Yesterday, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. hosted its first-ever Galaxy Unpacked virtual event livestreamed from Korea to introduce a new suite of power devices.
Five devices were revealed during the event, that seamlessly integrate to empower consumers navigating a rapidly changing world:
- Galaxy Note20 and Galaxy Note20 Ultra, the most powerful Note series yet;
- Tab S7 and S7+, versatile tablets for productivity and creativity;
- Galaxy Watch3, a premium smartwatch along with advanced health features;
- Galaxy Buds Live, stylish and ergonomic earbuds with amazing sound quality; and
- Galaxy Z Fold2, the next-generation foldable smartphone with enhanced refinements.
Galaxy Note20 and Note20 Ultra
The Galaxy Note20 series is a productivity powerhouse that works like a computer and lets you game like a pro. The series comes in two versions: Galaxy Note20 Ultra, designed for Note fans who demand the ultimate in power and productivity, and Galaxy Note20, for broader Note users looking to maximize their time for work and play. Both are built for efficiency, so you have more time to stay connected with the people you love.
Power to Work
Today, we need devices that are as flexible as we are, so we can work, play and connect however we want. Take your productivity to the next level with the Galaxy Note20 series. Samsung’s latest Note series transforms the way you work—empowering you to do more anytime from anywhere.
Now, on the Galaxy Note20 series, new S Pen and Samsung Notes features provide an even more powerful experience. Samsung also promises a “deeper relationship with long-standing partner, Microsoft”, making the Galaxy Note20 series and your Windows PC seamlessly work together.
- An Advanced S Pen: A favourite among Note loyalists and multitaskers, the Galaxy Note20 series’ enhanced S Pen offers the ultimate writing experience so you can capture your ideas whenever inspiration strikes. The S Pen on the Galaxy Note20 series has more lifelike precision that gives you more accuracy and responsiveness. The S Pen’s five new Anywhere actions makes touchless navigation of your device – like returning to the home screen or taking a screenshot – as simple as a flick of the wrist.
- Cinematic-Style Filmmaking in the Palm of Your Hand: With 21:9 aspect ratio and 24fps recording, the Galaxy Note20 series’ 8K camera now gives you access to ultra-high resolution and a professional quality video experience.
- Your favourite Xbox games on the Galaxy Note20 series: Beginning September 15,play over 100 Xbox games on your phone or tablet, directly from the cloud (beta) with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, including hits like Minecraft Dungeons and Gears 5.
In terms of raw specs, there’s a Snapdragon 865+ but in Zim you’ll probably end up getting your hands on the weaker Exynos 990 version in both versions of the Note 20.
The Ultra will have 12GB of RAM and 256/512GB storage. The cheaper (if we can call it that) Note 20 will have 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
The ordinary Galaxy Note 20 (if we can call it that) will start at an eye-watering US$999 and the bigger Note20 Ultra will cost US$1299. Why are phones this expensive during a pandemic. I don’t have the answer either…
Galaxy Tab S7 series
Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+ are two versatile tablets that attempt to combine the power of a PC, the flexibility of a tablet, and the connectivity of a smartphone.
Samsung claims, “PC-level productivity” which will be thanks to a powerful processor, an improved keyboard experience (keyboard sold separately as Book Cover Keyboard), and an improved S Pen with similar capabilities as the Galaxy Note20 series.
Whilst these are lofty claims we are yet to see tablets that actually live up to these claims. It will be interesting to see if Samsung can deliver on the promise.
Galaxy Watch3
Samsung is pitching their next smartwatch as “a next-gen companion for managing your routines, smashing your fitness goals, and taking ownership over your health”.
I’m not big on the smart watch bandwagon so I can’t really say much regarding this. I mean the watch does look cool and it’s not running Android Wear OS which I’ve heard is a nightmare, so that’s a start.
The watch will set you back a hefty US$430 – more than a whole Google Pixel 4a. Why are Smartwatches so expensive???
Galaxy Buds Live
So Samsung has a new set of wireless earphones and they really look like beans. No look at this;
Anyway the headline feature for these is that they come with ANC – Active Noise Cancelling, I think. I’ve never used ANC but it seems to be a really big deal in the audio electronics sphere and this is Samsung’s first stab at it.
The buds will cost US$180 which is cheaper than they Apple Airpods Pro they’ll most likely be compared to.
Return of the foldable
The Z Fold is back for its second outing and despite not getting a full unveiling we know the screens (when folded and unfolded) will be larger than before.
Galaxy Z Fold2 combines the portability and flexibility of a smartphone with the power and screen size of a tablet for ultimate productivity. Whether folded or unfolded, you can enjoy a luxury mobile experience with Galaxy Z Fold2’s premium design.
