On August 5, Samsung streamed Galaxy Unpacked, it’s first-ever virtual event. Beaming to us from Korea, the event showcased five new Galaxy devices, which are now available for pre-order and due for release on August 21. Here’s a rundown of what we saw:
Samsung Galaxy Note20 and Note20 Ultra
Samsung opens its latest Newsroom post with a bold claim: “Galaxy Note20 series is a productivity powerhouse, seamlessly connecting with the Galaxy ecosystem to let you live every moment to the fullest.”
Describing the new smartphones as “the most powerful Note series yet”, the two devices promise great things. Both phones will be carrying the Snapdragon 865 Plus processor, a 10-megapixel selfie camera, and 5G capabilities, clearly bringing this Note range into the territory of the Huawei P40 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro. They are also carrying 8K cameras, and 24fps recording. A video's audio can also be recorded via the newly announced Samsung Buds Live for reduced background noise and improved clarity.
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Both phones will also incorporate new S Pen gestures aimed at improving the user's intuitive control and workflow.
The Galaxy Note 20 will be plastic-backed, which was a shock to many, considering the device will start at over £800.
The Ultra is carrying a little more in its Gorilla Glass clad shell. The screen is a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, with an impressive 120Hz adaptive refresh rate – this should ensure a smooth visual experience for the user. The Ultra will also have a MicroSD slot for memory expansion. Prices for the Note20 Ultra will start from £1,179.
Samsung has also teamed up with Microsoft to offer customer’s Xbox Games Pass Ultimate membership, providing full access to over 100 cloud-based games. This will certainly interest those looking forward to Xbox’s upcoming xCloud service.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+
Samsung’s new tablets promise “versatility”, combining “the capability of a PC, flexibility of a tablet, and the connectivity of a smartphone.” The tablets will strive for clear visuals via a 120Hz refresh rate. The S Pen and Samsung Notes will also be used to maximise user potential.
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The Tab S7 caries an 11-inch screen and will retail from £619. The S7+ carries a 12.4-inch screen, 5G compatibility, and will retail from £999.
Galaxy Buds Live
Samsung’s true-wireless earbuds, which were dubbed by the internet as the “Beans” in a pre-launch leak, combine AKG sound with new, upgraded drivers and bass ducts. The earbuds also include a specialist Voice Pickup Unit to enhance vocal clarity, and the Active Noise Cancellation keeps the intrusion of the outside world to a minimum. This audio-capture capability can also be lent to the Samsung Galaxy Note20 series’ 8K video recording. Price start from £179.
Galaxy Watch3
The Samsung Galaxy Watch3 is the next-gen iteration of the company’s smartwatch. The new model has a lower-profile than previous generations, thanks to a slimmed-down bezel. Samsung has placed the Watch3 at the centre of its wellbeing efforts by including an expansive fitness and health suite. Prices start from £399.
Galaxy Z Fold2
The last innovation from Samsung’s announcement comes in the form of the Galaxy Z Fold2. Learning from its previous foldable products, Samsung has worked closely with Google and Microsoft to refine the device’s form. The device includes “two edge-to-edge, nearly bezel-less Infinity-O Displays”, with the cover screen measuring 6.2-inch and the main screen 7.6-inch.
You can pre-register for the Galaxy Z Fold2 through Samsung UK.