Samsung unveils cutting-edge Galaxy Z series. (Photo by Sam Fong/The Edge)

SEOUL (July 26): In a jaw-dropping tech event, Samsung has pulled back the curtain on its latest innovation: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, the new gems of the Galaxy Z series.

These foldable wonders boast a cohesive folding design, all thanks to the “Flex Hinge” — which allows the phones to fold completely flat — that serves as the backbone for the unparalleled foldable experience Galaxy Z users have been craving.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd launched foldable devices at “Galaxy Unpacked” in Seoul, South Korea. The biannual event took place for the first time at its home ground for the first time since it was initiated 24 years ago.

The tech behemoth also launched a new range of Galaxy Tab S9 as well as the Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic at the event on Wednesday (July 26).

What sets the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 apart is the "teardrop hinge" technology, which when folded inwards, allows the axle to roll onto itself in the hinge.

Not only does the hinge design make the devices visually appealing when closed, but it also puts considerably less strain on the display, ensuring a much less visible fold compared to their predecessors. The improved hinge also significantly enhances durability and ensures a seamless user experience.

Samsung's latest high-end Android tablets, the Galaxy Tab S9, S9 Plus, and S9 Ultra, are now IP68 dust and water resistant, making them the first mainstream tablets to feature this level of protection. (Photo by Sam Fong/The Edge)

The teardrop design aims to address concerns regarding the "U-shaped" hinge flaw experienced with the past Galaxy Z Series 4 models, which resulted in prominent creases. In response to rival companies introducing waterdrop hinges that reduced creases, Samsung upped the ante with its unique teardrop hinge, solidifying its place as an industry leader in foldable phone design.

“Samsung is revolutionising the mobile industry with foldables by setting the standard and continually refining the experience,” said TM Roh, president and head of mobile eXperience business at Samsung Electronics.

The aluminium Galaxy Watch 6 (two watches in the middle) packs upgrades in its display, chipset, and battery. It is 20% larger than the previous model and the panels are sharper and brighter. (Photo by Sam Fong/The Edge)

“Every day, more people choose our foldables because they offer an experience people want that they can’t get on any other device. Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are the latest devices that prove our commitment to meeting the needs of our customers through innovative technology.”

Beyond design advancements, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 come loaded with impressive camera upgrades, featuring the cutting-edge FlexCam. Photography enthusiasts and content creators will revel in the ability to capture images from creative angles, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with smartphone photography.

Under the hood, these foldable powerhouses offer top-notch performance, thanks to the latest processor. The optimised battery ensures that users can enjoy their devices for longer, whether open or closed.

The new Flex Window

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 now comes with an all new Flex Window that is 3.78 times larger than the previous generation. The wider display provides more customisation options, including informative and graphical clocks that can match the face design of a user’s Galaxy Watch6 series as well as a variety of frames.

The Flex Window allows users to quickly access information through Widgets that appear on the front screen. Users can check the weather, control music playback and listen to music with Media Controller, or catch up on the latest global stock market updates with the Google Finance widget.

It also allows for access to notifications and access to Quick Settings for WiFi or Bluetooth. Moreover, users can browse through call history and reply to texts on-the-go using Quick Reply with a full QWERTY keyboard and visibility of chat history without ever opening the device.

In addition, Galaxy Z Flip 5’s new Flipsuit Case provides device protection with a changeable NFC card, so users can match their Flex Window design and case design for even more personalisation options. Higher quality photos are also possible thanks to the Flex Window, as users can use the rear camera for selfies.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 adds artificial intelligence (AI) solution improvements to the camera as even in low light, with improved Nightography capabilities, photos and videos are optimised in ambient lighting conditions.

The AI-powered image signal processing (ISP) algorithm corrects any visual noise that typically spoils low-light images while enhancing details and colour tone. Even from a distance, photos are clearer with the digital 10X zoom.

A productivity powerhouse

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the thinnest and lightest Fold in the series yet. The device, which is 10g lighter than its predecessors, supports a wide range of features including Taskbar, drag and drop, and optimisation of third-party apps.

The S Pen Fold Edition introduced in the third generation Fold in 2021 has also been fine-tuned to deliver a better writing experience on Galaxy Z Fold 5.

The improved Taskbar enables dynamic productivity by allowing users to quickly switch between frequently used apps. Up to four recent apps are at the ready for more efficient working. Newly enhanced two-handed drag and drop improves productivity when moving content between apps and screens.

With hidden pop-up — not all applications support this feature — an app can continue running in the background, allowing users to watch video content in full screen and continue working on a floating pop-up on the side of the screen.

The S Pen Fold Edition — which is embedded in the Slim S Pen Case — is slimmer, which makes real-time annotating and ideation easier.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy enhances graphics and uses AI to enable dynamic gaming and multi-game functionality. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 can handle long gaming sessions thanks to a better cooling system that dissipates heat more intelligently.

Redefined display

The Galaxy Tab S9, S9+ and S9 Ultra feature a dynamic AMOLED 2X display which provides better viewing and entertainment experiences with the power of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy.

The tabs are also the first to be given an IP68 rating. The new range also comes with IP68-rated S Pen.

“There are no devices like the Galaxy Tab S9 on the market today. A true disrupter in its category, it is the first of its kind to deliver experiences that users love most about tablets in one complete premium design,” said Roh. “The Galaxy Tab S9 series empowers users to take their big ideas and bring them to life, completely effortlessly.”

Galaxy Tab S9 series’ HDR10+ ensures scene-by-scene, frame-by-frame tone optimisation with a wide range of colours and brightness. The dynamic refresh rate of the Galaxy Tab S9 series automatically calibrates from 60 to 120Hz to balance smooth responsiveness with better battery efficiency.

For the first time on a Galaxy tablet, advanced vapor chamber technology helps power streaming, gaming or video editing marathons.

With the Galaxy Tab S9 series’ Book Cover Keyboard and DeX Mode, users can simulate a desktop experience. The Book Cover Keyboard’s adjustable angles and backlit keypad feel like a lightweight PC. Meanwhile, DeX Mode has an easy-to-follow cursor, flexible window resizing and positioning, and Second Screen capabilities to mirror or extend the PC screen to tablet. In a Google Meet call, collaborate more easily by sharing the screen and co-editing a live Samsung Notes document at the same time.

The Galaxy Tab S9 series will be available in Malaysia nationwide starting from Aug 18. The series comes in two colours, beige and graphite, and three sizes: 14.6-inch on Tab S9 Ultra, 12.4-inch on Tab S9+, and 11-inch on Tab S9.

Personalised guidance

Also launched were new range of Galaxy Watches. The Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic packs a punch with comprehensive health offerings and performance. Both designs are sleeker given its slimmer bezel, a larger and more vibrant display with more interactive user interface.

“With the new Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic, we are delivering on our commitment to advanced health monitoring tools, now offering easier access right from the wrist,” said Roh. “From sleep and fitness coaching to nutritional insights, Samsung is providing new and convenient ways to help users gain understanding and take action for better health and wellness, every day and every night.”

The watches most striking capability is its in-depth analysis of Sleep Score Factors — total sleep time, sleep cycle, awake time, plus physical and mental recovery — to help users understand the quality of their sleep.

Other features include individualised Sleep Messages, co-developed with the National Sleep Foundation; Sleep Consistency showing how consistent the user’s sleep and wake times are; and, a designated Sleep Animal Symbol representing their sleep type. There is also Sleep Coaching with tailored instructions, tips and reminders accessible on both on the wrist watch and paired smartphone.

The watches have a 20% larger display, showcasing more text on screen and a larger keyboard.

Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic come with a 30% slimmer bezel and a 15% thinner rotating bezel respectively. The series features new watch faces that make the most of the large display, while new one-click bands allow users to easily mix and match watch bands with over 704 unique combinations.

The series has also been upgraded with a larger battery and reduced battery consumption. Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic will be available nationwide from Aug 18.

A commitment to sustainability

Samsung has emphasised on its continued commitment to environmental sustainability, including reaching net zero carbon emissions by the end of 2030 for the Device eXperience Division.

The Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5 feature a wider variety of recycled materials than their previous generations, including pre-consumer recycled glass and aluminium and post-consumer recycled plastics, sourced from discarded fishing nets, water barrels and PET bottles. The paper used for their packaging box is made using 100% recycled material.

Moreover, each device comes with five years of security updates and four generations of OS upgrades, helping to extend the product lifecycle.

DigitalEdge editor Pathma Subramaniam is reporting live from the Coex Convention & Exhibition Center here.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 is priced from RM1,066 onwards,while the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Series is priced from RM3,699.