The ongoing battle to provide the most advanced smartphones, tablets and smartwatches continues, with Samsung launching its newest range of foldable devices, tablets and smartwatches, and as usual, Samsung’s latest and greatest devices are ready to tempt you into upgrading!
We’re now on the fifth generation, not just of mobile networks, but of Samsung’s foldable flip phone and tablet, Where mobile networks are meant to have a lifespan of approximately 10 years before the next generation arrives, many of today’s technologies are updated on a yearly basis.
The must-see keynote, which demonstrates all of these innovations, can be seen here, and is definitely worth watching:
The video above is much more detailed than the videos below, and again, it’s worth watching.
To see the product pages for each of the new devices, you can see the Flip 5 here, the Fold 5 here, the three new Galaxy Tab S9 models (the S9, S9+ and S9 Ultra) here, and the Watch S6 Classic model here.
There is a Watch6 model as well, which isn’t listed at the Australian site at time of publication, here is the link to the US Watch6 page.
Now, it’s important to realise that folding screens still have creases, and while the creases have reportedly been, once again, decreased on both new 5th-generation models, they’re still there.
Obviously, you do get used to them on the internal screens that are unfolded, and you get the benefits of a smaller form factor when folded, and of being able to multi-task within and across apps when unfolded, and while they will one day be completely eliminated, we’re not there yet and presumably won’t yet be for some time.
Both new devices unfold flat, and on the Flip 5 and Fold 5, both panes of glass fold right next to each other – there is no visible gap when folded. The keynote shows the hinge on the Fold 5 still has a “tear drop” screen on top of its new hinge, but that’s just how it has to be done.
On the front screen of the Flip 5, the outer, cover screen has been increased to cover almost all of that area, making it nearly 4 times as large, a 3.4-inches, as last year’s model, meaning you can see much more of yourself when taking a selfie, you can dial numbers, type messages, see playlists, more easily see the cards you’re using to pay for things and more – having a larger cover screen on the Flip 5 has obvious benefits.
The internal screen offers a 6.7-inch display, so it’s as big as you’d expect from a modern, premium smartphone, except of course it folds in half. Other companies do offer a similar experience, which is impressive to see, but they have a tough fight against the world’s most advanced Korean technology company and the world’s largest maker of Android smartphones, although that’s a good thing for consumers!
Samsung explains the difference between its Flip 4 and Flip 5 this way: “Galaxy Z Flip5 has a 3.4-inch Flex Window that supports more widgets, more customisation and the best selfie experience on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone yet.
“The Flex Mode experience has improved through an all-new Flex Mode Panel. It also features a new Flex Hinge with a double rail design.”
The 256GB Flip 5 with 8GB RAM retails for AUD $1649, and the 512GB model with 8GB RAM retails for AUD $1849, with pre-order offers that I’ll list below. Pre-orders are now available, with retail availability starting on August 18.
Here are some videos:
All the details are here.
So, what about the Fold 5?
The Fold 5 when folded isn’t as wide as traditional smartphones, but at 6.2-inches big (diagonally) fits well in the hand, as the Fold 4 did. If the screen were wider, the phone would feel wider in the hand, and while Google’s Pixel Fold has managed a wider cover screen, it isn’t as tall, and there’s no internal stylus support.
Internally, the unfolded screen is 7.6-inches, so it is suitably tablet sized and large.
Samsung describes the differences between last year’s Fold 4 and this year’s Fold 5 this way: “At 253 grams, Galaxy Z Fold5 is 10 grams lighter than Galaxy Z Fold4. It is also thinner than Galaxy Z Fold4. Unfolded, it is 6.1 millimetres thick, while its predecessor measures 6.3 millimetres.
“Folded, it is a more pocketable 13.4 millimetres evenly across the device, while Galaxy Z Fold4 measures 15.8 millimetres at the hinge and 14.2 millimetres at the outer edge. An upgraded processor elevates Galaxy Z Fold5 performance across the board with CPU performance improved by 18%, GPU by 32% and NPU by 25% compared to Galaxy Z Fold4.”
Here is the official Fold 5 video:
Here’s a video explaining the advances in both the Fold and Flip 5 models.
The Galaxy Z Fold5 begins at AUD $2599 with 256GB, $2799 with 512GB and $3199 with 1TB storage variants, all three with 12GB RAM, in various colours, with pre-order from now and availability from August 18.
The Fold 5 has more advanced multitasking, the faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and plenty more, you’ll find all the details at the official site here.
I doubt anyone will take Samsung up on a new offer, which is to ensure people are happy when their foldable purchase. The company says it is “confident Australians will love the latest Galaxy Z Series, otherwise Samsung Swap will allow consumers to swap to a Samsung Galaxy S23 within 30 days for only $1. Samsung Swap is available for customers who purchased a Galaxy Z Flip5 or Galaxy Z Fold5 direct from Samsung.com/au between 26th July to 27th August 2023.”
Depending on the model you’ve purchased, you might be better off returning the device you’ve purchased for a full refund, if returned in the purchase return window, and then purchasing the device you want, but that’s something you’d have to evaluate yourself.
Watch 6 range
Samsung is also bringing the latest iterations of the Galaxy Watch series, the Galaxy Watch6 and the Galaxy Watch6 Classic, which is returning for the first time in two years. The two distinct models of the Watch6 series offer a complete solution for its users, with purposeful design and holistic health and wellness management.
Here is the Australian Watch6 page with local pricing is here.
There is a Watch6 model as well, which isn’t listed at the Australian site that I could see, here is the link to the US Watch6 page.
The watches start at AUD $699 and go to $849, details on each price below, with pre-orders from now and general availability on August 18.
Here is an official video that focuses on the sleep measuring aspect of the watch:
Tablets: Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9+, and Galaxy Tab S9
Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9+, and Galaxy Tab S9 are the first Galaxy Tab S series devices to earn an IP68 rating, allowing users the freedom to work or play, indoors and out.
They can all be seen here.
Prices start at AUD $1299 and $2949 depending on the size and model, details below, with pre-orders from now and general availability on August 18.
Here is a video from Samsung unveiling the tablets:
Garry McGregor, the Vice President of Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics Australia said: “Foldables, and by extension our Galaxy Z Series, are no longer a novelty. Adoption of Foldables continues to grow at pace both in Australia and around the world. Building on the momentum of the previous generation, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 provide consumers one-of-a-kind foldable experiences that open a world of new possibilities,” said Garry McGregor, Vice President, Mobile Experience Division, Samsung Electronics Australia.
“Since first establishing the Foldables category five years ago, we have redefined the expectations of what mobile devices can do and how people interact with their devices. From Galaxy Z Flip5’s pocketable design that’s just half the size of a standard phone to Galaxy Z Fold5’s large multitasking display that doubles your screen real estate, to hands-free photo and video capabilities, Galaxy Z series owners find value that fits their lifestyle.
“We know that Australians are seeking out premium, personalised experiences, and 88% have picked smartwatches as a key item to drive self-motivation. Our Galaxy Watch6 series, including fan favourite Galaxy Watch6 Classic, supports consumers’ holistic health journey by offering personalised fitness goals and additional health insights, powered by an upgraded processor and memory in a sleek and stylish wearable design.
“We are seeing a shift in the mobile tech market. While growth of the tablet market at large has slowed, there is a clear demand for premium devices. The Tab S9 Series has been designed to set the new standard for premium tablet experiences by enhancing how our customers currently use tablets, as well as providing them the tools to be creative and productive wherever the urge may strike.
“Samsung’s latest Galaxy portfolio, consisting of Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Flip5, Watch6, Watch6 Classic and Tab S9 directly addresses our customers need for unique, personalised devices that are convenience-led and provide long-term value for years to come. We can’t wait to get these devices in the hands of Australians for an intuitive, connected experience that inspires them to be creative and express themselves.”
Here are the pricing tables and pre-order offers:
