[Galaxy Z Unpacked] The 3rd Generation Foldable Phone Unveiled... "Enhanced Immersion and Improved Durability"

Samsung Unveils 'Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3' at Galaxy Unpacked
Durability Greatly Enhanced... From IPX8 to Gorilla Glass Victus
Increased Immersion with UDC... First Foldable to Support 'S Pen'
Z Flip3 Features Cover Display Four Times Larger
Watch4 Strengthens Connectivity with Integrated Google OS
Significantly Lower Price Compared to Previous Models... Launching on the 27th

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] Samsung Electronics has unveiled its next-generation foldable smartphone, leading the trend of 'foldable mainstreaming.' It is the first to apply the 'Under Display Camera (UDC)' technology to enhance immersion while watching videos, and it has also focused on strengthening the durability of previously criticized weak points such as the hinge. The 'S Pen,' which improves usability, was also installed for the first time on a foldable phone, showing a sincere response to consumer voices.

On the 11th (Korean time), Samsung Electronics held 'Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2021: Get ready to unfold.' During the approximately one-hour online event, Samsung calmly introduced the next-generation foldable phones, including the smartwatch 'Galaxy Watch4,' 'Galaxy Z Fold3,' and 'Galaxy Z Flip3,' focusing on their features. However, there was no 'surprise' such as the unveiling of the much-anticipated 'Galaxy S21 Fan Edition (FE)' due to unprecedented leaks.

‘Galaxy Watch4’ with Google OS... Enhanced Connectivity with New Platform

The first product to appear after the countdown using the smartwatch display at the Unpacked event was the smartwatch 'Galaxy Watch4.' Presenter Obi Enya introduced the Watch4 by highlighting its highly customizable design and improved health management features, stating, "Using the Watch4 is the best way to live your best life."

The event emphasized the significantly enhanced health management functions. The first mentioned feature was the body composition measurement function, supported for the first time in the Galaxy Watch series. Users can simply place two fingers on the smartwatch to check skeletal muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, body water, body fat percentage, and more in about 15 seconds, allowing them to understand their physical condition and manage and achieve health goals through continuous measurement.

The Watch4 series is the first to be equipped with the 'Samsung BioActive Sensor,' which can measure various health indicators such as blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood oxygen saturation directly on the wrist with a single sensor. The Samsung BioActive Sensor integrates three sensors?optical heart rate sensor (PPG), electrical heart rate sensor (ECG), and bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor (BIA)?into one chipset, providing accurate measurement results with a smaller and more compact design than before.

It also did not omit the fact that it is the first smartwatch to adopt the integrated wearable operating system (OS) developed with Google. The Watch4 series is the first product to feature the 'One UI Watch' interface based on the integrated wearable OS developed with Google. When users download applications on their smartphones, compatible watch apps are automatically added to the Watch4, enhancing connectivity compared to before. In particular, it supports various apps from Google Play Store, including Google apps, Galaxy apps, Naver Map, and Spotify, increasing the wearable's usability.

Significantly Enhanced Durability... From IPX8 to Gorilla Glass Victus

After introducing the Watch4, Samsung Electronics' Wireless Business Division President (Head) No Tae-moon appeared in a virtual studio accompanied by BTS's Suga's arranged version of the Galaxy signal music 'Over the Horizon.' He emphasized, "The Galaxy Z series is designed as a next-generation device that defines a new standard for mobile, allowing users to express themselves and immerse in an amazing viewing experience," adding, "Foldable phones will become the new mainstream of smartphones."

The 3rd generation Z series has significantly enhanced durability. It is the first foldable smartphone to support the IPX8 rating, which means it can withstand up to 30 minutes in freshwater at a depth of 1.5 meters. It uses the toughest smartphone aluminum material ever, 'Armor Aluminum,' and Corning's 'Gorilla Glass Victus' reinforced glass to improve safety against scratches and drops. Vice President Choi Won-joon explained, "Water resistance and durability improvements are key features we focused on to enhance the new foldable phone," adding, "Whether sweating in the gym or relaxing at the pool, you can carry and use it comfortably and confidently anytime."

The hinge issue, which was cited as a drawback of foldable phones, has also been improved. The 'Hideaway Hinge' and sweeper technology were applied to allow users to open the foldable phone at various angles and stand it up for use. The hinge has become slimmer, and the length of the sweeper bristles was reduced to improve aesthetics while enhancing the hinge's safety against dust and external particles. Additionally, it passed a 200,000-fold folding test certified by the German certification body Bureau Veritas.

'Galaxy Z Fold3' Enhances Immersion with UDC... First Foldable to Support 'S Pen'

The product that received the most time at the Unpacked event was, as expected, the Z Fold3. Choi Won-joon, Vice President and Head of Strategic Product Development Team 1 at Samsung Electronics' Wireless Business Division, said, "Consumers are at the center of everything," adding, "We are proud to reveal the new innovations of the Z Fold3 that consumers want, striving to find and realize the experiences you desire most."

The Z Fold3, equipped with a 7.6-inch 'Infinity Flex Display,' features 'Under Display Camera (UDC)' technology to enhance user content immersion. Minimal display pixels are applied over the camera hole, allowing users to enjoy content on a wide screen without a notch.

It was also emphasized that the 'S Pen' from the Note series was applied to the foldable phone for the first time to improve usability. For example, while video calling on the large screen of the Z Fold3, pressing the S Pen button and double-tapping the main display launches 'Samsung Notes,' allowing users to immediately take notes on the call content.

Samsung Electronics introduces two types of 'S Pen' for Z Fold3 users: the 'S Pen Fold Edition' and the 'S Pen Pro.' Both S Pens feature a special 'Pro Tip' with shock-absorbing technology, allowing safe writing on the Z Fold3's main display. They also reduce latency further than before, providing a smooth writing experience similar to using a real pen.

Additionally, the Z Fold3 uses a new display with 'Eco Square' technology, making the screen approximately 29% brighter than its predecessor while reducing battery consumption. Both the main display and cover display support a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and multimedia playback experiences.

“Sleek Body and Compact Design” ‘Galaxy Z Flip3’ Focuses on Style

While the Z Fold3 emphasized innovation, the Z Flip3 focused on style. Rather than powerful hardware specifications, it highlighted being optimized for a stylish lifestyle with a sleek body and compact design.

The Z Flip3 will be released in four colors: Cream, Green, Lavender, and Phantom Black, along with accessories such as a 'Ring Grip' and 'Strap Case' to enhance portability. Samsung Electronics announced plans to exclusively sell additional color models like Gray, Pink, and White on its official website to provide a wider range of choices.

The most noticeable change in the Z Flip3 is the cover display, which is four times larger than its predecessor. Users can check up to eight lines of notifications or messages without opening the smartphone and use widgets to view schedules, weather, and step counts. The wallpaper can be frequently changed to match the smartphone's color. Notably, users can launch 'Samsung Pay' from the cover display, select the card for payment, and easily pay at offline stores.

Although focused on style, improved features were not forgotten. The camera function is representative; using 'Flex Mode' frees both hands for comfortable shooting. It also supports 'Auto Framing,' which automatically adjusts the composition according to the number of people, and 'Dual Preview,' allowing both the photographer and the subject to preview simultaneously during shooting. Additionally, the 'Quick Shot' feature enables photo and video shooting by pressing the power button twice to launch the camera and checking oneself on the cover display without opening the smartphone.

“Smallest Ever” Galaxy Buds2 with ANC Applied

Finally, the wireless earphones 'Galaxy Buds2' were unveiled. The Galaxy Buds2 provide a rich and immersive sound experience through 2-way dynamic speakers and Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) that removes surrounding noise. They also support ambient sound listening to ensure users do not miss external sounds while listening to music.

Equipped with a new machine learning-based solution trained on various noise environments, the Galaxy Buds2 effectively blocks background noise during calls and delivers clear voice to the other party.

The Galaxy Buds2, the smallest and lightest in the Galaxy Buds series, offer comfortable wear even after long use. Especially, a new 'Earbud Fit Test' feature was added to the Galaxy Wearable app to help users enjoy optimal fit and ANC performance.