This story was originally published on August 11, 2021, and last updated on September 22, 2021.
As with other Galaxy Unpacked events, Samsung packs in so many announcements that are meant to entice fans to get new gear. This latest round brings updates on its foldables, smartwatches, and earbuds. We don’t want to keep you waiting any longer; scroll down to see the new gadgets Samsung has for you.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
Samsung’s newest iterations of its foldable devices build on what it’s been working on in the space for the last few years. The company foresaw the global foldable market to “exponentially grow” in the coming years and forecasted to triple this year. And so, it wants to be top-of-mind in this segment.
Samsung says it’s considered what its consumers want for their next foldable device: water resistance, S Pen support, and a slimmer, lighter, and more durable body. And that’s what it wanted to deliver with the new Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Z Flip3 5G.
Both foldables boast better durability than their predecessors. Both have IPX8 water resistance, which means they can be submerged in 1.5 deep freshwaters for up to 30 minutes. They get a new 10% more robust aluminum that Samsung calls Armor Aluminum, protecting the hinge and the outer frame. It claims this is the strongest aluminum used on a smartphone yet, with it less likely to get damaged due to external shock.
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protects the Cover Screen and rear glass, and there’s a new protective film that’s 80% more durable, so the inner display is more scratch-resistant.
Both devices run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset and have stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos.
For the Galaxy Z Fold lovers, many new things are coming for you with the Galaxy Z Fold3. Display sizes are similar at 6.2-inch for the Cover Screen and 7.6-inch for the main foldable display. But the entire device comes in a slightly more compact, thinner, and lighter form factor than the Galaxy Z Fold2. This time, the Cover Screen supports a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Infinity Flex Display also gets a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with Eco2 technology, making it brighter 29 percent, and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Samsung is also bringing a 4-megapixel under-display camera to the Galaxy Z Fold3, a first for any Galaxy smartphone. The company didn’t delve much into the tech that went into this new under-display camera in the press briefing we’ve seen. Still, Samsung said it applied minimum pixels over the main camera lens, allowing the device to offer an uninterrupted viewing experience.
On the Cover Screen, the Galaxy Z Fold3 gets a 10-megapixel camera, while the triple rear cameras all get 12-megapixels, with the wide and telephoto having Optical Image Stabilization. The ultra-wide doesn’t have that feature. These lenses are protected by a new Super Clear Glass with Gorilla Glass with DX.
Samsung continues with its collaboration with Wacom to bring the S Pen to the Galaxy Z Fold3. There will be two options available: S Pen Fold Edition and the S Pen Pro.
The S Pen Fold Edition is smaller and fits into a Samsung-made case for the Galaxy Z Fold3. This won’t get air gestures as it doesn’t come with Bluetooth. Meanwhile, the S Pen Pro will work with the foldable and other Samsung Galaxy devices that support it. This bigger stylus gets a device switching button on it, so you can easily switch from using it with the Galaxy Z Fold3 and, for example, a Galaxy Tab. It also supports Samsung’s Find My function in the SmartThings app so that you can locate your wayward S Pen Pro.
Some of the use cases Samsung demonstrated include watching YouTube videos in flex mode while you write down notes on Samsung Note on the bottom part of the screen, doing online searches with the S Pen, editing typed text, and writing down notes on your calendar.
Samsung wants us to know it’s diligently improving the user experience on the Galaxy Z Fold3’s large screen. Its team continues to think about how to use the big screen best.
The foldable gets a new taskbar that will let you easily switch between apps like you would when you’re on a PC. When a pop-up shows up, it will appear at the exact touch location, and it can enable settings on a small screen so it doesn’t interfere with the entire display.
With its new Multi-Active Window, you get a more intuitive multitasking experience. You can have two apps running side by side, or you just get to see more of the app you’re using, so there’s no need to keep swiping away or changing screens. If you want more info on a link, there’s a new Drag & Split option where you can drag the link to the right, so it opens in a new window.
We’ve seen a demo where they set a timer on the Galaxy Z Fold3, and when they swipe out of the Clock app, it shrinks the timer into a small widget overlaid over whatever you’re doing. Watching in Flex Mode (where one part of the screen is folded up), you can get bigger controls on the bottom part for quickly navigating the content.
As for third-party apps, Samsung pointed out apps like TikTok, where the bigger display allows them to push the icons away from the video itself, and Google Duo, where it can automatically zoom in and out to fit everyone in the frame.
Microsoft apps like Teams allows users to display a presentation on one part of the display while also seeing how people react on the other screen. With the S Pen, the device can also take advantage of Teams’ whiteboard function. It’s also still possible to drag and drop content from one Microsoft app to another, or you can run two instances of the same app.
If you’re wondering about memory, storage, and battery, this foldable has 12GB of RAM, 256GB or 512GB of storage, and a 4,400mAh dual battery.
It comes in three color options: Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Green. Samsung has brought down the prices of its foldables, with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 starting at USD 1,799.99, the previous generation model started at USD 2,000 (around PHP 100,860).
If the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is for those who want a productivity device masked as a typical smartphone, the Galaxy Z Filp3 is Samsung’s more fashionable, compact option.
Samsung increases the size of the Cover Screen. It now has a 1.9-inch Super AMOLED screen and the 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The new Cover Screen is even more customizable. You can have the clock match the watch face on your Galaxy Watch4 (if you get that, too) or use GIFs and other pictures to customize it and make it your own.
You can access Quick Settings, Notifications, Widgets, and Samsung Pay right from the external display. The pre-installed Widgets include Samsung Health, music, weather, timer, alarm, and even the new Buds Controller. You can choose which ones you want to access and take out those you don’t use.
Samsung leans heavily on customizability here, offering new ring grips and strap-type accessories for the Galaxy Z Flip3. There are more color options, too. You can get it in Cream, Phantom Black, Green, and Lavender, all with a matte finish. If you get it from Samsung.com, there are three additional colors: White, Pink, and Gray in a two-tone, matte design.
Samsung has slimmed down this foldable to make it even easier to pocket or put in tiny purses for night’s out, at least when we can do those freely again.
The rear cameras beside the Cover Screen are two 12-megapixel shooters. One is an ultra-wide lens, and the other is a wide lens with OIS. Both are also covered with Super Clear Glass. In the foldable screen, there’s a cutout for the 10-megapixel selfie camera.
It comes with 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, and a 3,300mAh battery. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 also gets a lower starting price than its predecessor at USD 999.99.
In the Philippines, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G will retail at PHP 87,990 for 256GB (Phantom Black and Phantom Silver) and PHP 95,990 for the 512GB variant (Phantom Black and Phantom Green). On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G will be available at PHP 52,990 for the 128GB variant and PHP 56,990 SRP for the 256GB variant, all available in Cream, Green, Lavender, and Phantom Black colorways.
You can pre-order both devices from August 19 – September 21, 2021, in all Samsung Experience Stores, select Samsung Blue Stores, Abenson, SM Appliance Stores, and authorized Samsung online partners.
Freebies and discounts worth up to PHP 27,400 are up for grabs. Apart from receiving one-year FREE protection from Samsung Care+, choose from either an e-voucher worth up to PHP 5,000, 50% off on a Flip Cover with S Pen, a FREE Galaxy Buds Pro, and a 25W Travel Adapter, or a token worth up to PHP 10,000 and a 25W Travel Adapter.
You can also pre-order through Samsung.com to get as much as PHP 20,400 worth of freebies, including an e-voucher worth up to PHP 10,000, a 25W Travel Adapter, and one-year FREE protection from Samsung Care+. The pre-order promotion will last for a limited time and only while supplies last.
Starting September 22, 2021, the newest foldable devices will be available in samsung.com/ph, authorized Samsung Stores, Samsung online partners, and telco partners.
Each purchase of the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G comes with deals worth up to PHP 19,400. When you claim your pre-order units between September 14 and 26, 2021, you will receive an additional PHP 5,000 token that can be used on any Samsung mobile product. This also comes with a FREE Flip Cover with S Pen worth PHP 3,999, one-year FREE Samsung Care+ valued at PHP 9,499, and a 25W Travel Adapter priced at PHP 949.
If you who purchase the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, meanwhile, are entitled to gifts worth up to PHP 13,400. A token worth PHP 3,000, which can be used on any Samsung mobile product, awaits you when you claim your pre-order units between September 14 and 26. Additional freebies include one-year FREE Samsung Care+ and a 25W Travel Adapter.
If you want a bigger discount, you can trade-in an old device to get additional PHP 10,000 worth of tokens for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and PHP 8,000 for the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G on top of the traded-in device. Starting November 1, you will also have the option to trade in your device to get discounts worth up to PHP 15,900, which includes a one-year FREE Samsung Care+ worth PHP 9,499, plus tokens worth up to PHP 6,500 on top of the traded-in device.
If you’re interested in getting the new foldables through the telcos, Globe subscribers can avail of the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G for Plan 3,499/mo (256GB) or Plan 3,699/mo (512GB). They can also trade-in their Galaxy smartphone to get discounts starting at PHP 14,400 on top of the traded-in device and additional freebies worth up to PHP 14,400, including a FREE Flip Cover with S Pen, one-year FREE Samsung Care+, and a 25W Travel Adapter.
You may also avail of the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G for Plan 2,399/mo (128GB) or Plan 2,599/mo (256GB). Trade-ins are offered with discounts starting at PHP 12,000 and freebies worth up to PHP 10,400. These include a one-year FREE Samsung Care+ and a 25W Travel Adapter.
Smart subscribers, on the other hand, can apply for the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G with Plan 3,899/mo (256GB) or Plan 4,099/mo (512GB) and enjoy discounts and freebies up to PHP 19,200. Freebies include a FREE Flip Cover with S Pen, one-year FREE Samsung Care+, and a 25W Travel Adapter.
The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is available to Smart subscribers for Plan 2,699/mo (128GB) or Plan 2,899/mo (256GB). This includes discounts and freebies up to PHP 15,200, comprising 1 year FREE Samsung Care+ and a 25W Travel Adapter.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 HERE. *
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 HERE.
Samsung Galaxy Watch4
Samsung refreshes its smartwatches with the launch of the Galaxy Watch4 series. According to Janghyun Yoon, executive vice president and head of the Software Platform Team of Mobile Communications Business of Samsung, the new watches come equipped with Samsung’s “most advanced sensor technology ever, to deliver our most comprehensive health experience yet.”
The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 is the brand’s modern, minimalist option that you can take from day to night, while the Galaxy Watch4 Classic brings the rotating bezel into this new sleek silhouette. Both sport a thinner design than previous generations, with different straps, colors, and watch faces available.
Samsung was able to slim down these watches with a new 3-in-1 sensor called the Samsung BioActive Sensor. This single chipset can monitor three powerful health metrics: Optical Heart Rate Sensor (PPG), Electrical Heart Sensor (ECG), and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor (BIA). And even though the sensor is smaller, its new algorithm allows the watches to measure your vitals accurately.
It allows the Galaxy Watch4 devices to monitor your blood pressure, detect an AFib irregular heartbeat, measure your blood oxygen level, and, for the first time, calculate your body composition anytime, anywhere.
The new body composition metric can give you insights like skeletal muscle, basal metabolic rate, body fat, BMI, body water, and more. You can get the information in just 15 seconds with the watch’s sensor capable of capturing 2,400 data points with up to 98% accuracy.
Aside from tracking your workouts and other activities, you can challenge your friends to new group challenges or do Home Training with a Samsung Smart TV. The latter is available in select markets, though. This Home Training feature shows your calorie count and heart rate on the screen so you can see how you’re doing while you workout.
The Galaxy Watch4 series gets advanced sleep management options, including a new snoring detection feature and continuous blood oxygen tracking while you sleep. It will show your sleep score and analyze your habits to help you get better quality rest.
In the press materials we’ve gotten from Samsung ahead of tonight’s launch, the company also talked about how Wear OS 3 and One UI Watch helps improve the day-to-day use of these smartwatches, giving you access to an expansive ecosystem right from your wrist. You can read more about the One UI Watch experience in the story below.
READ ALSO: Sneak peek: Samsung’s One UI Watch for Wear OS
The Galaxy Watch4 gets gesture controls, and it also supports Auto Switch with other Galaxy devices to make it easier to perform specific tasks, like taking calls on the device of your choice.
It’s now also possible to check the status of your Galaxy Buds right from your Galaxy Watch. A new Buds Controller comes to the watch, allowing you to manage touch controls and noise-cancellation settings right from your wrist.
The Galaxy Watch4 series is the first to get a new 5nm Exynos W920 processor and extended 16GB storage, allowing smoother scrolling, multitasking, and better transitions. You can now download more content with expanded storage. And with its high-res display, you get better clarity and readability.
Samsung rates battery life at up to 40 hours. You can get up to 10 hours after a 30-minute charge or wait for a full charge in under two hours.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 will come with an aluminum case in 40mm or 44mm sizes with Bluetooth and LTE versions at a starting price of USD 249.99. You can get it in black, silver, green (44mm only), and pink gold (40mm only).
The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic will come with a stainless steel case in 42mm and 46mm sizes with Bluetooth and LTE versions at a starting price of USD 349.99. You can get it in black and silver.
Both are coming to select markets starting August 27.
In the Philippines, you can pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic starting August 19, with retail availability beginning September 22.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 will come in 40mm and 44mm, starting at PHP 12,990 for the Bluetooth version. The 40mm variant will be available in Black, Silver, and Pink Gold at launch, while the 44mm variant will come in Black, Silver, and a sophisticated Green.
Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic will start at PHP 17,990 for the Bluetooth version and will be available in 42mm and 46mm variants in Black and Silver.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 (40mm) HERE.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 (44mm) HERE.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic (42mm) HERE.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic (46mm) HERE.
Samsung Galaxy Buds2
Samsung calls these buds its lightest and smallest earbuds in the Galaxy Buds series. The new Samsung Galaxy Buds2 are designed to be comfortable for all-day use. The buds’ curved shape allows for improved comfort and helps shield against wind noise.
The Buds2 come with dynamic two-way speakers, promising crisp, clear high notes and deep bass. With Active Noise Cancellation, these in-ear buds claim to cut external background noise by up to 98%. They come with three ambient sound levels, so you can let the external sound in at varying degrees.
Samsung uses a new machine learning-based solution with the Galaxy Buds2’s three mics (two beamforming and an inner mic) and their voice pickup unit to ensure clear voice calls.
The Galaxy Buds2 get up to five hours of playback from the earbuds with ANC activated and up to 20 hours with the charging case.
These new Galaxy Buds support Auto Switch with other Galaxy devices, meaning you can easily switch which device it’s connected to. Samsung will let you control these buds on your PC via the Galaxy Buds app. It’s even possible to update their firmware on your PC.
There are four color options for the Galaxy Buds 2: white, olive, lavender, and graphite. They all come in a white case, but their interiors match the earbuds. Samsung’s also promoting third-party cases you can use with these earbuds. Even the Galaxy Buds Pro and Buds Live cases are compatible with these earbuds.
Samsung will begin selling the Galaxy Buds2 in select markets on August 27 with a starting price of USD 149.99.
In the Philippines, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 is priced at PHP 6,990 and comes in stunning Olive Green, Graphite, White, and the online-exclusive Lavender. Pre-orders will kick off on August 19, too, with general availability starting September 22.
Samsung x Thom Browne collaboration
Samsung didn’t go into detail about the Thom Browne collection. But it looks like all the new devices are getting the Thom Browne treatment. We just wanted to give you a look at this collection.
It was inevitable that we name the new Samsung devices as your Cool Tech of the Week. We’d love to hear from you about other cool tech you’d want us to feature on the site. Say hi on social media!
Check out our other Cool Tech of the Week stories HERE.
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