Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked!

Samsung Electronics South Africa. has announced its all-new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, along with Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro at Galaxy Unpacked in Paris.

Earlier this year, Samsung ushered in the era of mobile AI through the power of Galaxy AI. With the introduction of the new Galaxy Z series, Samsung is opening the next chapter of Galaxy AI by leveraging its most versatile and flexible form factor perfectly designed to enable a range of unique mobile experiences.

Whether using Galaxy Z Fold’s large screen, Galaxy Z Flip’s FlexWindow or making the most of the iconic FlexMode, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 will provide more opportunities to maximise AI capabilities. Built on the foundation of Samsung’s history of form factor innovation, Galaxy AI uses powerful, intelligent and durable foldable experience to accelerate a new era of communication, productivity and creativity.

“Samsung’s long history of innovation has allowed us to be a pioneer in the mobile space, creating the foldable form factor and ushering in the mobile AI era. Now, we are excited to bring these two complementary technologies together and unlock new possibilities for users around the world,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our foldables meet the unique needs of every user and now enhanced by the power of Galaxy AI, Samsung is delivering an experience like never before.”

Samsung’s continued innovation for foldables has created the slimmest and lightest Galaxy Z series ever, optimised for portability. The perfectly symmetrical design with straight edge provides an aesthetically sleek finish while a new cover screen ratio on Galaxy Z Fold6 provides a more natural bar-type viewing experience. Along with design refinements, the new Galaxy Z series is engineered to provide even more durability, offering you greater peace of mind.

The dual rail hinge structure is further supported by a strengthened folding edge, better distributing the shock of external impacts. Plus, enhanced layers on the main screen help to improve the crease while maintaining strength. The latest Galaxy Z series is also equipped with enhanced Armor Aluminum and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2, making this the most durable Galaxy Z series yet.

In addition to being reliable, every element of the Galaxy Z series is also powerful. Both the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 are equipped with the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, one of the most advanced Snapdragon mobile processor yet, combining best-in-class CPU, GPU and NPU performance.

The processor is optimised for AI processing and offers enhanced graphics along with improved overall performance. The upgraded cooling system maximises performance with a larger vapor chamber on Galaxy Z Fold6 and, for the first time ever, a vapor chamber on Galaxy Z Flip.

Galaxy Z Fold6: Large Screen Productivity Elevated by AI

The Galaxy Z Fold6 offers a range of AI-powered features and tools that maximise the large screen and significantly enhance productivity. Note Assist on Samsung Notes offers translation, summaries and auto formatting for simple and easy meeting notes.

Plus, a newly embedded transcript feature enables transcription, translation and summarising of voice recordings directly in Notes. Texts in PDF files can be translated and overlaid perfectly through PDF overlay translation feature in Notes – and it even supports text in images and graphs.

A newly added Composer from Samsung Keyboard generates suggested text based on simple keywords for email and supported social media apps. For social media in particular, the Composer creates text that reflects your tone by analysing previous posts. Additionally, the S Pen experience is expanded further meeting with Galaxy AI on the Galaxy Z Fold6’s screen. All-new Sketch to image allows you to create more sophisticated art pieces by generating image options when you simply sketch or draw on the photos in Gallery or Note screen.

The Galaxy Z Fold6 enables you to evolve the way you work, play and stay informed thanks to Samsung’s longstanding partnership with Google. The latest Google Gemini app is fully integrated on the new Galaxy Z series, providing your own AI-powered assistant right on your phone. By simply swiping the corner of the screen or saying, “Hey Google”, you can bring up Gemini’s overlay and get help with writing, learning, or planning.

Gemini is integrated with some of your favourite Google apps, making it easy to organise a perfect travel itinerary by getting real-time flight and hotel booking information – and explore famous landmarks and the best routes to get there using Google Maps.

When you want detailed information about a K-pop music video while watching YouTube on Galaxy Z Fold6’s large screen, you can access Gemini overlay in the multi-window split screen to ask questions. If you’re curious about who the artist is in the video, just long press the home button and circle, highlight, or tap on screen – and Circle to Search will offer instant search results.

Galaxy AI has also enhanced barrier-free communication on Galaxy Z Fold6. Maximising its unique dual screen form factor, Interpreter comes with a new conversation mode that enables both parties to conveniently view translations on the main and cover screens for more natural interactions.

It also offers one-way translation, so you can easily understand when listening during lectures or any other type of presentation. Live Translate, which translates phone calls directly on your device in real-time, is also now being extended beyond Samsung’s own native calling app to a selection of popular third-party apps.

From capturing to editing to viewing, AI-powered ProVisual Engine on the Galaxy Z Fold6 takes your creativity to the next level. The advanced editing experience with Photo Assist on the large screen helps to effortlessly create professional-grade content. Portrait Studio[xv] creates a variety of different portrait styles such as 3D cartoon or watercolour for more creative possibilities.

And if you want to enjoy every second with a more detailed view, Instant Slow-mo allows you to instantly slow a video by generating additional frames while maintaining a smooth viewing experience. You also have the option of saving or directly sharing your videos with friends and family so they can enjoy them as well.  Not only does Galaxy Z Fold6 allow you to create content, it allows you to enjoy it too.

Galaxy Z Fold6 offers an upgraded gaming experience, anchored by its powerful chipset and 1.6x larger vapor chamber for the ability to game for longer, while still maintaining performance. Vivid, life-like graphics are supported by Ray Tracing and are brought to life on a 7.6-inch screen that offers a brighter display of up to 2,600nit to deliver more immersive gaming.

The Galaxy Z Flip6 is not just optimised for portability, but it offers a range of new customisation and creativity features so you can make the most of every moment. The 3.4-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow has been enhanced yet again, enabling AI-assisted functions without even needing to open the device.

And for those communications on-the-go, you can reply to texts with Suggested replies which analyses your latest messages to suggest a tailored response. With Galaxy AI, you can get the most out of your pocket-sized device and many of these convenient features exist on FlexWindow.

FlexWindow provides access to Samsung Health updates and notifications and also allows you to select the next track you want to listen to on your music widget. Plus, FlexWindow offers more Widgets than ever and allows you to check information from multiple Widgets simultaneously.

It wouldn’t be Galaxy Z Flip without a variety of ways for you to customise your device either. With the AI-powered Photo Ambient, a wallpaper can change in real-time based on the time and weather. You can also easily create a unified look and feel with suggested screen layout options by analysing your wallpaper — such as moving the clock and changing the frame colour to ensure the background image stands.

Creativity also goes beyond FlexWindow. FlexCam continues to offer the most versatile camera experience and unlocks new creative options. With the new Auto Zoom, FlexCam automatically finds the best framing for your shot by detecting the subject and zooming in and out before making any necessary adjustments. That way, you don’t have to choose between your friends or an incredible backdrop being in the shot – and it’s all hands-free.

New 50MP Wide and 12MP Ultra-wide sensors provide an upgraded camera experience with clear and crisp details in pictures. The new 50MP sensor supports 2x optical zoom for noise-free photos, while offering AI zoom for an advanced shooting experience with up to 10x zoom. Nightography, enhanced with video HDR allows you to capture more brilliant videos — even in dim lighting — and goes further by partnering with popular social apps as well.

The night capturing feature is now available in-app on Instagram, so you can take amazing photos at night and message or share them directly from within the app. You can continue using all the creative and customisable features of Galaxy Z Flip6 without worrying about battery life either, with longer usage time made possible by hardware and software optimisation.

Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 are secured by Samsung Knox, Samsung Galaxy’s defense-grade, multi-layer security platform built to safeguard critical information and protect against vulnerabilities with end-to-end hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection.

In the era of AI, Samsung’s commitment to empowering you with choice over your device settings is stronger than ever, which is why you have full control over how you allow your data to enhance AI experiences through Galaxy AI settings.

As an added layer of protection, Enhanced Data Protection offers end-to-end encryption when you backup, sync or restore your data with Samsung Cloud. The new Galaxy Z series is also backed by Samsung’s expansive list of security and privacy features including Knox Vault, Security & Privacy Dashboard, Auto Blocker, passkeys, Secure Wi-Fi, and Private sharing in Quick Share.

The latest Galaxy Z series reinforces Samsung’s commitment to do more for people and the planet with less by reimagining how mobile technology is designed and packaged. Samsung continues to scale its use of recycled materials with the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 by featuring recycled gold and copper for the first time.

Earlier this year, Samsung introduced recycled minerals like cobalt and rare earth elements in the Galaxy S24 series, all of which can be found in components of the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6, along with recycled plastics, aluminium and glass. The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 also come in a packaging box made from 100% recycled paper material, and they provide seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates.

This incredible Galaxy Z series will be available for pre-order starting from 10 July, with fulfilment starting from 25 July 2024. The Galaxy Z Fold6 with 256GB is priced at R43 499, the Galaxy Z Flip6 256GB at R25 999.  You can also choose a colour that best suits your style, Galaxy Z Fold6 is available in Silver Shadow, Pink and Navy, while Galaxy Z Flip6 is also available in Silver Shadow, Yellow, Blue and Mint colour options.

Bucket Tech: HONOR Magic V2

In recent years, foldable devices have evolved significantly, becoming essential tools for people on the move to work, watch, and connect seamlessly. Initially, these devices faced common challenges like being too bulky, having small batteries, hinge design gaps, and durability issues.

Acknowledging these concerns, HONOR took on the challenge and designed the thinnest and lightest foldable smartphone, the HONOR Magic V2 as part of its flagship Magic Series. This foldable device successfully addresses all consumer worries, ticking every box with its innovative solutions.

The Thinnest and Lightest Foldable with 9.9mm Design

Foldables have entered the Millimeter era, thanks to the HONOR Magic V2. Weighing only 231g and measuring 9.9mm in thickness when folded, the Magic V2 pushes the boundaries of innovation for foldable devices. The Magic V2’s superior lightweight design and premium build quality are enabled using breakthrough innovations such as the super-light Titanium Hinge and HONOR’s proprietary steel, providing a perfect balance between weight and strength.

At a mere 9.9mm thickness, this foldable device blurs the lines between foldable and regular bar phones, offering a size that competes with them while delivering a unique foldable experience.

Ultra-Durable Even after 10 Years

The HONOR Magic V2 achieved a certification from global authority SGS for its cutting-edge proprietary steel which is inspired by steel used in tunnel boring. This state-of-the-art material is 25% thinner and 20% stronger compared to the previous generation Magic Vs, providing added robustness and durability to the hinge mechanism. As a result, this enables the hinge to withstand 400,000 folds, ensuring a lifespan of up to 10 years for folding 100 times a day.

Additionally, the Magic V2 features a poly-curved nanocrystal glass on its display creating a deeper sense of safety and endurance for its user, offering 10 times greater drop resistance compared to typical glass. The Nanocrystal Glass 2.0 display within the device serves as a protective layer and acts as a shield against the uncertainties of daily life.

Huge 5000mAh Battery with No Compromise on the Thinness

When it comes to foldables, the challenge has always been deciding between a bulky design with a large battery or a slim design with limited battery capacity. The traditional "three-layer stacked" screen driver architecture has long been a major obstacle for putting large batteries in thin and light folding screen smartphones.

HONOR, however, has solved this puzzle with the introduction of the Magic V2. By incorporating a groundbreaking "three-in-one" display driver component, HONOR was able to take advantage of the additional internal space and fit in the thinnest 5000mAh Silicon-carbon Dual Battery in its design. This ensures that thinness is not compromised, and users can stay connected without the need for frequent recharging.

Gearless Titanium Hinge with No Gaps

What’s more, foldable devices faced a critical challenge with the presence of a gap, impacting both durability and overall design, causing hesitation among potential users. The HONOR Magic V2 has successfully overcome these issues, elevating the standards for foldable technology.

In comparison to stainless steel, titanium alloy is 42% lighter, making it a much more desirable option material for a lightweight foldable smartphone. Thanks to the sophisticated and improved hinge design, the Magic V2 exhibits no gaps between screens when folded. With its advanced zero-gear structure, this cutting-edge device introduces an impressive hovering feature.

Bucket Tech: Samsung Galaxy Fold

In a low-key event held last week in Johannesburg, Samsung launched their much anticipated Galaxy Fold. The world's first fold-able smart phone. It creates a new mobile category for the market  and combines the smart phone with a tablet. Now while it may create a lot of hype, it begs the question of the practicality of such a device with tablets being used for specific purposes these days and while being portable you never see many out in public, while the versatility of the smart phone has grown ever popular with many but clearly there is a gap in the market for such a device like the Galaxy Fold, as it garnered lots of interest world over when it was first shown. Other manufacturers are also hot on the heels of Samsung to create foldable devices of their own, one of which has already got theirs on the market in the Asian countries. 

 South Africans have given the same amount of interest to the device as the first batch of Samsung Galaxy Fold have already sold-out with the pre-order sales. Samung South Africa is currently working on increasing stock levels to keep up with the demand. Even after a delayed-release, there is clearly an appetite for this pioneering device. The Galaxy Fold officially goes on Sale in South Africa on the 18th of October 2019. 

Just a quick recap on what the Galaxy Fold features, the world's first 7.3 inch Infinity Flex Display which folds into a compact device with a cover display. Galaxy Fold offers a powerful new way to multitask, watch videos, play games and more - bringing to life new experiences and possibilities years in the making. "Samsung is proud to introduce a premium foldable device that goes beyond the limitations of a traditional smartphone" said Cambridge Mokanyane, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung South Africa. "The pre-order sales are indicative of the public's affinity for technology that transcends the norm".