Samsung held a livestream event on Tuesday 1 September to unveil its highly anticipated Galaxy Z Fold2 5G – just four weeks after the Note 20 range was announced. This third-generation foldable handset adopts the Galaxy Z branding, which debuted after the Fold when the Z Flip was introduced, hence the Galaxy Z Fold2 naming convention.
The Z Fold2 is a huge improvement on the original Fold, especially when you compare them side by side. The 7.6-inch screen is larger than last year’s 7.3-inch version and at 282g, the new device is also marginally heavier than the 276g of the initial Fold. The form factor, which folds like a book, remains the same but there are plenty of updates. The new device looks sleeker, the hinge has been redesigned, and the front 6.23-inch display takes up the whole front panel as compared to last year’s 4.6-inch screen.
What's new
Both screens are Infinity-O with a camera hole punch and are dynamic AMOLED displays with 1768x2208 pixels. The Z Fold2 boasts what is now the 2020 standard – a 120Hz screen refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming. Another major update to the new foldable is its hideaway hinge, ultra-thin glass display on the main screen, and Flex Mode, which lets the screen stand at any angle.
The camera has been updated to look more in line with the Note 20 range, but with a smaller bump. It has a triple rear camera setup with a 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP wide-angle, and 12MP telephoto lens. It supports Samsung’s pro video, single take, bright night and night modes. Both the front and cover selfie-cams are 10MP F2.2 lenses with an 80˚ field of view.
The larger display is best suited for the Z Fold2’s multitasking capabilities. Samsung’s multi-active window feature lets you have three apps open, all being flexible and gesture adjustable. It also supports drag-and-drop between apps for text, images and documents. In addition, the foldable feature lets you seamlessly continue from the main screen to the larger one once opened, for example, it will automatically carry on playing from a YouTube video.
The Z Fold2 has 5G support, a fingerprint sensor on the side, facial unlocking, and MST and NFC payments through Samsung Pay. Battery capacity is 4500mAh and it features fast wireless charging.
Final impressions
Our first impressions of the device at the Samsung HQ in Bryanston were very good. The phone is slimmer and solid in the hand. Finishes are polished and while it is sturdy, it’s not something you want to accidentally drop.
Samsung includes a free one-time inner foldable screen protection against accidental damage within one year of purchase date. This is part of the complimentary Samsung Care+ service plan, which you need to activate within 30 days of purchase.
