Sometimes a flawed first attempt is not only expected but necessary to ensure that a second try will have a greater chance of success. South Korean electronics giant Samsung understood this when, following the buggy introduction of their Galaxy Fold folding smartphone-tablet hybrid, they then went on to develop the Z Flip, a smartphone like the classic clamshell flip-phones of old for a new generation. While initially believed to be a concept to be previewed further in Samsung’s latest “Unpacked” event, a sideshow to the “conventional” Galaxy S20 smartphone line, the Galaxy Z Flip is an equal after all, with a surprisingly early release date.
Tech Crunch tells us that the latest Samsung Unpacked product
reveal event this Tuesday, February 11 seems to be codifying a new trend in
their unveiling of new upcoming gadgets. There would be a mainline mobile
device and an unorthodox one, plus any notable accessories that could go with
either. The new Galaxy S20 smartphone line was expected along with its Plus and
Ultra variants. But the Galaxy Z Flip folding smartphone was not only showcased
as a finished product, it will also be releasing earlier than the S20s
themselves.
But let us focus on the Galaxy
S20 first. It is the successor to the Galaxy S10 line from last year, and its
number jump by 10 more promises a more powerful smartphone overall, in all its
models. All variants are 5G-compatible and have 120hz displays, with the basic
S20 at 6.2 inches, the S20+ at 6.7 inches and the S20 Ultra at 6.9 inches. All
have a selfie cam, while the base S20 has three rear cams. The Plus and Ultra
however have four, with the fourth being a depth sensor. The Ultra also has 100x
digital zoom over the S20 and Plus’ 30x.
Significant increases in camera
power for the Galaxy S20 line is such that during the event proper, the
presenters revealed that the live-streaming of Unpacked being shown on the
venue displays were all being taken using multiple S20s on live video feed. The
pricing for the new Galaxy line is: $999 for the S20, $1,199 for the S20+, and
$1,399 for the S20 Ultra, with preorders starting February 21 ahead of a March
6 release.
Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Z
Flip folding phone was the surprise hit of the “Unpacked” event, thanks to the
hype of so many leaks and a sneak peek commercial during this past Sunday’s
Academy Awards. It has a horizontally-folding display with a sturdier glass
touchscreen. In fact, the device is built sturdy as a response to the delicate
construction of its folding predecessor, the Galaxy Fold. There is also a small
screen on the “top” half of the folding clamshell build, showing notifications,
battery life, accept/reject call slider, and even a quick selfie camera control.
When unfolded, the main Z Flip
display is 6.7 inches or as large as the Galaxy S20+. When folded partway, the
screen enters “Flex” mode that is stated by Samsung to be optimal for video
calls. The sturdier folding hinge means the Z Flip can hold the Flex position
like a mini-laptop. Unfortunately the greater resistance means it is difficult
to fold and unfold the device with one hand like the classic flip-top cellular
phone the Galaxy Z Flip emulates.
Features of the Z Flip have been
leaked or revealed prior: the thin-glass screen is an OLED display, Snapdragon
855 Plus processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, 3,300mAh battery, two 12-megapixel
cameras and a 10-megapixel selfie cam in a screen cutout, with wireless
charging and a custom Android 10 MOS that can accommodate the folding-screen
display options. Unfortunately the Z Flip is not yet 5G-ready, which is a shame,
considering its $1,380 asking price is already close to the Galaxy S20 Ultra.
But it is releasing earlier than the S20, this Valentine’s Day on February 14.
At least it is cheaper than Motorola’s new Razr flip-top.
0 comments:
Post a Comment