Samsung had a virtual event on Wednesday to announce some new gadgets just in time to take on the anticipated iPhone 12 wet to be announced later this year if the rumours are true. Samsung announced the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, the latest in the Note series. They also announced the Galaxy Z Fold 2 the latest in their foldable smartphone series.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 comes with a 7.6-inch thin glass display. The 7.6-inch device becomes a 6.2 inches smartphone when folded to make it fit easily into pockets. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is packed with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor, 12GB RAM, and 512GB storage. There are three cameras at the back of the new device that use a punched hole design instead of the regular surface designs. I’m not exactly sure what impact the new design is supposed to have on overall picture quality.
On the structure itself, the latest foldable smartphone from Samsung is reportedly stronger than the first one as Samsung says it has improved the hinge of the device to make it more durable. The casing is also somewhat stronger than the first one and the thinner glass display means more protection for the display.
Availability for this phone is September but no pricing has been announced just yet. We will learn more about this over the next few weeks before its official launch and when we learn more, we will give you an update.
The Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra were announced at the event. Unlike the foldable one, we know the Galaxy Note 20 will launch at $1000. The new phone features a Snapdragon 865+ processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB capacity, a 4,300mAh battery, a 6.7-inch AMOLED display. There are three cameras on the back of the new device with the main one being 12-megapixel, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a 64-megapixel telephoto camera.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a higher end of the Note 20 and while they are similar with respect to functionality in some ways, it comes in a 6.9-inch AMOLED display. Other features include a Snapdragon 865+ processor, 12GB RAM, 128GB or 512GB storage, microSD slot, and a 4,500mAh battery. It also supports up to 120Hz refresh rates. The other differentiating factor besides display is the camera. It features a 12-megapixel telephoto lens that supports 5x optical zoom and 50x hybrid zoom, along with a 108-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, plus an autofocus system that works with a laser.
On connectivity, both devices are 5G compatible and then on security, they both have fingerprint sensors and facial recognition for biometric protection.
Both devices come with S Pens and support wireless charging. By now we should have stopped saying these new gadgets are water and dust resistant but itโs important to still say it should anyone be in doubt. They are both IP68 water and dust resistant. According to Samsung devices backed by an international standard rating of IP68 are deemed fit enough to withstand dust, dirt and sand, and are resistant to submersion up to a maximum depth of 1.5m underwater for up to thirty minutes. Based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes.
The other device announced on Wednesday was the Galaxy Buds Live which come in at $170 and feature Active Noise Cancellation. They come in three main colours black, white, and bronze. They are now on sale so you can visit the Samsung Shop to place an order right away.
The new gadget line-up is expected to pre-empt the iPhone 12 thatโs likely to be announced next month and again if the rumours are true, the new iPhone will be 5G ready as well but may launch at a lower price. Well September is just around the corner and weโll just have to wait and see.
There’s also a new Galaxy Watch 3 with sleep tracking, ECG support, and blood pressure readings. The new Galaxy Watch 3 comes in two sizes like the Watch 2 before it. There’s a 45mm model with a 1.4-inch AMOLED display, and a 41mm variant with a 1.2-inch screen.ย
*Measured diagonally, Galaxy Note20’s screen size is 6.7″ in the full rectangle and 6.6″ with accounting for the rounded corners and Galaxy Note20 Ultra’s screen size is 6.9″ in the full rectangle and 6.8″ with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole. *120Hz display only available on Galaxy Note20 Ultra.
Dimensions & Weight
164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1mm, 208g
161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3mm, 194g
5.8 ร 4.35 ร 105.08mm, 3.04g
S Pen
Bluetooth enabled, Lithium Titanate Battery: Up to 24 hours of battery standby time
Pressure levels: 4096, Pen tip diameter: 0.7 mm, IP68
*S Pen’s operable distance extends approximately 10 meters from the device in open space. Control range may vary depending on surroundings and other factors. *Using S Pen as a stylus does not require battery power. Actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and other factors. *IP68 rating is based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Rinse residue/dry if wet. Water damage not covered by warranty.
*Super Resolution Zoom includes digital zoom, which may cause some image deterioration.
AP
Snapdragon 865+ (7nm) + SDX55 *May vary depending on market and carrier.
Memory
12GB RAM (LPDDR5) with 512GB internal storage 12GB RAM (LPDDR5) with 128GB internal storage
8GB RAM (LPDDR5) with 128GB internal storage
* May differ by model, color, market and carrier. * Actual storage available may vary depending on pre-installed software.
Expandable Memory & SIM Card
One Nano SIM and one MicroSD slot (sold separately, up to 1TB)
One Nano SIM
*Expandable memory only available on Galaxy Note20 Ultra. MicroSD card sold separately. Availability may vary depending on market and manufacturer.
Battery
4,500mAh (typical)
4,300mAh (typical)
*Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4170mAh for Galaxy Note20 and 4370mAh for Galaxy Note20 Ultra. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
Charging
Improved wireless charging speeds with Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
Fast Charging compatible on wired and wireless
*Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFC *Wireless charging compatible with WPC
Wireless PowerShare
Here’s a YouTube video of the entire Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event;ย
Paul Balo is the founder of TechBooky and a highly skilled wireless communications professional with a strong background in cloud computing, offering extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing wireless communication systems.
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