The tech giant’s third foldable phone will be priced at S$2,888. We check out its big-screen updates and some bells and whistles to figure out if it’s worth the price tag.
Bigger screens, better displays, smarter chips – for better or for worse, this is the current smartphone world we live in. And all those bells and whistles, as we know, inevitably come with higher price tags. Unless you’ve been living under a rock (with no Wi-Fi), most of us will admit that the smartphone is, arguably, the most important tech product in our lives.
And even if one is willing to spend top dollar on one of life’s little luxuries, justifying and rationalizing spending a month’s rent on a new communication device is nonetheless, necessary.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 – Samsung’s third and latest foldable device – is the tech giant’s latest attempt to prove its swish-yet-inventive worth. Launching in Singapore on Sep 18 for S$2,888, it’s definitely considered big bucks, especially in the current global context.
But before you baulk at the eye-watering price tag, it’s worth a deeper look at the phone’s new features, along with improvements and updates from its predecessor. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold (Is it a phone? Is it a tablet? Why can’t it be both, while looking sleek and pretty?) was impressive and luxe, but it wasn’t without its flaws. The Z Fold 2 mindfully addresses every major weakness from the original by offering up a refined new generation in the process.
BIGGER SCREEN, SMALLER BEZEL
Like its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 has two super AMOLED screens: The smaller screen on the front and a whopping big one that folds out into a tablet (we still get a satisfying kick out of the opening and closing the screen).
One of the biggest criticisms of the original folding screen smartphone was its small 4.6-inch cover screen. Samsung obviously listened to its audience and made a massive improvement by giving the new version a much bigger 6.2-inch external display (the same as the Galaxy S20) for use when it is closed. This makes checking email, looking up directions, or even watching videos so much easier.
For those who feel that size does matter, the main foldable screen is now pushed to 7.6 inches (compared to its previous 7.3 inches). Along with minimized bezels and a notch-less front camera, this makes viewing and scrolling apps, content, and games just that much smoother.
UPPING UP YOUR SELFIE GAME
The Dual Preview function – which incorporates both the photographer and subject’s perspective into getting the shot – is a new feature that will definitely impress all selfie/wefie enthusiasts out there.
Using both the main and cover screens at the same time with Dual Preview allows both parties to see what’s being captured. Simply put, this means the person being photographed can see themselves. Which will prove to be an incredibly useful tool for those who are very particular about how their photos turn out – seeing as how one can now preview and frame one’s own shot via the cover 6.2-inch screen, all the while taking a high-quality selfie using the more powerful rear 12MP cameras.
THE NEW FLEX MODE
While the original Z Fold was billed to function as both tablet and phone, admittedly, there were times where it felt better suited as a tablet and a tad cumbersome when used as a phone. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 tries to fix this with the new Flex mode.
With this function, it’s now easier than before to capture content and review in real-time. With the Capture View mode, you won’t have to leave the camera app to see the photo or video you just took. You can review up to five of your most recent captures on the bottom half of the main screen, and the preview of your next shot will be on the top which acts as a viewfinder.
What this all means is that the phone can be considered a bona fide selfie or video machine. The main idea is that you can fold one of the sides up while the other rests on a table. Then this split mode feature allows content to be shown on the top of the screen with controls on the bottom.
You can also use this split mode for other apps such as YouTube, web browsing, and video calls, as well as viewing your calendar.
CAMERA POWER
If you’re counting, there are four cameras. This means you have a 10MP cover camera, while the rear triple cameras are 12MP apiece, for ultra-wide, wide, and telephotos.
There is also auto framing, which tracks people or objects that are in the frame without ever having to move the device. Whether you’re jumping in on the latest dance craze on TikTok or showing off your cooking skills on social media, the phone can record hands-free video and keep the subject in focus even when it moves.
SEAMLESS MULTI-TASKING
These days, it’s all about next-generation mobile productivity and this phone comes with some seamless multitasking capabilities.
The advanced multi-active window function is used to control the screen layout with more ease and flexibility, allowing you to open multiple files from the same app at the same time and view them side by side.
Also, with an improved Multi-Window Tray, you can open multiple apps at once with the integration of App Pair and the Edge Panel to enjoy added convenience. There is also the drag and drop function which allows you to simply drag text, images, and documents from one app to another for instant transfer. You can even screen capture in one app and transfer the captured image into another seamlessly with Split Screen Capture.
For those considering leveling up from what’s already a leveled up option, Samsung collaborated with designer Thom Browne once again for an ultra-sleek(er) version of this phone.
The geometric grey and signature multicolor stripe are complemented by a grosgrain pattern, creating a visual texture of the fabric on Galaxy Z Fold 2’s unique design. Software additions, including a new lock screen and exclusive photo filter, offer an additional sense of luxury.
Each Thom Browne Edition Package includes the Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Buds Live, and an array of fully customized accessories.
HOW YOU CAN GET IT
You can already pre-order a set via telecommunication operators (M1, Singtel, and StarHub), through Samsung Online Store, Samsung Experience Stores, and major consumer electronics & IT stores. All consumers who pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G will receive a complimentary set of the Galaxy Watch 3 Bluetooth (45mm) in Mystic Black (worth S$698).
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G will be available from Sep 18, in Mystic Bronze and Mystic Black.