Samsung revealed its latest line of products at the Samsung Unpacked event on February 11 in San Francisco. During the event, Samsung executives introduced a new flip phone, a new line of Galaxy S20 phones, and a pair of wireless headphones. Here are the best products introduced at the Samsung Galaxy Event.
The S20 Lineup
The Samsung Unpacked 2020 event was centered around the company’s new Galaxy S20 phones, the follow-up models to the Galaxy S10. However, instead of naming the line Galaxy S11, the company skipped to S20 to celebrate 2020.
“Today, we are so proud to introduce the newest member of the Galaxy family, a new phone named for the start of a new bold decade of change,” said Dr. Roh.
The Galaxy S20 phones are one of the first 5G models that Samsung has made. If you don’t know, 5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology, and it is supposed to be 100 times faster than the current 4G technology.
If you want to know when 5G is coming to your area, check out our article here.
The new Galaxy line comes in three models. The Samsung Galaxy S20 and S20+ both have a 64-megapixel high-resolution camera. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra has a powerful 108-megapixel camera, which is targeted toward serious photographers.
All S20 phones have Hybrid Optic Zoom and Super Resolution Zoom, allowing you to pinch in to capture small objects with clarity. They also have built-in artificial intelligence (AI) features. For instance, the Single Take Mode uses AI to capture different photos of the same moment from the S20’s multiple cameras. Similarly, the Super Steady Mode uses AI motion analysis and an anti-rolling stabilizer for shooting sharp video on the go.
Samsung also said that S20 phones will be able to shoot in 8K resolution. Samsung claims that this is “the highest-resolution video on a smartphone.” And, with the Video Snap feature, you can take a 33-megapixel still photo from a video.
“It takes smartphone recording to a whole new level, and it opens the door to some entirely new experiences that have never before been possible on a smartphone,” said Drew Blackard, the head of US mobile product management. To prove his point, the camera crew used S20 phones to live stream the Samsung Galaxy event.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 will be available on March 6, starting at $999.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
After releasing the Galaxy Fold last September, Samsung is betting on foldable phones again with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. This flip phone folds into a compact square shape that fits in even the smallest pockets. Because it’s foldable, you can take a selfie on the Z Flip without opening your phone. At the Samsung Galaxy event, Rebecca Hirst, head of UK product marketing, showed how to do this by looking into the 12-megapixel rear camera and using the cover screen as a viewfinder.
When closed, the phone’s cover screen will display notifications for alerts or calls. Once you tap on a notification, it will launch the app after you unfold your phone. The Z Flip opens up into a 6.7-inch screen with a flexible glass screen and minimal bezels.
The folding screen changes the way users enjoy content and perform tasks. With Freestop folding technology, you can leave the phone halfway open and use it like a little laptop. Flex Mode splits the screen, turning the top half of the phone as a viewing area and the bottom half into an interaction area. You can use the top half as a camera for making video calls or watching YouTube videos. Similarly, you can use the bottom half for access to call buttons or to type a message. Having two screens also allows for Multi Active Window, letting you open two apps at once.
The Z Flip’s unique form factor is made possible by Samsung’s Ultra Thin Glass, which the company says is durable enough to be folded and unfolded over 200,000 times. The Hideaway Hinge lets you open the phone at different angles. In addition, the phone has a secure fiber shield in between the gaps of the fold to keep away dust and sand.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is available now for a starting price of $1,380.
Samsung Galaxy Buds+
The tech giant also unveiled a new-and-improved version of its Samsung Galaxy Buds+ at the Samsung Galaxy event.
Compared to the older Galaxy Buds, the Buds+ have a better battery life and improved sound quality. The Buds+ have two speakers each, one tweeter and woofer, that deliver rich sound. They also have 40% larger speakers than the former model. As for the battery life, the Buds+ can hold up to 11 hours of uninterrupted listening with a single charge. With the charging case, you can get up to 22 hours of battery life.
The Buds+ also use a three-microphone adaptive system, so you can enjoy clear calls, even with distracting noises. If you need to be aware of your surroundings, you can turn on the ambient sound volume. This way, you can still use the Buds+ without removing them.
Using the Buds+ is as simple as tapping one of them while scrolling through your playlist, taking a call, or adjusting the volume. You can even tap on the media panel on your phone to pair the Buds+ to a different device. There’s no need to unpair and pair devices again when switching from one device to another.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ are available now for $149.99.
If you’re looking for a new pair of wireless headphones, make sure to check out our list of the best wireless earbuds here.