Today we saw the second (and final) launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2. If you recall, Samsung released some official details of the new foldable phone in early August when it was also unveiling the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 family.
Now we know (almost) everything about the second generation version of the Samsung Galaxy Fold. From the get-go, this device seems to take advantage of the Galaxy Fold's strengths and improve them while also addressing some of the big issues we had with this first generation device.
Of course, your presence aboard the Galaxy Z Fold 2 still depends on how much you're willing to spend to be up to date. If you have the money to spare, this is everything you should know before you buy!
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2: what has changed since the last time?
The first thing you will notice about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 when compared to the previous model is the size of the external display. It is much larger and takes up almost the entire closed front of the device.
You'll also immediately notice the new rear view camera module, which looks very similar to the module on the back of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20. The cameras themselves have also received a nice upgrade that should allow the Z Fold 2 to get a little better. Quality images than its predecessor.
Connected: Download the wallpapers for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
Not so visible, however, are the subtle refinements of the internal mechanisms of the device. Ultra-thin glass covers the interior display, which should prove to be more durable than the plastic of the original fold. The "Sweeper" technology from Samsung, first introduced on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, is intended to prevent dust particles from settling in the hinge or under the display.
In essence, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 refines the original fold. The Galaxy Fold has already reinvented how we perceive the smartphone. Hence, the Galaxy Z Fold 2's job is to prove that this design is a viable alternative to black slate.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2: Technical Specifications
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Outside:
6.2 inch HD + AMOLED
Resolution of 2,260 x 816
386ppi
Aspect ratio 25: 9
60Hz refresh rate
Inner:
7.6 inch QXGA + AMOLED
Resolution 2,208 x 1,768
373ppi
Aspect ratio 22.5: 18
120Hz refresh rate
Central processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus
camp
256 GB UFS 3.1 integrated
No expandable memory
power
4,500mAh double battery
Fast loading
Wireless charging
Reverse wireless charging
Cameras
Outside front:
10MP sensor
ƒ2.2, 1.22 μm, 80 degree field of view
Outer stern:
12MP wide angle
1.8, 1.8 µm, 83 degree field of view
Dual pixel AF, OIS
12MP ultra wide
ƒ2.2, 1.12um, 123 degree field of view
12MP Tele
2.4, 1.0um, 45 degree field of view
PDAF, OIS
Internal:
10MP sensor
ƒ2.2, 1.22 μm, 80 degree field of view
Connectivity
Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax
HE80 MIMO
Bluetooth 5.0
MST and NFC
safety
Capacitive fingerprint sensor (mounted on the side)
Audio
Stereo speakers
Dolby Atmos certified
No headphone jack
operating system
Android 10
Dimensions
Folded:
68.0 x 159.2 x 16.8 mm (on the hinge)
Unfolded
128.2 x 159.2 x 6.9 mm (on the frame)
Colours
Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze
Samsung is still betting that you want a tablet in your pocket
As mentioned earlier, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is not reinventing the fold formula. Samsung still believes that people want a device that can be a "normal" smartphone experience and then instantly become a tablet experience.
As expected, Samsung is again using the multitasking functions of the Galaxy Z Fold 2. The continuity of the app - the use of an app on the external display and the immediate continuation of the app experience on the internal display - is still an important focus . Running multiple apps side by side on the interior screen can also be seen in almost all of the promotional materials for this phone.
Samsung has already reinvented the phone with the Galaxy Fold. This model seeks to improve the overall experience.
However, Samsung also relies heavily on the photo capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2. If you look at the specs above, you can see that Samsung has put a lot more thought into the cameras this time around. We'll have to run the device through our usual tests to see how it performs, but it's clear that Samsung now understands that such an expensive phone needs to take some great pictures.
Finally, Samsung is offering a premier service for Galaxy Z Fold 2 buyers. This free service has a few cool perks, but the two buyers are most interested in are on-demand concierge support and a one-time repair of a Galaxy Z Fold 2 display that is accidentally damaged.
Competition and alternatives
For devices that start as a smartphone and then open up to a tablet, there is hardly any competition against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2. There is the Huawei Mate XS, but that is only available in certain locations and has won. 'I don't come with Google Apps. It's just not a viable alternative.
The Microsoft Surface Duo is somewhat similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 2 in that it has a hinge and can be flipped up. The comparisons end there, however, as the device doesn't have an outer display and the two inner displays are separated from each other by huge frames, which makes the experience really different than when using the Galaxy Z Fold 2.
Connected: Here are five funky retro phones we'd like to see foldable ones
There are also LG's dual-screen devices that offer a tablet-like experience, such as the latest LG Velvet. Once again, the two displays are interrupted by hinges and bezels that do not allow the seamless experience of something like a real leaflet.
The only real competition in the foldable space so far is Samsung itself with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. However, this device does not have a tablet-like display. Instead, it starts out as a very small, compact experience and then turns into a more normal smartphone experience. The Motorola Razr has a similar format, although the Galaxy Z Flip is definitely a better buy when you compare the two.
The bottom line is that there is nothing on the market that is as prevalent as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2. It offers a truly unique experience.
Where to buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 isn't cheap. In the US, the phone's MSRP is $ 2,000, roughly the same price as last year's Galaxy Fold. In Canada, the phone costs a whopping $ 2,780.
Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 start tomorrow, September 2nd, 2020. You can have the device unlocked from Samsung.com and Samsung.ca as well as from certain providers. At Verizon, the Fold 2 costs $ 83.33 per month for a payment plan for 24 months. At AT&T, you pay $ 66.67 every month for 30 months. US Cellular will also be selling the Fold 2, but no pre-orders will be placed - you'll have to wait for the general sale date.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 will go on sale on September 18th.
If you own the original Samsung Galaxy Fold, you can trade in that device for a significant discount on its sequel. Provided your Galaxy Fold is in great condition, you can get up to $ 800 off the price of the Galaxy Z Fold 2. If you don't own a fold, you can trade in your non-foldable device for up to $ 650 off, depending on the model and condition of the trade-in device.
Finally, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 will have a limited Thom Browne Edition. This particular pack includes a Galaxy Z Fold 2 with a custom color scheme inspired by the Thom Browne aesthetic, a matching Galaxy Watch 3, matching Galaxy Buds Live, and a range of Thom Browne accessories for these devices. This version of the Z Fold 2 will be available on September 25th, but Samsung didn't say how much it would cost.
Top Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Questions and Answers
Publisher's Note: This buying guide for Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 will be current from September 2020. We will update it regularly with new content.
