Thoughts on Galaxy Z Fold 2...

 

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 has finally been released into the hands of Blogger's, YouTubers, and reviewers. I've watched some of these hands-on and I've got some thoughts. Let's get into it. 

 

 

 

 

I already talked about the hardware in an earlier article, so I won't spend too much time on the specs. 

 

 

Specifications 

Display 

7.6" . 1768 x 2208 p . Dynamic AMOLED · (~372 ppi density) 

Rear Camera 

12 MP · (ƒ/1.8) · wide, 12 MP · (ƒ/2.4) . telephoto, 12 MP · (ƒ/2.2) · ultrawide 

Front Camera 

10 MP · (ƒ/2.2) · wide, 10 MP · (ƒ/2.2) · wide 

Battery 

4500 mAh 

Storage 

256 GB 

Processor 

Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865+ Octa Core 

RAM 

12 GB 

Video 

4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps (gyro-EIS) 

Features 

GPS, NFC, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, LED flash, HDR, panorama, barometer 

Color 

Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black 

Connectors 

USB 3.1, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector 

Wireless Interface 

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Hotspot, Bluetooth 

Dimensions 

Unfolded:6.26" x 5.04" x 0.27", Folded:6.26" x 2.67" x 0.66" 

Operating System 

Android 10, One UI 2.1 

Audio 

Stereo Speakers 

Security 

Fingerprint (side-mounted) 

Graphics 

Adreno 650 

Networks Supported 

GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G 

Release Date 

September 2020 

 So far the biggest win for the Fold 2 is that it hasn't broken 2 day's in, unlike its predecessor the original Fold it has managed to survive more than 3 days which is better than the 2 days that the other Fold managed to survive. 

 

 

Samsung has really improved the hinge and screen in two major ways, stronger hinge/brushes, and ultra-thin glass. The hinge is now strong enough to be able to stop at any point in the hinge, being able to open it up halfway and use it like two screens is both good and not good. It's better than nothing though, the ultra-thin glass however is a lot more interesting. Users have reported that the screen now feels a lot smoother thanks to the ultra-thin glass but you're not actually touching the ultra-thin glass. The layers your touching are the built-in screen protector (plastic) and the protective plastic layer under the screen protector. The screen is being heavily protected by two layers and that's because the ultra-thin glass still isn't strong enough to withstand most scratches and bumps our fingers due to our screens each day. 

 

 

 

 

The Fold 2 has another screen on the back that helps recoup usability while closed. There were huge bezels on the first-generation fold but now it's been replaced by a display with a hole-punch leaving way more room for apps. Users have reported that typing and other small actions are much better. 

 

 

 

 

The Fold 2 is launching in an age of new form-factors with the dual-screen Surface Duo and upcoming LG wing making waves in the tech world. The Fold 2 is a unique form-factor that can't be compared to any of these other phones. The Duo is Dual screened because of its focus on productivity but the Fold isn't for that. The Fold is a more consumer device, the bigger screens allows you to watch movies, read books, and just engage more with a single app. That is why the Fold cannot be compared with the Duo, and that price is reflecting of that too. With a price that can go above 2,000$ it's not for everyone and it's definitely a luxury device. I'll have to wait for more reviews to be able to comment more but for now the Fold 2 is a step in the right direction.