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The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 went official this week, we made a video and shared some initial impressions. Now that the dust has finally settled and we need to have some fun on the phone, we can close the week with some initial thoughts on the innovative device. This won’t be a spec-based retrospective, but a reflection on what the Galaxy Z Fold2 is and what it can do for you.
Retail package is environmentally conscious but not cost effective
Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Z Fold2 with fewer accessories than its predecessor. The original Galaxy Fold retail package came with Galaxy Buds truly wireless earbuds and a complimentary case. This year’s Galaxy Z Fold2 comes with a cable, a 25W charger and AKG USB-C wired headphones in Europe and only a cable and charger in the US.
Now, Samsung’s decision to include fewer accessories with the Galaxy Z Fold2 is likely aimed at reducing the device’s carbon footprint.
Samsung makes a leather case and a case made from aramid fibers, but they cost € 77.88 and € 58.38, respectively. Given the price of the Galaxy Z Fold2, Samsung could have included either one in the box.
It is expensive, but what did you expect?
Let’s go back to the price. In Europe, the Galaxy Z Fold2 costs € 1,949, while in the United States it costs $ 1,999 (full price list here). To put it in perspective, the new Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra has a starting price of € 1,266 / $ 1,299, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max costs € 1,217 / $ 1,099 and is considered to be too expensive.
On the other hand, those two cannot become a suitable tablet, so it is certainly an unfair comparison. Galaxy Z Fold2 includes five high-end cameras, a Snapdragon 865+ chipset, 12 GB of RAM, two AMOLED displays, one of which is solid and foldable, a stainless steel frame, a high-tech hinge mechanism and much more, all of that leads to an expensive package.
The hinge is amazing!
Thanks to its new hinge design, the Galaxy Z Fold2 feels impressively stylish and sturdy. Samsung calls the new hinge a stash and when the device is unfolded the hinge disappears under the outer frame.
The concealed hinge employs a dual CAM mechanism that allows the Galaxy Z Fold2 to stand on its own from 75 to 115 degrees. There is a sweeper structure in the space between the body and the hinge filled with fibers that prevent dust and debris from entering under the folding screen. Samsung rates the Galaxy Z Fold2’s hinge as good for 200,000 folds.
Hideaway hinge
Shows
The main screen of the Galaxy Z Fold2 extends to a wider 7.6-inch canvas, over the 7.3-inch of the Galaxy Fold. It’s a notable difference that Samsung made by reducing the selfie camera’s notch to a hole and trimming the bezels.
The main screen feels really huge when you hold the Galaxy Z Fold2 in your hand, but it’s the cover screen that makes the biggest difference. It was nothing more than an auxiliary screen on the Galaxy Fold, but on the Z Fold2 it can be used on its own.
It feels like you are using a very tall and narrow smartphone, but also very thick. However, when you’re on the go and want to take a photo, check a notification, open Google Maps, or do any of the thousands of little things you would do on a smartphone, you can use the Galaxy Z-fold’s 6.2-inch cover screen. two.
Transfer of applications between screens
Your smartphone cannot do these things.
When you have time to unfold the Galaxy Z Fold2 and use the massive canvas that is its 7.6-inch dynamic AMOLED, you can do a few things that your normal smartphone can’t.
Triple tab multitasking is not only possible, but usable. Each individual application has enough space to display its content and for your finger to act on it.
By using just two apps, things get even better. Imagine watching a video of that difficult level in a game, while simultaneously playing said game, you can do it on the Galaxy Z Fold2.
And the Galaxy Z Fold2 could be one of the best devices for reading CBR (comic book reader) files.
Big screen at your disposal
There is nothing like it.
Folding a screen and placing it in a consumer device requires a lot of time, work and knowledge, and is very expensive. At the same time, it leads to compromises that are difficult to accept at this price: no dust and no waterproofing, the main display is not made of regular glass and can be dented or scratched with a fingernail and has a crease etc.
But those are all the conventional drawbacks. The Galaxy Z Fold2 is an unconventional device and you should consider it as one. It can do almost everything a normal phone can do and almost everything a typical Android tablet can do. And you can switch from one to the other in a fraction of a second.
Using the Galaxy Z Fold2 gives you a unique experience and, what’s more, a unique perspective. It is the only device of its kind currently sold in global markets.
So whether you are a tech enthusiast or not, you should try to get yourself a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2, go to the nearest Samsung store and try something you haven’t seen yet.
