Samsung has brought out its 3rd foldable phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2. Following the Z-Flip, it is truly new and improved. The Fold 2 includes many learned updates from the Z Flip and the original Fold. Here are some quick points on Samsung’s newest foldable.
Specifications:
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 |
| Operating System | Android 10 with One UI 2.5 |
| CPU | Octa-core Snapdragon 865 Plus |
| RAM | 12 GB |
| Internal Storage | 256 GB 512 GB (Select Markets Only) Expandable memory: Nano Sim |
| Front Camera | 10 MP f /2.2 camera |
| Rear Camera | 12 Mp/ 2.2 ultra-wide-angle |
| Battery | 4500 mAh (Dual Battery) USB-C Quick Charge 2.0 Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging |
| Display | External Display:6.2-inch Super Dynamic AMOLED Main Display:7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O, variable refresh rate 2,208 × 1,768 (5:4) |
| Audio | No headphone jack. UHQ 32-bit & DSD64/128 support PCM: Up to 32 bits, DSD: DSD64/128Stereo speakers and Earphones sound by AKG |
| Connectivity | 5G, mmWave, and sub 6NFC5G Non-Standalone(NSA) Standalone(SA) LTE Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, HE80, MIMO, 1024-QAM) Bluetooth |
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 68 × 16.8 mm (closed), 159.2 × 128.2 × 6.9 mm (open) |
| Sensors | Capacitive fingerprint sensor Accelerometer Barometer Gyro sensor Geomagnetic Hall sensor Proximity sensor Light Sensor |
Besides some of the internal supporting hardware/software specification upgrades between the original Fold and Z Fold 2, there have been some major milestones in design concepts, some constants, and some downgrades. Below I highlight some of the significant upgrades and lessons learned from the Z Flip and original Galaxy Fold incorporated into the new Galaxy Z Fold 2.
Z Fold 2 Upgrades
Hinges
The hinge upgrades since the Fold have been significant. The hinge upgrades on the previously released Z Flip helped prevent debris from impacting screen movement. On today’s Z Fold 2 they have brought those lessons over and have taken it even further. According to The Verge they have included 8 cams to enable a little more ruggedness. The new hinge upgrade also provides the possibility of different screen stands or bent positions. This allows the user to use the phone at multiple bent angles, you can even attempt to use one of the internal screens as a keyboard with the second half as the monitor.
Displays
The Z Fold 2 brings one of Samsung’s big innovations to the large display, Ultra Thin Glass. This allows a flexible screen with the major visual benefits of glass instead of an all-plastic display. As mentioned in the past, the benefits can be arguable due to the plastic layered system surrounding this Ultra Thin Glass. Also, the top and bottom displays are capped to prevent particles from going under the thin display layer.
The Fold 2 delivers a nice upgrade on screen sizes. The internal display opens up to a 7.6-inch display and the external display size sits at 6.2 inches. This increase is an additional .3 inches on the internal display size and an additional 1.6 inches on the external display over the original Fold. This form factor no longer simply delivers a bigger screen, it gives you a smartphone that transitions to a functional tablet.
To save battery life they are using variable refresh rates. Refresh ranges from 11 Hz for reading or displaying images, ranging to 120 Hz for functions that need the speed like video streaming or gaming. This is a major mitigator of battery life for this phone, especially in its tablet form. All of this refresh rate variability and it is still delivering the rich saturated colors we know and love of the Samsung dynamic AMOLED display technology.
Flex Mode
This small but significant feature takes advantage of the Fold 2’s unique form factor. When the phone is folded open to 90 degrees, apps take advantage of this physical state. As Engadget states, apps like camera, split between the top and bottom screen. While camera settings remain on the bottom, the camera view uses the whole top display. As more apps take advantage of this physical design, the more functional the form factor will become.
Z Fold 2 Constants & Downgrades
Waterproofing
The Fold 2 has no waterproof specifications officially listed. This seems to be the case for all of Samsung’s foldables. I guess this is one lacking feature related to the foldable functionality.
Screen Crease
Screen crease concerns compared to the original Fold have decreased. One of the major developments brought over from the Z Flip is the Ultra Thin Glass. As I mentioned in the past with the Z Flip, the surrounding layers are still mainly polymer based, possibly causing a creased screen after a while. The Verge confirmed that it is there and visible, but it is just something to get adjusted to.
Durability Concerns
Screen creasing and waterproofing are all related to durability. Samsung warns about removing the protective screen layer and even offers a one-time screen replacement for 149 dollars. This all builds up the support for those who have durability concerns. The phone does come off as fragile when compared to other smartphones on the market. Durability is one thing that slightly has progressed it seems since the original Fold, especially if we dive into the hinge design.
Jelly scrolling
Jelly scrolling has to do with display pixels not being able to change at the same rate on both screen sides. This timing difference causes a jelly scroll effect seen when scrolling. This is due to the display hardware components layout. The jelly scrolling was much more noticeable in the original Galaxy Fold, but with the Z Fold 2’s higher refresh rate it is much more manageable.
Pricing
The price for the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is very much up there. Samsung marketing is owning the price of $2000, and pitching the phone as a luxury item. According to Engadget the phone purchase even includes a complimentary round of golf along with other things. As I stated in our Z Flip Versus Razr post, this is an investment into the bleeding edge of technology. I wouldn’t advise the purchase to anyone, but if you are a fan of the newly innovated and love the design concept still being proven, that is a serious incentive.
Dimensions
The Z Fold 2 thickness has grown by about 2% and overall size growth by about 5% from its predecessor the Samsung Galaxy Fold. Yes, you have more screen real estate but a thicker phone I don’t think is preferred. Again you are getting a phone and a tablet display with these dimensions. I say the display real estate justifies the slight thickness increase.
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Sources: The Verge, Samsung, Engadget
