[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] The next-generation foldable smartphone, scheduled to be unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked event on the 11th of next month, is expected to be the first Samsung Electronics foldable smartphone to support waterproof functionality.
On the 22nd (local time), IT specialist media GSM Arena, citing IT tipster Max Weinbach's Twitter, reported that Samsung Electronics' ‘Galaxy Z Fold3’ and ‘Galaxy Z Flip3’ will be equipped with an IPX8 rating.
The waterproof and dustproof 'IP rating' is distinguished by two numbers that follow. The first digit indicates 'dustproof' level, and the second digit indicates 'waterproof' level. 'Dustproof' shows how well the device is protected from dust and various foreign substances, while 'waterproof' indicates resistance to water. Dustproof levels range from 0 to 6, totaling 7 levels. Level 0 is sometimes denoted as 'X', and waterproof levels range from 0 to 8, totaling 9 levels.
The two new foldable phones from Samsung Electronics, which will have the IPX8 rating, do not have dustproof functionality but can withstand water immersion at a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. However, GSM Arena expressed regret over the exclusion of dustproof functionality despite the excellent waterproof feature. Since foldable phones have folding screens, dust protection might be more important than water resistance in those areas.
According to the telecommunications industry, Samsung Electronics and the three major mobile carriers have virtually finalized the prices for the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 at approximately 1,999,800 KRW and 1,254,000 KRW, respectively. This is about 400,000 KRW lower than the previous models, the ‘Galaxy Z Fold2 (2,398,000 KRW)’ and ‘Galaxy Z Flip (1,650,000 KRW)’.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 is expected to be the first Galaxy smartphone to apply an 'Under Display Camera' (UDC) that hides the camera beneath the display. With UDC, the camera is invisible on the screen, enabling a full-screen experience. The rear camera module flash of the Galaxy Z Fold3 is also expected to be relocated from the top to the bottom.
The Galaxy Z Flip3 will have a size similar to its predecessor but is expected to show some design differences. The rear camera and flash will be arranged in a line, and it will be offered in two models: LTE and 5G. The colors will include Light Violet, Black, Gray, Dark Green, Beige, Pink, Dark Blue, and White, totaling eight options. It will feature 8GB of RAM and be released in two internal storage models: 128GB and 256GB. The mobile application processor (AP) will be Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888, and the battery capacity is expected to be 3,300 milliampere-hours (mAh).
At the online Unpacked event on the 11th of next month, in addition to the Galaxy Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3, the smartwatch ‘Galaxy Watch4’ series and wireless earbuds ‘Galaxy Buds2’ are also expected to be unveiled.
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