Korean tech giant Samsung held the Galaxy Unpacked event today online where it unveiled four new products. The star of the night is definitely the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The foldable smartphone is the third-generation model in Samsung’s unrivaled line of foldable smartphones. The Korean tech giant also unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip 3, another third-gen foldable device.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 and its co-traveler have significantly improved the foldable experience and durability, putting into use users’ feedback. Foldable phones and durability are thought to be parallel lines that won’t meet anytime soon but Samsung’s efforts in making the Galaxy Z series phones durable seem to be paying off. Both the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 emerge as the first foldable smartphones to support IPX8 rating meaning they can withstand up to 30 minutes in fresh water at a depth of 1.5m. Thus, the phones are protected even water accidentally spills on them.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 features a 7.6-inch Infinity Flex display that provides a true multitasking experience with excellent performance. The cover screen is a 6.2-inch AMOLED panel that is 29% brighter than before and also supports a 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung also included S Pen support for the first time on a foldable phone. The frame is made from armor aluminum while the glass panel is covered by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, protecting it from scratches and drops.
In addition, by optimizing the structure of the display panel and applying a new protective film made of stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, the durability of the main display is improved by about 80% compared to the previous model, while the touch sensitivity is improved. The Fold 3 also utilizes Hideaway Hinge and sweeper technology so that the user can unfold the foldable phone at various angles desired and use it standing up.
Samsung also reduced the length of the bristles of the sweeper to fit between the slimmer hinge and the body of the foldable phone, thus improving the aesthetics while safely protecting the hinge from dust and foreign particles. In addition, the folding mechanism is said to have been subjected to over 200,000 folds during a durability test carried out by Bureau Veritas, a German certification body.
The device is also equipped with ‘Under display camera’ technology, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in their favorite content. The minimum display pixels are also applied above the camera hole, so you can enjoy content on an expansive screen without obstruction from a notch.
Samsung brings along the S Pen experience of the Galaxy Note series to the Galaxy Z Fold 3 which is yet another first for a foldable phone. Foldable phone users can now maximize the efficiency of work and learning by using the large screen and the ‘S Pen’. For instance, if you double-tap the main display while holding down the S Pen button while making a video call on the large screen of the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the interface launches Samsung Note allowing the user to take notes while on the call.
Samsung is introducing two types of S Pen for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 users: S Pen Fold Edition and S Pen Pro. Both S Pens have a special ‘Pro tip’ applied to the main display of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 with shock-reducing technology so that you can take notes with confidence. In addition, it provides a smoother experience like using a real pen by further reducing the delay time compared to the existing one.
Through the newly introduced ‘Flex mode panel’, even apps that are not optimized for ‘Flex mode’ are displayed at the top and bottom of the screen when the foldable phone is set at the desired angle, providing a powerful multitasking experience. For example, while watching content on the top screen, you can use the screen capture button at the bottom, or adjust the brightness and volume comfortably.
With the ‘Multi-Active Windows’ that splits the screen for up to three apps to be used at once, all apps can be run in a split-screen or pop-up mode. It also features App pair which allows users to immediately call up frequently used apps with just one touch.
In addition, the ‘Taskbar’ can be pinned to the screen just like the taskbar of a laptop, so you can launch your favorite apps faster and move between multiple apps without returning to the home screen.
Overall, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has reduced weight, thickness and width compared to its predecessor, providing a more comfortable grip and portability. The smartphone will be available in four colors: Cream, Green, Lavender, and Phantom Black. Samsung plans to exclusively sell color models such as gray, pink, and white on its official website to provide a wider range of choices.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Thom Browne Edition
Thanks to two successful launches last year, Samsung Electronics and Thom Browne, a pioneering brand of modern fashion, are collaborating once again for the third-generation Galaxy Z series.
Combining Thom Browne’s unique design philosophy with Samsung’s cutting-edge technology, the special edition expresses both creativity and innovation. Thom Browne’s signature design is applied throughout the Galaxy Z series in a stylish white color. The hinge has a unique design approach with a glossy silver color scheme for better reflection of light. The leather case perfectly captures Thom Browne’s sensibility by adding elaborate stitching details.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 Thom Browne Edition and Galaxy Z Flip 3 Thom Browne Edition are scheduled to be sold on a limited basis in some countries. In Korea, it will be sold through an online lottery method, and applications can be submitted from 9 am on the 12th of August via Samsung’s website.
Both the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and ‘Galaxy Z Flip 3 will be released sequentially around the world on August 27, starting in Korea, the US, and Europe. As for the price, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 12GB+256GB variant is priced at $1799.99 while the 12GB+512GB variant will sell for $1899.99. The device is already on pre-order on Samsung.com. The S Pen Fold Edition will be sold separately for $49.99 while the S Pen Pro will retail for $99.99.
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