Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. unveiled its latest batch of foldable phones Wednesday, emphasizing design upgrades, battery improvements, and new camera features.
The company’s Galaxy Z Flip4 device features a “compact clamshell design” and comes with new fast-charging capabilities. The phone is compatible with Samsung’s
005930,
Super Fast Charging technology, which the company said will allow it to reach up to 50% battery in about half an hour.
Samsung pointed to a more “refined” design for the new Z Flip4, highlighting “the slimmer hinge, straightened edges, contrasting hazed back glass and glossy metal frames.” Users will be able to customize themes on both the cover and main screens, as well as include photo, GIF, and video backgrounds.
The device will come in Bora Purple, Graphite, Pink Gold and Blue color options. Prices will start at $999.99. Users will have more “bespoke” customization options if they get the phone through a Samsung store or through the company’s website.
The company also announced its new Galaxy Z Fold4 model, which will be the first phone to ship with Android 12L, an Android version specifically made by Alphabet Inc.’s
GOOG,
GOOGL,
Google for large-screen devices like foldable phones.
Samsung said in a release that the Fold4 will have a new taskbar meant to offer a “layout similar to your PC” in terms of allowing users to switch between apps. The company also added swipe gestures intended to ease the process of conducting multiple tasks at once.
Google apps on the Z Fold4 will let users drag and drop links, photos, and other items across applications, while apps like Meta Platforms Inc.’s
META,
Facebook are now “optimized for the large-screen experience.”
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold4
Samsung
Samsung said that it made various camera improvements on the new Z Fold4, including an upgrade of the 50-megapixel wide lens and 30X “Space Zoom” lens. Samsung said the improvements will make it easier for users to take sharp photos at night. Further, the company noted that various other camera features have been “custom-built to take advantage of the unique form factor for increased capturing flexibility.”
The company is offering the Z Fold4 in Graygreen, Beige, and Phantom Black, at a starting price of $1,799.99. The phone will also be available in Burgundy in 256GB and 512GB configurations.
Both phones are up for preorder now and will be available officially on Aug. 28.
Additionally, Samsung announced new Galaxy Buds2 Pro earbuds, which it said will have a 15% smaller design, and new smartwatches in the Galaxy Watch5 family.
