Like
Refined appearance and feel
Sits open at numerous angles
Repairs nearly every defect from the original
Dont Like
Inner screen still delicate
Fingerprint unlock errors too numerous
Typing can feel cumbersome
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The Z Fold 2 may keep the same shape as the original, but it exudes confidence and competence that the very first style did not have– with one exception. CNET Section Editor Juan Garzons review unit has a bubbled interior screen, which would clearly fall under Samsungs warranty if an acquired item showed up harmed.
Galaxy Z Fold 2: The new foldable phone king.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is not just a foldable phone. Its a motion waiting to start. Samsungs winning redesign of its first foldable phone improves on the initial Galaxy Fold in nearly every way– from the brand-new 6.2-inch external screen to the 7.6-inch inner display– providing a gadget that for the very first time draws a full-size foldable phone from the realm of dream and grounds it in reality..
Samsungs original Galaxy Fold was a strong principle with horrible execution. Besieged by issues and mistakes at almost every turn, Samsung had to revamp the device after evaluation models broke in numerous methods, causing the brand name to lose circulation partners, drop color options and provide the foldable gadget four months late..
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13:34.
When I take a look at the Galaxy Z Fold 2s large external display (6.2 inches), sturdy hinge and upleveled multitasking abilities, I see a foldable phone striving to specify the intersection of mobile phone luxury and technical development, but with an energy that eradicates the suggestion of gimmick. For example, the Z Fold 2 changed my laptop computer for 28 hours and did nearly everything I required, though writing and editing undoubtedly took longer tapping out on a screen than typing on keyboard squares.
The Z Fold 2 isnt a phone for everybody– its $2,000 (₤ 1,799, AU$ 2,999) price puts it out of variety for many– but its a device that deserves and demands your attention.
Keep reading for the very best and worst Z Fold 2 functions, and whatever you require to understand about video camera, battery life and Samsungs VIP treatment. Youll find the complete specs contrast with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy Fold and Microsoft Surface Duo at the end.
Galaxy Z Fold 2: Samsungs most luxe collapsible phone.
See all photos.
8 best improvements to the Galaxy Z Fold 2.
Internal: 7.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED; 2,152 x1,536 pixels (plastic). External: 4.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED; 1,680 x720 pixels (Gorilla Glass 6).
External 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED; Internal: 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED. External: 2,260 x816 pixels. Internal: 2,208 x1,768 pixels.
Fairway Pass Elite through ClubCorp, which gives you access to golf clubs.
Six months of Obe Fitness online exercises.
$ 50 off Glamsquad at home hair service.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.
Taken with the Galaxy Z Fold 2s 2x optical electronic camera.
Jessica Dolcourt/CNET.
Z Fold 2 video cameras are excellent, but Note 20 Ultras are better.
Photography on the Z Fold 2 leaves little to grumble about, unless youve just used the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra as your main phone, like I have..
That gadget, which costs $1,300 retail, has 5x optical zoom that the Z Fold 2s 2x optical zoom wants it might be, and a few other expensive functions that I could usually take or leave. Zooming into architectural features on a day journey to San Francisco, or seeing animals in nature, was a lot less pleasing on the Z Fold 2 compared to the Ultra.
A lovely view of San Franciscos renowned Ferry Building on a lovely day, but the Z Fold 2s 2x optical zoom is no match for 5x if we desired to get a bit more close and individual.
Jessica Dolcourt/CNET.
Photos are still excellent– great, even– however this isnt the most superior camera phone that Samsung makes. There are professional photo and pro video modes, which bring it as much as date, and I do like being able to unfold the device to take a higher-quality selfie with the rear cams..
The Z Fold 2s outer screen works as a viewfinder if you tap the ideal onscreen control, but its uncomfortable to hold the phone by doing this while taking a photo, and everything looks somewhat off-kilter if youre looking at yourself onscreen and not the electronic camera sensor. I likewise saw that a lot of my standard images seemed ever so somewhat askew. Examining images on the 7.6-inch screen, however, is a dream.
San Francisco street, using night mode.
Jessica Dolcourt/CNET.
Flex Mode: Highs and lows of the self-supporting hinge.
I truly thought Flex Mode would be the Z Fold 2s killer feature, however it didnt rather exercise as anticipated. Flex Mode is Samsungs method to explain the state of the Z Fold 2 when you flex the 2 screens in between completely closed and completely open, and the 2 “sides” stay where they are.
The advantages are plenty real. The phone can prop itself open from a series of at least 75 to 115 degrees, which indicates it can become its own stand vertically or horizontally, and some apps can shift to take advantage of the brand-new measurements. That essentially divides the user interface so that, for example, you can see a video on “leading” and other navigation choices on the “bottom.”.
The Z Fold 2s hinge can keep its shape from 75 to 115 degrees without snapping shut or flopping open.
Angela Lang/CNET.
There arent adequate apps yet that acknowledge the long, narrow measurements and understand how to use them well. And the natural screen ratios when you bend the phone in half work more cohesively on the smaller Galaxy Z Flip than they do on the Z Fold 2..
When the Z Flip bends in half, it forms two squares. The bottom creates the top and a stand has a focused camera thats user-friendly to utilize for video calls, reading, enjoying videos and framing pictures from front and rear electronic cameras..
On the other hand, the angles on the Z Fold 2 never ever felt quite best for most of those. Samsung says there are more apps pertaining to make the most of the split-screen style– I certainly hope thats the case.
Battery life much better than I feared.
I stressed about the Z Fold 2s ability to provide all-day battery life with its 4,500-mAh battery capacity. Note that these are 2 different battery cells that together create the same overall capability as the Note 20 Ultra, a phone I believed had middling battery performance because of its resource-hungry 120Hz screen.
Now, include into the formula two battery cells that are generally thought of as less efficient than one big battery (since of battery chemistry) and an actually big 7.6-inch screen that refreshes at twice the rate of a common screen (using more battery) and you can comprehend the suspicion.
The power-hungry 7.6-inch inner screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which must drain pipes the battery faster the more you utilize it. The Z Fold 2 need to still last a day on a full charge.
Juan Garzon/CNET.
However, the day I exchanged my laptop computer for a Z Fold 2, I used resource-hungry live maps navigation for 2 hours in a 28-hour duration, searched and messaged nonstop, watched hours of Netflix, took lots of photos and so on. Even on this heavy day, I still managed to get from morning to night on a single charge..
Part of that is since the 7.6-inch internal screen just utilizes 120Hz screen refresh rate on an “adaptive” cycle, which indicates it automatically flicks on when youre doing something extensive sufficient to call for the ultrasmooth scrolling, gaming and more. The remainder of the time it goes back to 60Hz (like the external screen, which I used a minimum of 60% of the time), and which held reserves in check..
Battery life isnt fantastic, but its more than workable, and for a device like this, I consider that a positive. You can also by hand switch the inner screens refresh rate to 60Hz and if you enter battery-saving mode, 120Hz will fall away.
You can utilize the outer screen as a viewfinder for taking selfies from the main electronic camera– cool trick.
Jessica Dolcourt/CNET.
Multitasking, typing, app connection: A variety.
Multitasking: I enjoy Samsungs new multi-window app function– primarily– because it makes it a lot easier to divide the 7.6-inch screen into 2 or 3 zones to utilize apps at the exact same time. Dividing the screen by doing this felt useful and natural for amount of times..
In this iteration, when you have one app open, youre able to swipe out from the side menu, pick an app and drag it into among 3 places: to the right or left pane, horizontally, bottom (a vertical position listed below the primary window), or a turn up in the middle of what youre looking at. This is excellent flexibility here.
Sadly, not every app you have actually installed works with this layout, consisting of apps sandboxed in the “Work Profile” section of Samsungs Knox security that deals with corporate apps. Its a shame, since the efficiency apps are amongst the ones I want to multitask with the most.
When you open the Z Fold 2, any app you begin on the external screen flawlessly selects up where you left off.
Jessica Dolcourt/CNET.
App hand-off: I loved the liquidity with which apps from the inner and external screen moved over to the other when I opened or closed the Z Fold 2. Any app you open the 6.2-inch external screen, any app you have actually packed will leap to the inner screen as you unfold the gadget– seamlessly.
Typing: Once again, I need to commend Samsung for making a split screen keyboard for the interior Fold screen. The goal is to make typing more comfy on a wider-than-usual gadget thats most helpful when its fully unfolded into tablet type..
However … my hands are on the smaller side, which indicates that even on the split-screen keyboard my paws feel stretched. There really arent 3rd party apps to change the default keyboard, which indicates I wind up collapsing the unfolded phone– bending it somewhat towards the center– to get the two sides together and get some typing relief. If your hands are larger, you might not mind as much, however its not a design for everyone.
Apps that work for the screen: Samsung is slowly but surely working on apps to take benefit of the Z Fold 2s bendable design in any development. Theres drag and drop in between Gmail, Chrome, Microsoft Outlook and Samsung native apps.
When the phone is closed, the fingerprint reader (at the bottom right of this photo) is hard to precisely strike.
Angela Lang/CNET.
Fingerprint reader not an offer breaker, but needs a fix.
In the closed position, both new and original Galaxy Fold gadgets look like 2 phones stacked on top of the other in a tasty mobile sandwich. The downside– and weirdness– is that the finger print reader on the Z Fold 2s power/lock button (on the best spine) is both likewise unreasonable and completely sensible.
Heres what occurs. You register up to four finger prints when the phone is completely flat, unfurled (not folded in half), but if you try to unlock the gadget when its closed, your thumb has to discover the accurate angle and divot in the bottom part of the stacked screen sandwich to open it without mistake or delay..
Despite this really hassle-free positioning and setup, I had to type my backup credentials more times than not.
Should you get the Galaxy Z Fold 2?
A $2,000 phone isnt a paltry affair, especially when 50% of the screens are vulnerable and picky at best. However I have a totally various viewpoint than I did of the very first Galaxy Fold– to the advantage of the successor. The Galaxy Fold was a mesmerizing beta phone, a blueprint, indicated for the most devoted of tech advocates living on the edge while Samsung and the rest of the industry worked out the information.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 isnt for everyone, however it does a lot to bring the future of collapsible phones within reach.
Angela Lang/CNET.
I still dont believe this $2,000 Z Fold 2 with its vulnerable screen is worth it for a lot of, however its a lot closer to the type of device daily people might want and have than in 2015s inchoate edition. As an ultrafancy phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 provides status and remarkable marksmanship for a do-everything phone of this type. As a tech-lovers dream, it provides a grounded possibility that didnt exist before..
Samsungs VIP foldable Z Premiere treatment.
Samsung has expanded its VIP club for collapsible phones. Anybody who buys a Z Fold 2, Fold or Z Flip (consisting of the brand-new Z Flip 5G) gets access to the program.
Dual 5.6-inch AMOLED; 1,800 x1,350 pixels. Combined: 8.1-inch AMOLED; 2,700 x1,800 pixels.
Premium feel and look.
Hinge system is strong and smooth as you open and close the device.
No spaces in between the screen and body (I tried with my fingernail. All sealed.).
6.2-inch external screen uses up the majority of the outside footprint.
Ultrathin glass on the inner screen rather of plastic adhesive alone.
Assistance for 120Hz revitalize rate (inner screen).
No notch on 7.2-inch interior display.
Apps flawlessly change in between outer and inner display screens.
Inner screen isnt water resistant, requires special care directions.
Reflection on the screen crease is noticeable when hinge stays open.
Heavy, with sharp edges. Grows wearisome to hold during long-term usage.
Better video cameras, consisting of a 5x optical zoom.
A more precise fingerprint reader (more below).
Apps can raise the bar on adhering to the screen (more listed below).
Support for Work Profile apps in the multitasking view (more below).
Galaxy Z Fold 2 vs. Microsoft Surface Duo vs. Galaxy Fold vs. Galaxy Z Flip.
Internal: 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED; 2,636 x1,080 pixels. External: 1.1-inch Super AMOLED; 300×112 pixels.
FoundersCard benefits: 12-month subscription when you preorder. After launch, you get six months free.
A prepared meal from a Michelin starred dining establishment through Tock.
Display size, resolution.
Pixel density.
Galaxy Z Concierge program for on-demand customer care and assessment.
Novice screen replacement of $149.
6 months of LinkedIn Premium.
Microsoft Surface Duo.
How the Z Fold 2 could be even better.
Samsung Galaxy Fold.
386 + 373 ppi.
401 ppi.
362 ppi (internal screen).
425 ppi (internal), 303 ppi (external).
Weight (Ounces, Grams).
Folded: 145.2 x 93.3 x 9.9 mm. Unfolded: 1,145.2 x 186.9 x 4.8 mm.
Dimensions (Millimeters).
Folded: 6.3 x 2.5 x 0.6 in. Unfolded: 6.3 x 4.6 x 0.3 in.
Folded: 2.67 x 6.26 x 0.6 in (hinge) ~ 0.54 in (sagging). Unfolded: 5.04 x 6.26 x 0.27 in (frame) ~ 0.23 in (screen).
Folded: 68 x 159.2 x 16.8 mm (hinge) ~ 13.8 mm (sagging). Unfolded: 128.2 x 159.2 x 6.9 mm (frame) ~ 6mm (screen).
Folded: 2.99 x 3.44 x 0.62 ~ 0.68 in. Unfolded: 2.99 x 6.59 x 0.27 ~ 0.28 in.
Folded: 62.8 x 161 x 15.7 mm ~ 17.1 mm. Unfolded: 117.9 x 161 x 6.9 mm ~ 7.6 mm.
Measurements (Inches).
Folded: 73.6 x 87.4 x 15.4 ~ 17.3 mm. Unfolded: 73.6 x 167.3 x 6.9 ~ 7.2 mm.
Folded: 5.72 x 3.67 x 0.399 in. Unfolded: 5.72 x 7.36 x 0.19 in.
9.95 oz; 282 grams.
8.8 oz; 250g.
9.7 oz; 276g.
6.46 oz; 183g.
Mobile software.
Android 10.
Android 10.
Android 10.
Android 9.0 with Samsung One UI.
Electronic camera.
12-megapixel (main) + 12-megapixel (wide angle) + 12 megapixel (telephoto).
11-megapixel.
12-megapixel (wide-angle), 16-megapixel (ultrawide-angle), 12-megapixel (telephoto).
12-megapixel (wide-angle), 12-megapixel (ultrawide-angle).
Front-facing electronic camera.
10-megapixel, 10-megapixel.
Uses primary video camera.
Two 10-megapixel, 8-megapixel 3D depth.
10-megapixel.
Video capture.
4K.
4K.
4K (HDR 10+).
4K (HDR 10+).
Processor.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ (64-bit octa-core).
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855.
Storage.
Snapdragon 865 Plus.
256GB.
128GB, 256GB.
512GB.
256GB.
RAM.
12GB.
6GB.
12GB.
8GB.
Expandable storage.
None.
None.
Battery.
None.
None.
4,500 mAh.
3,577 mAh.
4,380 mAh.
3,300 mAh.
Power button.
₤ 1,799.
$ 2,000.
Price (GBP).
No.
USB-C.
USB-C.
AU$ 2,999.
Collapsible display, cordless charging, quickly charging.
No.
The Z Fold 2s external screen serves as a viewfinder if you tap the best onscreen control, however its uncomfortable to hold the phone this way while taking an image, and whatever looks slightly off-kilter if youre looking at yourself onscreen and not the electronic camera sensor. App hand-off: I loved the liquidity with which apps from the outer and inner screen moved over to the other when I closed the z or opened Fold 2. Apps that work for the screen: Samsung is slowly but certainly working on apps to take benefit of the Z Fold 2s bendable style in any development. I still do not believe this $2,000 Z Fold 2 with its delicate screen is worth it for many, but its a lot closer to the kind of device everyday individuals might desire and have than last years inchoate edition. As an ultrafancy phone, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 uses prestige and remarkable marksmanship for a do-everything phone of this type.
AU$ 2,999.
Foldable display screen, 120Hz refresh rate, wireless charging support,.
Price off-contract (USD).
$ 1,400.
Converts to AU$ 1,915.
No.
No.
Side.
Unique functions.
USB-C.
₤ 1,300.
USB-C.
₤ 2,000.
Headphone jack.
Power button.
$ 1,380.
Fingerprint sensor.
Dual-screen display; dual-SIM abilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM).
AU$ 2,950.
Side.
Port.
Collapsible screen; cordless PowerShare; cordless charging; quickly charging.
Converts to ₤ 1,080.
$ 1,980.
Rate (AUD).
