Samsung is going all-in on its foldable smartphones, introducing a bunch of new features. But, let's be honest, one thing that's been stopping some folks from grabbing these phones is the steep price.
During its annual Unpacked event, which was held in Samsung's home country of South Korea this time, the company unveiled updates for its tablets, smartwatches, and foldable devices.
While the upgrades are there, they seem to be more of a step-by-step improvement. You'll get the usual boosts in processor and screen technologies, along with a few neat extras. But are they enough to make you shell out big bucks for them? That's the question!
In case you missed the live event, don't worry – we've got you covered! We've gathered all the most thrilling announcements right here, so you can stay in the loop without any FOMO (fear of missing out)! So, let's dive in and check out what Samsung has cooked up for us!
Enhanced Display and Internals on the Galaxy Z Flip 5
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 has some cool changes! It now rocks a bigger 3.4-inch cover display that stretches from the hinge to the dual cameras. This display can run full Android apps, just like the Moto Razr Plus. So you can do more without even opening the phone – like checking notifications or controlling music!
Here's what's even better – the Z Flip 5 folds totally flat, unlike its older version. Plus, it's got a snazzy upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset for better performance.
The internal 6.7-inch OLED panel stays the same, though. And guess what? Even with the bigger display, it's still priced at $999, the same as the Z Flip 4. All these improvements make the Galaxy Z Flip 5 a sleek and refined version of Samsung's smaller foldable phone.
Galaxy Z Fold 5 Refinements Focused on Durability and Display
Samsung has rolled out the Galaxy Z Fold 5 with some awesome upgrades! It now comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and a better hinge that allows the phone to fold flat when closed.
This means it's thinner, measuring 13.4mm instead of the older version's 14.2mm. These changes make the phone more durable and sturdier.
But that's not all – the inner 7.6-inch screen now boasts a brightness boost of 1,750 nits, making it easier to read even in bright sunlight. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is priced at $1,799, keeping the same high price tag as previous models.
While it may not be a complete overhaul, Samsung has focused on making useful refinements to improve the Z Fold 5's performance and user experience.
Galaxy Watch 6 Series Returns Physical Bezel and Upgrades Hardware
Samsung is making a comeback with the physical rotating bezel in their latest Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. It's available in two sizes, 43mm, and 47mm, and has a sleek stainless steel case.
For those looking for a more lightweight option, the standard Galaxy Watch 6 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes with an aluminum case. Both watches have sapphire crystal displays and slightly larger screens than older models.
The real deal is in the software – they'll run on the latest Wear OS 4 and One UI 5 skin, packing awesome updates like sleep tracking, personalized heart rate zones, and emergency SOS call. People who love the tactile control method from older Galaxy watches will be thrilled with the return of the physical bezel.
As for the price, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is set at $399.99, while the regular Galaxy Watch 6 comes in at $299.99. With improved internals and cool software additions, both these smartwatches are sure to catch the attention of Android users looking for a top-notch wearable device.
Refreshed Galaxy Tab S9 lineup
Samsung didn't stop at phones and watches; they also gave their Galaxy Tab family a makeover! On Wednesday, they unveiled the new Tab S9 line, featuring snazzy Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 2 processors and IP68-rated water- and dust-resistant designs for both the tablet and the S Pen stylus. It's a big win for those who want durability!
The tablets boast large and stunning AMOLED displays across the lineup, ranging from 11 inches on the base S9 to 12.4 inches on the S9 Plus and a whopping 14.6 inches on the S9 Ultra. And guess what again? They even added a cool new beige color to the mix!
But here's the thing – the pricing remains on the higher side. The S9 starts at $800, the S9 Plus at $1,000, and the Ultra at $1,200. It's a bit of a splurge, but guess what? They do include an S Pen! And if you want a keyboard, that's still an extra expense. The new tablets are set to hit stores on August 11, so mark your calendar!
