Samsung adds more flexibility to new foldable smartphones

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Business

Tue, September 26, 2023 | 05:09

Tech

Samsung adds more flexibility to new foldable smartphones

Posted : 2023-07-26 20:00

Updated : 2023-07-27 09:17

Samsung Electronics Mobile Experience Division President Roh Tae-moon introduces the company's new foldable smartphones during the Galaxy Unpacked event at COEX in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

Galaxy Unpacked held in Korea for 1st time

By Park Jae-hyuk

Samsung Electronics unveiled its fifth-generation foldable smartphones featuring more flexibility, during the Korean firm's signature Galaxy Unpacked event held for the first time on its home turf rather than in a major city overseas as per previous events.

At the 27th Galaxy Unpacked event in Seoul, Wednesday, the tech giant presented the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Z Fold 5 foldable smartphones, both of which are equipped with "flex hinges" designed to disperse external shocks and reduce creases.

"Already, half of smartphone users say they are considering foldables for their next upgrade," Samsung Electronics Mobile Experience Division President Roh Tae-moon told hundreds of journalists and influencers from around the world, emphasizing that Samsung's Galaxy series is leading the fastest growing category.

He also stressed that the new foldable smartphones are durable enough to endure tough conditions and are equipped with superior batteries and the most intelligent cameras.

Samsung enhanced the durability of its new foldable smartphones by using thicker shockproof layers and props behind their displays, as well as adding IPX8-rated water resistance, armor aluminum frames and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 scratch-resistant display materials.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, left, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 foldable phones are on display in this file photo. Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

Another type of flexibility seen in Samsung's new foldable smartphones is the "FlexCam" mode, which allows users to take hands-free photos and videos. This function was introduced when the company released the previous version of the Z series.

Those who use the Z Flip 5, a clamshell-style foldable phone, will be able to express their uniqueness with the 86.1-milimeter "Flex Window," according to Samsung, as the exterior cover screen, which is larger than that of the previous version, will enable users to enjoy a greater variety of functions without unfolding their phones.

Samsung said the "Flex Window" can match with watch faces for the Galaxy Watch 6 smartwatch line and can be decorated with the Flipsuit Cases and the near-field communication technology-based Flipsuit Cards.

The company made the Z Fold 5 phone lighter and thinner, while improving its battery efficiency and performance. The S Pen Fold Edition, which allows the use of a stylus, has been slimmed down to 4.35 millimeters from the previous version's 7.4 millimeters.

Samsung plans to release the new foldable smartphones in Korea on Aug. 11, while receiving pre-orders from Aug. 1 to 7.

For the Korean market, the Z Flip 5 comes in two capacities: 256-gigabytes and 512-gigabytes, and they are priced at 1.39 million won ($1,090) and 1.52 million won, respectively. The Z Fold 5 will come in 256-gigabyte, 512-gigabyte and 1-terrabyte versions, which are priced at 2.09 million won, 2.21 million won and 2.46 million won respectively.

During the event, Samsung also disclosed its Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic smartwatches, which provide comprehensive health care functions. The Galaxy Watch 6 has especially drawn attention since Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min was seen wearing the new smartwatch at Incheon International Airport earlier this month.

The Galaxy Tab S9 tablets were also unveiled with upgraded displays and speakers that can provide users with a more immersive experience.

BTS' Suga, front row center, attends the Galaxy Unpacked event at COEX in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

Meanwhile, the latest Galaxy Unpacked event also drew attention from global K-pop fans, as it was attended by famous K-pop idols, including the members of Stray Kids, IVE's Jang Wonyoung and TWICE's Jeongyeon, as well as BTS' Suga, who is known as a big fan of Samsung's smartphones.

pjh@koreatimes.co.kr