[Unpack D-1] Galaxy Avengers Appear... S20 and Z Flip to Be Unveiled Tomorrow

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] The Galaxy Avengers are rising. At the Samsung Electronics Unpacked event held on the 11th (local time) in San Francisco, USA, next-generation strategic products signaling a 'new decade' for Samsung smartphones will be unveiled side by side, including the Galaxy S20 series equipped with a 108-megapixel camera and the clamshell-shaped foldable phone Galaxy Z Flip. The event will take place at 4 a.m. on the 12th Korean time.

Samsung Electronics, which has revealed new smartphone models twice a year in February and August through Unpacked events, chose San Francisco, Apple's home turf, as the stage again this year following last year. Especially with the Galaxy S20 series, the first premium 5G model of the year, Samsung declares a 'new turning point' by changing the product numbering from the 10s to the 20s. No Tae-moon, the newly appointed President of Samsung Electronics' Mobile Communications Business, who previously predicted a new decade for the smartphone industry in an editorial, is expected to take the stage personally to introduce the new products.

The Galaxy S20 series to be unveiled this time boasts record-breaking specs even compared to previous S series models. According to information released so far, it is expected to be launched in three models: ▲S20 (6.2 inches) ▲S20 Plus (6.7 inches) ▲S20 Ultra (6.9 inches). The top-tier Ultra model will be the first smartphone to feature 16GB RAM and a 108-megapixel main camera, and it will also support a super zoom function capable of up to 100x digital zoom. The S20 and S20+ will also showcase the latest performance with a 64-megapixel telephoto camera, a 12-megapixel main and ultra-wide camera, and 12GB RAM. The current domestic retail prices are reported to be approximately 1.25 million KRW for the Galaxy S20, 1.35 million KRW for the S20+, and 1.6 million KRW for the S20 Ultra. Market research firm Counterpoint Research predicts that the S20 series will sell more than 40 million units this year.

The Galaxy Z Flip, unveiled alongside, is attracting attention as a model that will lead the popularization of foldable phones. Resembling a women's compact, the Z Flip folds horizontally, unlike the previous Galaxy Fold which folded vertically. When folded, its length is about 4 inches (102 mm), and it weighs 183g, maximizing portability. It features a 6.7-inch foldable OLED display with a 22:9 aspect ratio, a 12-megapixel dual camera, Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus chipset, and 8GB RAM. The Z Flip will be released on the 14th in two colors, black and purple, and is expected to be sold at around 1.6 million KRW.

Samsung Electronics is also expected to unveil a new wireless earphone, the Galaxy Buds, at the Unpacked event. Compared to the previous model, the battery life has been extended to up to 22 hours after a full charge, and the sound quality has also been improved.

Another highlight of this Unpacked event, besides the new products, is the collaboration with Google. Google recently hinted at its attendance by tweeting, "Something exciting is about to happen." Major foreign media outlets anticipate that Google may introduce a special Android version for the S20 series. Attention is also focused on President No's debut performance at the Unpacked event following last year's regular personnel reshuffle.