Samsung addresses most major shortcomings of the original Fold in the new Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G; offers Snapdragon 865+ across all regions

The original Galaxy Fold was a innovative concept but suffered from several shortcomings, which led to the device receiving a lukewarm response from both the press and general buyers alike. Samsung now hopes to rectify that with the new Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G. The device is now thinner but slightly heavier than its predecessor with less rounded corners. It still commands a premium pricing, though.

The new Galaxy Z Fold 2 now offers a 6.2-inch 2260x816 Super AMOLED 25:9 Infinity-O Cover Screen display, which is an upgrade from the small 4.6-inch display of the original Fold. This prevents the need to frequently unfold the device for most common tasks such as checking mails or texts.

Unfolding the Cover display reveals the 7.6-inch 2208x1768 22.5:18 Main Screen display with extremely slim bezels. The display offers a 120 Hz adaptable refresh rate. Samsung said that the device would fall back to FHD resolution when operating at 120 Hz. Those used to recent offerings from OnePlus, Asus, or Oppo will be slightly disappointed that the display refresh rate and resolution cannot be independently set. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 also incorporates the Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) material that debuted with the Galaxy Z Flip.

Samsung has also improved the hinge mechanism in the Galaxy Z Flip 2. This time, we get the CAM hinge that offers a consistent feel at every turn while also helping keep dust at bay. The hinge enables the phone to stand when opened at angles between 75 to 115 degrees. There is no water resistance certification, though. The color of the hinge can now be customized during online ordering — you can choose between Metallic Silver, Metallic Gold, Metallic Red, and Metallic Blue color options.

The rear camera module resembles that of a Note 20 Ultra and all the cameras here, including the ultra wide (123 deg), wide-angle (83 deg), and telephoto (45 deg) cameras, are 12 MP sensors. The wide-angle (f/1.8) and telephoto (f/2.4, 2x optical zoom) cameras offer OIS. The front camera (80 deg) is a 10 MP f/2.2 sensor with a pixel size of 1.22 microns.

Samsung is offering some neat software features such as Pro Video, Single Take, Bright Night, and Night Mode to help the user make the most of both the front and rear cameras. Both these cameras can be used together so both the photographer and the subject can be framed in the same shot. There's also an Auto Framing feature that helps keep the subject in focus even in motion.

Samsung is offering the Snapdragon 865+ SoC across all regions. This is accompanied with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB or 512 GB (only in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan) of UFS 3.1 internal storage that is not expandable. A 4,500 mAh battery that spans across both sides of the hinge is available, and it supports both wired and wireless fast charge. Speaking of wireless, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 also comes with Samsung DeX wireless similar to the Note 20.

While having a foldable display does enhance multitasking, not all Android apps can actually take advantage of it. Samsung said that it has worked closely with Google and Microsoft to enable seamless multitasking via Multi-Active Window across popular apps such as Gmail, Office, YouTube, and even Spotify.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 will be available in Mystic Black and Mystic Bronze in about 40 countries starting September 18 with pre-orders starting from today in the United States and Europe. The device is priced at US$1,999 or €1,949.

A special Thom Browne Edition that offers a fabric-like texture will be available from September 25. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 Thom Browne Edition comes in a package that is additionally comprised of the Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live along with an array of Thom Browne accessories. The Thom Browne Edition will retail for US$3,299 or €2,999.

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