Samsung has unveiled a new range of mobile products at its latest Galaxy Unpacked event. This includes updates of its Galaxy Fold smartphones with a more durable design and lower price point and a new version of the mass-market Galaxy Buds wireless headphones.
The new foldable smartphones are the Galaxy Z Fold3, which opens out like a book for a 7.6-inch display, and the clamshell Galaxy Z Flip3, with a compact design and second cover screen for notifications. Both phones come with a 5nm processor, 5G and more durable design, including IPX8 water resistance, Samsung's Armor Aluminum, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and a new protective film made of stretchable PET to protect the foldable display.
Samsung is also bringing its S Pen stylus to the Fold3, signaling an end to the Note series previously introduced in August. After the S series earlier this year, it appears the S Pen will become a feature on all Samsung's top-of-the-range models going forward. The Fold3 also comes with an under-display camera to increase the display viewing size and updated software to improve multi-tasking and switching between apps across the screens, including integrations for popular apps like Microsoft Teams and Outlook.
The Flip3 meanwhile is aimed more at the consumer market and comes with a larger, improved cover display, upgraded speakers and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate on the main display. The shortcut with the power button to take photos when the device is closed now also supports video, and Samsung Pay is integrated into the cover screen for quick payments.
Available in black, green or silver, the Fold3 will sell for USD 1,800. The Flip3 for USD 1,000 comes in cream, green, lavender or black, with additional colours grey, pink and white only on Samsung's website. Samsung said these are the lowest price points yet for its foldable phones as it tries to bring the concept more into the mainstream. The previous models, the Galaxy Z Fold2 and Galaxy Z Flip, started at respectively USD 1,999 and USD 1,380.
Pre-orders for the foldable phones start 11 August and come with a year of Samsung Care+ service. The devices will launch from 27 August in selected markets in Europe, the US and Korea, with limited-edition Thom Browne design models also available.
Samsung also updated its mass-market wireless earbuds. The Galaxy Buds 2 are its smallest and lightest pair yet and come with active noise-cancelling. Available in graphite, white, olive and lavender colours, they are priced at USD 150.
