-altering foldable also scored an upgrade. The new Z Flip 3 cops the same processor and water-resistance as the Z Fold, but comes in at a much lower price, starting at just AUD$1,499.
In terms of what fans can expect, the Z Flip 3 has a redesigned Cover Screen that is four times larger than previous generations. Samsung claims this will make it easier to view notifications and messages without having to open the foldable all the way. Similarly, the new Cover Screen widgets allow users to keep up with their schedule, check the weather, and monitor their daily step count, linking in with the Galawayy Watch4 device.
“With Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3, Samsung is once again redefining the possibilities with foldable smartphones that empower users with the flexibility and versatility needed for today’s fast-paced world,” said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics.”As a pioneer and industry leader in the foldable category, we’re proud to build on our legacy of innovation with the Z Fold3 and Z Flip3. These devices equip consumers with technologies that unlock new ways to maximize and enjoy every moment with an ecosystem built on openness and innovation.”
Under the hood, the Z Flip 3 has upgraded the main screen to 120Hz instead of 60Hz and added a bunch of new colours. The Z Flip 3 will be available in stores on August 27th and can be preordered today.
Alienware X14 is the World’s Thinnest Gaming Notebook
Galaxy Z Fold 3 Technical Specs
| Main Screen Display | 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display(22:9) Infinity Flex Display 2640 x 1080 |
|---|---|
| Cover Screen Display | 1.9-inch Super AMOLED Display |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 2 x 86.4 x 17.1mm (Hinge) – 15.9mm (Sagging) |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | 72.2 x 166.0 x 6.9mm |
| Front Camera | 10MP Selfie Camera: F2.4, Pixel size: 1.22μm, FOV: 80 ̊ |
| Rear Dual Camera | 12MP Wide-angle Camera: Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.8 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM with 256GB internal storage (UFS 3.1) 8GB RAM with 128GB internal storage (UFS 3.1) |
| OS | Android 11 |
| Processor | 5 nm 64-bit Octa-Core Processor |
Google-Powered Galaxy Watch 4
In addition to the foldable announcements, Samsung also revealed two smartwatches at the Unpacked event, the Galaxy Watch 4 (which starts at AUD$399) and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (starting at AUD$549). According to Samsung, the new devices are the first smartwatches to feature the new Wear OS Powered by Samsung, built jointly with Google, and are equipped with One UI Watch, Samsung’s most intuitive user interface yet. The watches also feature a host of health-related features, including sleep tracking.
“We have seen an incredible amount of growth for the Galaxy Watch series as consumers have discovered the health benefits and convenience of wearables,” said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “We understand the path to wellness is different for everyone, so we built a robust suite of health and wellness features to give people a deeper and more helpful understanding of their overall fitness.”
Built by Samsung and Google, the new Wear OS Powered by Samsung implementation lets you tap into the full Google ecosystem from your wrist. Apps like Google Maps and Galaxy services like Samsung Pay, SmartThings and Bixby are al now compatible with the watches. You can also run third-party apps6, like adidas Running, Calm, Strava, and Spotify available from Google Play.
Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic will be available to purchase in Australia from September 10, 2021. Pricing for the Galaxy Watch 4 starts at AUD$399, with pricing for the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic starting at AUD$549.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Pricing
| Device | Memory | Colour | Channel | Connectivity | RRP (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch 4 | Small (40mm) | Black, Gold, Silver | All | Bluetooth | $399 |
| Galaxy Watch 4 | Large (44mm) | Black, Silver, Green | All | Bluetooth | $449 |
| Galaxy Watch 4 | Small (40mm) | Black, Gold, Silver | All | LTE | $499 |
| Galaxy Watch 4 | Large (44mm) | Black, Silver, Green | All | LTE | $549 |
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Claxxic Pricing
| Device | Memory | Colour | Channel | Connectivity | RRP (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Watch 4 Classic | Small (42mm) | Black, Silver | All | Bluetooth | $549 |
| Galaxy Watch 4 Classic | Large (46mm) | Black, Silver | All | Bluetooth | $599 |
| Galaxy Watch 4 Classic | Small (42mm) | Black, Silver | All | LTE | $649 |
| Galaxy Watch 4 Classic | Large (45mm) | Black, Silver | All | LTE | $699 |
Galaxy Buds 2
One of the biggest announcements at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event was the arrival of the Galaxy Buds 2. The latest in its lineup of true wireless earbuds, the new earbuds are the lightest in its range. Better yet, the colourful new additions include active noise cancellation and ‘Auto Switch’, a feature that allows you to seamlessly move between Galaxy devices swiftly without fiddling with the device settings.
Galaxy Buds2 is available in four colours options -graphite, white, olive or lavender, presented in a sleek white case that when open, reveals a colourful interior that matches the earbuds. Galaxy Buds are available to purchase from September 10, 2021 in Australia and are priced at AUD$219.
WhatsApp Hits Android
One other gem unearthed at the Galaxy Unpacked event involved WhatsApp. For years, users have noted difficulties transferring past WhatsApp conversations when switching from iOS to Android. During its segment on One UI 3, Samsung confirmed that you’ll now be able to transfer your chat history when moving from an iPhone. Details are thin, but it seems like the functionality will be coming to phones beyond just the Z Flip and Z Fold 3.
What Wasn’t There
While the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event delivered on the foldable front, there were some notable absentees. Fans had long speculated that the showcase would present a first look at the new Samsung Note range, despite the brand playing down rumours in the lead-up. With no new additions to its non-folding range, it appears Samsung is going all-in on the space-saving technology. Whether or not a foldable phone has the ability to stack up against other flagship models, however, remains to be seen.
General FAQs
Samsung has confirmed the new Samsung Z Fold 3 phone will be released on August 27 and is priced at AuD$2,499.
At its Galaxy Unpacked event in August 2021, Samusng unveiled new versions of the Z Fold3 and Z Flip3, as well as the Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and provided further details on the Galaxy Buds 2.
