Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
Samsung’s second attempt at foldable technology for the Galaxy addresses problems that beset the initial effort
The first instinct when you snap open the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 is to watch something. Anything. And that’s what I did, partaking of the third season of Ozark. And the output does not disappoint. Videos are vivid and colour reproduction superb. The main display is a 7.6” AMOLED screen, with a high 2208 x 1768 resolution screen. The only interruption to the display is a small cutout for the selfie camera. It boasts a 120Hz refresh rate so scrolling and response are a breeze.
The Fold2 is Samsung’s second attempt at foldable technology for the series, with the initial effort beset by problems upon release.
The display in the Fold2 is made using a flexible, plastic OLED screen rather than glass. Corning, which produces the Gorilla Glass used by most major smartphone brands, says it is working on a bendable cover glass. The large screen allows you to do a lot of things. You can launch up to three apps simultaneously for example. If you purchase the Fold2 for productivity, the ability to access three apps without going back and forth to your app tray is a relief.
If you were working on an app on the cover screen, you can pick up from where you left off on the main screen thanks to app continuity capabilities. Apps have been optimised for the larger screen and adjust automatically. A crease is noticeable where the display folds but disappears when you are watching videos.
When folded shut, Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is a typical smartphone with a 6.2-inch HD+ Super AMOLED screen, albeit with a somewhat unusual 2260 x 816 resolution (due to its tall build). The Cover Screen on Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is reinforced with the latest Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
The second part of the foldable screen equation is the hinge. You probably don’t give much thought to the hinge on your door, but for a smartphone, a hinge is a whole different story. The hinge must be small enough to fit in a small device, sturdy enough to withstand thousands of opening and closing motions, and inconspicuous enough not to ruin the phone’s overall aesthetic. Additionally, it must hold its own so the phone can remain open at different angles.
The Hideaway Hinge uses a CAM mechanism to give the device fluid motion. There’s a gap between the two sides of the phone when closed, although Samsung has done well to narrow it since the previous generation. The hinge uses sweeper technology to prevent dust and dirt from entering the phone.
Galaxy Z Fold2’s 5G Hideaway Hinge is the basis of the phone’s Flex mode which lets users lock the screen at a variety of angles. Flex Mode gives this foldable phone a lot of versatility. You can have controls or settings on one side of the display and content on the other for example when making a video call.
Performance
The Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is powered by a Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865+ chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. The rear camera setup is a 12MP three-camera configuration while the front camera is a 10MP sensor.
The dual-screen allows for some interesting photography. Unfolded, Galaxy Z Fold2 5G lets you use both screens to give your subjects a preview to adjust their pose before the camera snaps.
The battery is in two parts which combine into one 4500mAh power source. That sounds like a lot, but the large screen uses a lot of power, so carry your charger with you if you plan to watch a lot of videos.
The Galaxy Z Fold2 5G could appeal to gamers thanks to fast response times, the large HD display and the powerful chipset make this a formidable gaming machine. The Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is pricey at Dhs7,599. The justification for that is of course the technology behind the folding screen.
The display in the Fold2 is made using a flexible, plastic OLED screen rather than glass