Unpacking Samsung Unpacked

Samsung’s Unpacked happened early today US time live from Korea. Of note, androidpolice.com reports that the reservation offer has returned. Sign up today and get $50 off any purchase. You don’t even have to put money down…just input your email. When you do preorder later this month, you get the $50 off. Easy. What about the phones and the rest? Well, ask expected the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 were rolled out. The biggest news is both got a bump in specifications, but more noticeable to everyone is the new ‘double rail Flex Hinge system. The new hinge design folds flat without a gap when closed. Also due to the new hinge, the screen doesn’t get crushed into a hard crease that shows up when you use it. The Fold is still a hefty phone…something like double the weight and thickness of a normal phone. It will still set you back $1799 before the $50 discount. 

The Z Flip 5 is a normal sized phone when open, and a smaller square when closed. This year, though, the outside screen is more useful, with the ability to use widgets, and even apps with the so-called ‘lab’ feature…which can run tiny square versions of six apps. They are Google Messages, Samsung Messages, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Netflix, and YouTube. It is possible to pull up a keyboard, but only the Samsung keyboard. The phone does have a pretty small battery to run that 6.7 inch inner display. It’s $999. 

Both phones are available for preorder and ship August 11th. 

The Galaxy Watch 6 isn’t a dramatic upgrade from the 5, but does sport a cleaner design. The screen now lies flus with the lugs, and the screen is 20% larger than the former model, due to a smaller bezel. The panels are sharper and brighter than on the 5, and you can adjust the brightness of the always on display. Engadget.com says the Watch 6 has an updated processor and bigger battery. Samsung says you can get 8 hours of use on an 8 minute fast charge. 

I’m Clark Reid and you’re ‘Tehnified’ for now.