Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

amazon Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 reviews

Galaxy Z Fold2 has a box with the letter Z cut in the middle; pulled out, we will have a box that opens like a book.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a masterpiece of engineering. Samsung has clearly listened to feedback from the first-generation Galaxy Fold, addressing many of the concerns raised by users and critics alike. The Z Fold 2 is more refined, robust, and practical.

The most noticeable improvement is in the hinge mechanism, dubbed the “Hideaway Hinge.” This new hinge is sturdier and more durable, allowing the phone to open and close with a smoother, more satisfying motion. It also introduces a new “Flex mode,” which lets the phone stay open at various angles, similar to a laptop. This feature is particularly useful for multitasking, video calls, and hands-free content consumption.

The exterior of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is made of premium materials, including Gorilla Glass Victus on the outer screen and a glass-like protective layer on the main foldable display. The metal frame adds to the phone’s overall durability, and the device feels solid and well-balanced in hand. The Z Fold 2 is available in two colors: Mystic Bronze and Mystic Black, both of which exude a sense of luxury.

When folded, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a bit thick and heavy, but this is a compromise that comes with the foldable form factor. Despite its heft, it remains portable and pocketable, albeit more comfortably in a jacket pocket than in tight jeans. The fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed on the side, integrated into the power button, making it easily accessible whether the device is folded or unfolded.

Accessories inside the Galaxy Z Fold2 box will have one 25W fast charger, 1 type C to type C cable, and 1 AKG headset with a replacement tip. This year, Samsung has removed the included rubber case; I wouldn’t say I like to use it because it will lose the beauty of a device.

Open up the Z Fold2 and experience a “future” smartphone. Samsung brought a big change on the Z Fold2 from the outside to the inside. First of all, the upgrade of the external secondary screen, the Z Fold2 has a larger secondary screen, the screen border is even and more beautiful than the previous generation.

Besides the secondary screen, the hinge is also upgraded by Samsung, providing a new and better experience for users. The hinge has been designed according to the CAM structure. The Z Fold2 can stay at any angle when opened. Allowing users to customize it according to the needs of each person.

Opening the Z Fold 2 continues to be a great improvement for Samsung; we will no longer see any defects, simply a large 7.6-inch screen that is brilliantly sharp.

With 2x Dynamic AMOLED panels and a 120Hz high refresh rate, the main screen of Z Fold2 offers an extremely good experience. The folds on the Z Fold2 screen are no longer too uncomfortable and rough like the previous generation. With a “perfect” screen like that of the Z Fold2, users can effectively use multitasking mode. Users can open up to 3 applications simultaneously, but I find that splitting the screen to run two applications is the best.

Display

The display is arguably the most critical aspect of any foldable phone, and Samsung has made significant strides in this area with the Galaxy Z Fold 2. The device features two displays: a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED cover display on the outside and a massive 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the inside.

Cover Display

The cover display on the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a considerable improvement over its predecessor. It is taller and narrower, with a resolution of 2260 x 816 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. This screen is now much more practical for everyday tasks, such as checking notifications, sending messages, and even browsing the web. The increased size and improved aspect ratio make it easier to use the phone without needing to unfold it constantly.

Main Display

The real star of the show is the 7.6-inch foldable main display. With a resolution of 2208 x 1768 pixels, this screen offers a sharp and vibrant visual experience, enhanced further by a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. The high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling, gaming, and overall fluidity, which is especially noticeable when switching between apps or navigating the interface.

Samsung has also reduced the size of the crease in the middle of the display, making it less noticeable during use. While the crease is still present, it is something that most users will quickly adapt to and may even forget about over time. The foldable display uses Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) technology, which, while not as hard as regular glass, offers a better tactile experience compared to the plastic screen of the original Fold.

The main display is also HDR10+ certified, which means you can enjoy high dynamic range content with rich colors and deep contrasts. Watching movies, playing games, and viewing photos on this expansive screen is a delight, with immersive visuals that rival those of premium tablets.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. This combination ensures that the Z Fold 2 can handle virtually any task with ease, from demanding games to extensive multitasking.

The Snapdragon 865+ is a powerhouse, providing blazing-fast performance and efficiency. Apps open quickly, and the device handles multiple tasks simultaneously without breaking a sweat. Whether you are editing photos, streaming 4K videos, or running resource-intensive apps, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 delivers consistently smooth performance.

The 12GB of RAM is more than sufficient for heavy multitasking, allowing you to keep multiple apps open in the background without any noticeable slowdown. The UFS 3.1 storage ensures fast read and write speeds, which contribute to the overall snappiness of the device.

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 also supports 5G connectivity, ensuring that you are future-proofed for the next generation of mobile networks. While 5G coverage is still expanding globally, having this feature on the Z Fold 2 means you can take advantage of faster download and upload speeds as the networks become more widely available.

Camera

The camera setup on the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is versatile and capable, though it does not quite reach the heights of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series. The Z Fold 2 features a triple-camera array on the back, consisting of a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom.

Main Cameras

The 12MP wide-angle camera is the primary shooter and produces sharp, vibrant images with excellent color accuracy. In good lighting conditions, the camera captures impressive detail, with a wide dynamic range that handles shadows and highlights well. Low-light performance is also commendable, thanks to the inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) and Samsung’s Night mode, which brightens up images while maintaining detail and reducing noise.

The 12MP ultra-wide camera is ideal for capturing expansive landscapes, group shots, and architectural photography. While it does not offer the same level of detail as the main camera, it still produces high-quality images with minimal distortion at the edges.

The 12MP telephoto camera provides 2x optical zoom and up to 10x digital zoom. While the zoom capabilities are not as extensive as those found on some other flagship devices, the telephoto lens is still useful for getting closer to your subject without compromising image quality. However, as with most digital zoom implementations, image quality degrades as you zoom in further.

Selfie Cameras

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 features two selfie cameras: a 10MP camera on the cover display and another 10MP camera on the main display, which is located in a punch-hole cutout. Both selfie cameras produce good results, with accurate skin tones and sufficient detail for social media use and video calls. The main display’s camera is particularly useful when using the device in tablet mode, allowing for hands-free video calls or selfies.

One of the unique features of the Z Fold 2 is the ability to use the rear cameras for selfies when the device is unfolded. You can preview the shot on the cover display, ensuring you get the best possible angle and image quality.

Battery Life

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is equipped with a 4,500mAh battery, which is split between the two halves of the device. Despite its large displays and powerful internals, the Z Fold 2 offers decent battery life, though it may not last as long as traditional smartphones.

In everyday use, the Z Fold 2 can comfortably last through a full day with moderate to heavy usage. However, if you frequently use the main display for gaming, streaming, or other intensive tasks, you may find yourself reaching for the charger by the evening. The 120Hz refresh rate and 5G connectivity also contribute to faster battery drain, though you can mitigate this by switching to 60Hz or disabling 5G when not needed.

The device supports 25W fast charging, which can recharge the battery from 0 to 100% in about 90 minutes. It also supports 11W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches using the back of the phone.

Software and User Experience

The software experience on the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a key aspect of what makes this device unique. Running Samsung’s One UI 2.5 on top of Android 10 (with updates available to Android 11 and beyond), the Z Fold 2 offers a customized interface designed to take full advantage of the foldable form factor.

Flex Mode

One of the standout software features is Flex mode, which allows the device to be used in various positions, similar to a laptop. When the Z Fold 2 is partially folded, the display can split into two halves, with the content on the upper half and controls or additional information on the lower half. This mode is particularly useful for video calls, where the camera can be positioned at an optimal angle while the controls remain easily accessible.

Flex mode is also integrated into several Samsung apps, such as the camera, gallery, and video player. Third-party apps like YouTube also support this feature, enhancing the overall usability of the device.

Multi-Active Window

Multi-Active Window is another feature that sets the Z Fold 2 apart from traditional smartphones. This feature allows you to run up to three apps simultaneously on the main display, with the ability to resize and arrange the windows as needed. For example, you can have your email app open on one side, a web browser on the other, and a messaging app in a smaller window at the bottom.

This multitasking capability is particularly beneficial for productivity tasks, enabling you to work on multiple documents, research information, and communicate with colleagues all on the same screen. The Z Fold 2’s large display makes this possible without feeling cramped or cluttered.

App Continuity

App Continuity is a seamless feature that enhances the overall experience of using the Galaxy Z Fold 2. It allows apps to transition smoothly between the cover display and the main foldable display. For instance, if you start browsing the web or watching a video on the cover display and then unfold the device, the app will automatically expand to take advantage of the larger screen. This fluid transition makes it easy to switch between different modes of use without interrupting your workflow or entertainment.

Most of the popular apps have been optimized to work with this feature, providing a consistent user experience across both displays. However, some third-party apps may not fully support App Continuity, leading to occasional glitches or a lack of optimization. Samsung has been working closely with developers to improve app compatibility, and the situation has been gradually improving since the device’s launch.

Gaming Experience

Gaming on the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is an immersive experience, thanks to the large 7.6-inch display and the powerful Snapdragon 865+ processor. The combination of the 120Hz refresh rate and the Adreno 650 GPU ensures that games run smoothly with high frame rates, even for graphics-intensive titles like “Call of Duty: Mobile” or “Genshin Impact.”

The large screen provides a more expansive view of the game world, making it easier to spot enemies, navigate maps, and appreciate the details in the game’s graphics. The Fold 2’s unique form factor also allows you to use one half of the display for gameplay and the other for controls, though this setup might require some adaptation.

The only downside to gaming on the Z Fold 2 is the battery drain associated with extended gaming sessions. The combination of the large screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and demanding games can lead to faster battery depletion, so it’s advisable to keep a charger handy if you plan on long gaming sessions.

Productivity and Multitasking

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 excels in productivity and multitasking, offering features that make it a powerful tool for both work and play. The ability to open up to three apps simultaneously on the main display is a game-changer for users who need to juggle multiple tasks at once. For example, you can draft an email, browse the web, and keep an eye on your calendar all on the same screen.

Samsung has also integrated its DeX mode into the Galaxy Z Fold 2, allowing you to connect the device to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to use it as a desktop computer. This feature, combined with the powerful hardware, makes the Z Fold 2 a versatile device that can replace a laptop for many tasks.

Another productivity feature is the improved drag-and-drop functionality between apps. You can easily drag images, text, or files from one app to another, making it simple to share content or work on documents. The Edge Panel, a feature borrowed from Samsung’s Galaxy S series, provides quick access to your favorite apps and tools, further enhancing the multitasking experience.

Audio Quality

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 features stereo speakers that deliver rich, immersive sound. The speakers are positioned on the top and bottom edges of the device when unfolded, creating a balanced stereo effect that enhances the experience of watching movies, playing games, or listening to music.

The audio quality is impressive for a smartphone, with clear highs, well-defined mids, and a surprising amount of bass. The Z Fold 2 supports Dolby Atmos, which further enhances the audio experience by providing a more immersive soundstage, particularly when using headphones or external speakers.

While the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack may be a drawback for some users, the device does support high-quality wireless audio via Bluetooth, including support for Samsung’s proprietary Scalable Codec for improved sound quality.

Durability

One of the primary concerns with foldable smartphones is durability, and Samsung has made significant improvements in this area with the Galaxy Z Fold 2. The new Hideaway Hinge is more robust and features a sweeper mechanism designed to keep dust and debris out, which was a significant issue with the original Galaxy Fold.

The hinge also allows for a smoother opening and closing motion, with a satisfying level of resistance that gives the device a premium feel. Samsung has tested the hinge extensively, and it is rated to withstand up to 200,000 folds, which should equate to several years of use under normal conditions.

The Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) covering the main display is more durable than the plastic screen of the original Fold, but it is still more prone to scratches and damage compared to traditional smartphone displays. Samsung provides a pre-installed screen protector on the main display to help protect it from scratches, and the company offers a screen replacement service at a reduced cost as part of its Galaxy Z Premier Service.

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 also features Gorilla Glass Victus on the cover display and the back of the device, which is currently one of the toughest glass materials available, providing excellent resistance to drops and scratches.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a remarkable device that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can be. It is a showcase of Samsung’s engineering prowess and a glimpse into the future of mobile technology. The device offers a unique blend of smartphone portability and tablet-like functionality, making it a versatile tool for both work and entertainment.

While the high price and potential durability concerns may be barriers for some, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 delivers an experience that is unmatched by any traditional smartphone. It is a device that appeals to those who want the latest and greatest in mobile technology and are willing to pay a premium for it.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is not just a phone; it is a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a symbol of the future of mobile computing. It is not for everyone, but for those who can appreciate its innovative design and cutting-edge features, it is a device that delivers on its promise and more. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a power user, or someone who simply loves to be at the forefront of technology, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a device that deserves your attention.

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