Thu 06 August 2020:
Samsung on Wednesday unveiled an upgraded version of its folding smartphone.
The Galaxy Z Fold2 was one of several new devices announced at a livestreamed event by the South Korean electronics giant, which recently lost the top position in the smartphone market to China-based Huawei.
Those that can afford the Galaxy Z Fold 2 will also benefit from it having a larger internal display than before, measuring 7.6in – up from 7.3in in the original version. The firm said it had also been given a “firmer snap” action when being shut thanks to an improved hinge.
It did not disclose a price but said more details would be announced on 1 September.
“Never before have we relied on technology like we are today. It’s how we are staying connected as we navigate the extraordinary challenges faced around the world,” said T.M. Roh, head of mobile communications at Samsung Electronics.
“Technology must make life easier, not more complex. That’s why we have introduced five new power devices. Alone, these devices are powerful tools to help you maximize work and play.”
In terms of sales, Samsung’s focus will be on its new Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra phones.
Both deliver 5G connectivity, but otherwise represent a more modest revision to their predecessors than the change in the Fold.
The Ultra offers the benefits of a larger screen – 6.9in versus 6.7in – which is also capable of showing up to 120 frames per second, double the rate of the basic model. Samsung suggests this should make it more attractive to gamers.
Other changes centre around the stylus and include:
- faster response times when using the S Pen, to help make writing and drawing feel more natural
- the addition of five S Pen off-screen gestures to control the device, including flicking to the left in the air to go back a page and a shake to take a screenshot
- handwriting recognition that automatically straightens scribbled text
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