REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
In August, Samsung Electronics introduced the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2.
It was announced alongside the Samsung Galaxy Note 20, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7, and the Galaxy Buds Live.
Last year, the company found itself in hot water after users complained that the much-hyped, $2,000 Galaxy Fold phone’s flexible screen began to break within just one day of use. Since then, the team of engineers over at Samsung has gone back to the drawing board to figure what went wrong.
The company has returned with the new brand, a luxury smartphone perfect for whomever wants the best of cutting-edge technology.
Screen and Body
Like its predecessor, the Z Fold 2’s screen is foldable. Unlike its predecessor, the screen does not break from use. In the middle of the large screen is a notable crease that affords it the necessary flexibility that allows it to fold. However, the crease disappears when the screen is on, as it could be a rather annoying distraction. Beyond the exceptional folding feature, the screen’s display is truly outstanding. The large, detailed display offers bright and crisp images that make navigating the phone such a delight. Its multi-window feature allows for multiple applications to be used on the main screen at once.
The screen is made of extremely thin glass which does not exactly ensure durability. But, to make up for it, it is placed between multiple layers of adhesives and plastic. It is also covered by a screen protector, to ensure maximum safety.It has a firm, non-slippery body which is easy to grip. The back is made of frosted glass with a three-camera lump.
Camera
The phone has five cameras: three at the back, one in the cover screen and one in the internal screen. The back cameras are 12 megapixels, one is 2x telephoto, one is normal wide angle, and the last is ultra wide angle. Though the cameras produce quality pictures and are great in low light, they lag behind the best smartphones of 2020.
Still, while the quality is not remarkable, the cameras offer an interesting experience. In selfie mode, one can set of the countdown timer feature by putting up one palm. When shooting with the tablet screen open, the cover screen turns into a preview pane, allowing the person being captured to see the picture as it is being taken.
Battery and Performance
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865+ processor, it has the strongest performance of all smartphones on the market. Considering the heavy functions the phone carries out, one would expect its battery to have a short life. With a lot of screen usage, it lasts 32 hours between charges and takes 88 minutes to reach full charge. When used lightly, it can last days.
Its 12 GB RAM allows it to carry out multiple functions at once without suffering a drag in speed. It also has a high-speed 5G internet functionality. It however falls short when it comes to storage. It has only 256 GB with no option of expansion, as there is no space for a micro SD card.
Also Read: iPhone picks LG Display as second OLED supplier after Samsung
Durability
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is quite delicate. For a phone this expensive, it is not water-resistant. Replacement of parts is both expensive and difficult. iFixit rated it 3/10 in reparability.
Specifications
• Main screen: 7.6in QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display
• Cover screen: 6.2in HD+ Super AMOLED
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+
• RAM: 12GB of RAM
• Storage: 256GB
• Operating system: One UI 2.5 based on Android 10
• Camera: Triple rear: 12MP wide angle, 12MP ultra-wide angle, 12MP 2x telephoto; two separate 10MP selfie cameras
• Connectivity: 5G, single nano sim + e sim, USB-C, WiFi 6, NFC, Bluetooth 5, UWB and location
• Water resistance: none
• Dimensions folded: 159.2 x 68 x 16.8mm
• Dimensions unfolded: 159.2 x 128.2 x 6.9mm
• Weight: 282g
Price
The Galaxy Z Fold costs $2,000.
Overall Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold is a significant advancement from 2019’s doomed Galaxy Fold. However, certain limitations make the price tag extravagant: its cameras are of subpar quality, it has very inadequate storage space and it is not even water-resistant. For those seeking durability and getting their money’s worth, this is not the practical choice. But for those looking to lavish on the latest in luxury technology just for the thrill of it, it is the perfect choice.
