Samsung’s latest Galaxy Unpacked event, held on July 10, 2024, was a show(case) of innovation with the grand reveal of several new devices. That event broke the internet to smithereens and the splinters still glisten days after our orbit of Samsung’s smart galaxy.
Before now, leaks and teases were enough to excite and infuriate the appetite of Samsung fan boys and girls but that became very boring quickly.
Even the routine of virtual launches coupled with no real innovation on display had everyone most people lethargic to smartphone launch events. But Unpacked 2024 was such a spectacular event.
So spectacular that Samsung was trolled for copying Apple. You read that right.
It’s hard to tell but it appears Samsung is done being the “nice guy” because every smartphone year, Apple gets a pass (of sorts) when they add a feature to their products that Samsung users have had for eons but they rebrand it ALL NEW. This time Samsung may be taking a teensy-weensy bite from the forbidden Apple and will not be shamed for it.
Infact Samsung’s VP and head of Customer Experience Patrick Chomet, when asked about the resemblance of the new Samsung Buds with the Apple Airpods said, “I don’t care… Is it good for customers or not? Our job is to make good things for our customers.”
The company did not only announce new mobile devices, they also announced a new product line of wearables, but we’ll start with the usual suspects.
Galaxy Z Flip6: The Galaxy Z Flip6 features a pro-level 50MP camera with technology comparable to the Galaxy S24, ensuring ultra-crisp, life-like photos and videos. Its floating design makes it what Samsung calls the most compact smartphone yet. It is built with Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 and a robust Armour Aluminum Frame. The device does not support the use of an SPen.
Specific dimensions
Flipped shut, the Z Flip6 display screen is 3.4 inches but when flipped open, the device becomes a tall 6.7inch phone weighing the same as its predecessor, the Z Flip5.
Galaxy Fold6: The Fold6 also came out to play. We like to call this one The Communicator! The Fold6 boasts a more durable hinge and even better multitasking features thanks to powerful new processors.
It features a 6.3 inch cover display and a 7.6″ QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an SPen.
Specific dimensions
The Fold6 takes on somewhat different sizes when opened or folded. Folded, its a 6.3 inch device with dimensions 153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1mm and unfolded, it becomes a 7.6 inch device with 153.5 x 132.6 x 5.6mm dimensions. Though bigger and more powerful, the Fold6 weighs 239g and comes with a 10MP front camera (cover) and 4MP UDC (main), and a rear camera setup with a 12MP Ultra Wide Camera and a 50MP Wide-angle Camera.
AI Features
Both the Z Flip6 and the Fold6 come packed with AI features such as Interpreter, Live Translate, Chat Assist, Circle to Search, Note Assist, Transcript Assist, Photo Assist, Drawing Assist.
Storage
Storage options on both devices start at 256GB, 512GB with a 1TB option on the Fold6.
Both devices are resistant to drops and scratches.
The Galaxy Ring
Coming in a titanium casing, this smart ring is new terrain for Samsung. With other smart rings on the market like Evie and Oura, the Galaxy Ring can be used for contactless payments, controlling smart home devices, and unlocking your phone. Samsung says the Galaxy Ring is “Titanium strong,” “water resistant for all-day wear” and comes with a battery that lasts up to 7 days.
Health features on the Galaxy Ring are powered by three built-in sensors that monitor sleep and menstrual cycle tracking. According to Samsung, the ring comes with skin temperature analysis to help predict a woman’s next fertile window among other things.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra and Watch 7
This was one of the products announced at Samsung Unpacked that had online viewers suggesting looked similar to the Apple Watch.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra sports a bumpy circular face finished with a square frame similar to the Apple watch. It is the first in this line of Galaxy Watches and is called, well, Ultra. The confidence is giving. Made with Aerospace-grade titanium and water resistant, the Galaxy Watch Ultra has advanced health tracking features, including sleep apnea detection. You can also capture photos, answer calls or silence alarms with its Double pinch feature.
The Watch7 offers a floating Sapphire crystal glass design reminiscent of the Apple watch. Its AI feature offers one tap reply suggestions to messages when you are on the move.
A few users shared their experience and opinion of the Watches. One said,
“(The Galaxy Watch Ultra) is big and looks amazing. It feels sturdy, suitable for any outdoor or extreme sport. The screen adapts its brightness automatically so you can always see it clear.” Honing in on the size, another user said, “despite the bulkier design the watch actually feels really good to wear, combine that with the extra battery and we may have a winner.”
The Great Pods Buds Debate
Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro: These new wireless earbuds were the rave of Samsung’s Unpacked event – and for good reason. They look quite a lot like Apple Airpods and the guys from that side of the pond were not having it.
While the design definitely reminds you of the Airpods, Samsung made some cutting edge additions to its Galaxy Buds. Literally. Look at those edges. And the ambient light detail. Airpods simply don’t have those, and Samsung is riding into the sunset with the gen Z term for brilliant; it’s lit!
Controls on the Buds are similar to AirPods but they also feature several AI-powered capabilities beyond music playback, like translation mode, voice commands, two-way speakers, and adaptive ANC. The Buds 3 is open ear earphones while the Buds 3 Pro has a canal design. They boast longer battery life and smart volume and noise-cancellation based on ambient noise. The Buds 3 Pro also boast two-way speakers with a planar tweeter and dual amplifiers. Voice commands allow for hands-free control of music playback, volume, and other settings.
Smarter Galaxy Experience: At the event, Samsung also announced new AI features powered by Google Gemini. For example, Gemini could recommend apps based on your recent activity or adjust your phone settings according to the time of day. Samsung hopes that these features are able to personalize your Galaxy devices even more.
For a brand that has avoided minimalism and skirted around over-personalization as long as Samsung has – something Apple OS thrives on – that’s truly controversial.
Finally some excitement.
