Right on schedule, Samsung finally debuted its newest foldable smartphone (or tablet), the Galaxy Z Fold2, promising significant improvements over its predecessor from almost every aspect.
Design
Starting with the design, Galaxy Z Fold2 uses a hideaway hinge and a CAM mechanism that allows it to stand freely from 75 to 115 degrees. This also helps ensure a smooth unfolding experience while keeping the device secure when fully folded.
Galaxy Z Fold2 also uses sweeper technology in the gap between the display and the hinge to repel dust and dirt particles.
Samsung has also increased the sizes of both the main and cover screens. The former is a 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate (adaptive), and the latter is a 6.2-inch HD+ Super AMOLED display.
Enjoy content in almost any way you want – using the cover screen, half-folded with your favorite content on the top half, and assistive controls or features on the lower half, or of course, fully unfolded for a tablet-like experience.
Performance, Battery
Under the hood is a 7nm 64-bit Octa-Core SoC (possibly a Snapdragon 865+) along with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. It packs a 4,500mAh power pack on a dual battery setup. It boasts Wireless PowerShare as well as fast wired and wireless charging.
Camera
For optics, you get a 12MP Ultra Wide Camera, a 12MP Wide-Angle Camera, and a 12MP telephoto camera. Features include dual OIS, 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom, HDR10+ recording, and tracking autofocus. You also get a 10MP Selfie Camera and a 10MP Cover Camera.
Galaxy Z Fold2 offers Pro-Grade video and camera features including an improved Night Mode, and Single Take which takes multiple photos and videos from various angles with one shot. There’s also Auto-Framing, which employs machine learning to track subjects within the frame without having to physically move the device.
Thanks to improvements in the UI and the design, you’ll be able to use the cover screen as your second preview screen when shooting videos. You can even take selfies using the rear cameras while also using the cover screen for a preview.
User Interface
Use the Multi-Active Window feature to create a custom layout for up to three apps. You’ll be able to quickly change the layout and even save an existing split-screen for later use. Transferring content between two compatible apps is also easier with drag and drop.
You can even open the same app in two windows for enhanced productivity, while the Split Screen Capture feature takes an individual screenshot of each app that’s open, letting you choose which one to share.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 supports three generations of Android OS upgrades.
Specifications
Display | Main: 7.6″ QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display |
Cover: 6.2″ HD+ Super AMOLED Display | |
Dimensions and Weight | Folded: 68.0 x 159.2 x 16.8mm (Hinge)~13.8mm (Sagging), 282g |
Unfolded: 128.2 x 159.2 x 6.9mm (Frame)~6.0mm (Screen), 282g | |
Cameras | 10MP Selfie Camera, f/2.2 |
10MP Cover Camera, f/2.2 | |
12MP Ultra Wide Camera, f/2.2 | |
12MP Wide-Angle Camera, Super Speed Dual Pixel AF, OIS, f/1.8 | |
12MP Telephoto Camera, PDAF, f/2.4, OIS | |
Dual OIS, 0.5x out 2x in Optical Zoom, Up to 10x Digital Zoom, HDR10+ Recording, Tracking AF | |
Processor | 7nm 64-bit Octa-Core Processor |
RAM | 12GB |
Storage | 256GB UFS 3.1 |
OS | Android 10 |
Battery | 4,500 with Fast Wired and Wireless Charging, Wireless PowerShare |
Sensors | Capacitive Fingerprint Sensor |
Accelerometer | |
Barometer | |
Gyro Sensor | |
Geomagnetic Sensor | |
Hall Sensor | |
Proximity Sensor | |
Light Sensor | |
Authentication | Pattern, PIN, Password |
Fingerprint Sensor, Face Recognition | |
Audio | Stereo Speakers |
Surround Sound with Dolby Atmos Technology (Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus Included) | |
Colors | Mystic Black |
Mystic Bronze |
Availability and Pre-Order
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 comes in two colors – Mystic Black and Mystic Bronze and will be available for pre-order from September 12 to 24.
The device will be available at select Samsung Online Partners on September 25, 2020, and via select Authorized Samsung stores on October 2, 2020.
For more information, click here.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.