The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is a flagship foldable smartphone that was released in September 2020. As the name suggests, the device is 5G-capable and offers a range of high-end features and specifications. With a launch price of $1999, the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G sits at the top end of the smartphone market in terms of both price and quality. One of the standout features of the device is its unique foldable design; the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is one of the few smartphones currently on the market that offers this kind of form factor. When unfolded, the device reveals a large 7.6-inch AMOLED display, which transforms into a pocket-sized mini tablet of sorts. The device’s folding display also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which results in a smoother and more responsive user experience. The Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ chipset, which is a top-of-the-line processor that offers excellent performance, particularly for gaming and multitasking. The device is also equipped with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage as standard. In terms of the camera setup, the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G features a total of five individual cameras – two on the front, one on the cover, and two on the inside. The primary camera system consists of three lenses, including a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. Both the cover and front cameras are 10MP, meaning that the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G offers a great deal of flexibility and functionality in terms of photography and videography. The device is also backed by a 4500mAh battery, which is split across the two ‘halves’ of the device thanks to its folding design. This configuration allows the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G to support 25W fast charging, 11W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. Furthermore, thanks to Samsung’s ‘adaptive power saving’ technology, the device is able to optimize its battery usage based on the user’s typical daily routine and app usage patterns, which can help to prolong battery life further. With these key features and functionality, the twin benefits of innovative, large and normal screen design, and better power utilization with wireless technology will serve to illustrate the reasons why this product gains a great reputation in the market.

Overview of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Singapore

The Galaxy Z Fold2 5G comes in the biggest frame screen for a Samsung Galaxy Fold yet. When closed, you have a completely functional on-screen phone that you can easily use with one hand. But, open it up and you get the full benefit of the foldable tablet-sized screen, providing you with even more display space for texting, browsing, and gaming. According to Samsung, the Z Fold2 5G introduces a lot more durable hardware. For instance, the company added sweeper technology within the hinge, which uses elastic fibers to keep dirt and debris from damaging the phone. On top of that, the two intelligent batteries for the dual intelligent battery ensures that you can use this phone for quite a long time without the need to charge it frequently. With the Flex mode and app continuity, you’ll be able to do multitasking tasks in perhaps the most convenient steps, breaking the boundaries of mobile technology. For example, in Flex mode, Samsung’s camera app retouches your shots in real-time. And, with this feature from the same app, you can access different editing tools instantly, changing your game of mobile photography.

Key Features

The device is powered by the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor and 12GB RAM, making it incredibly fast and responsive. In my opinion, this is more than enough power for any user and is a real standout feature of the device. The processor is also 5G-enabled, meaning that you will be able to take advantage of the fastest mobile data speeds when 5G networks become more widely available. It is also worth noting that the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G comes with 256GB of internal storage, which should be ample space for most users. However, it is a little disappointing to see that there is no option to extend the storage with a microSD card. The front screen of the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G measures 6.23 inches and uses Super AMOLED display technology. The screen runs at a resolution of 2260 x 816 and has a refresh rate of 60Hz. I found that the front screen offers a bright and clear display with vivid colors and it is great for using the device with one hand on the go. When the device is unfolded, you have access to the main screen which measures a much larger 7.6 inches. This is one of the biggest smartphone displays on the market and it is truly immersive. The main screen uses Samsung’s Infinity-O Display which has a resolution of 2208 x 1768 and a higher refresh rate of 120Hz. I was extremely impressed with the quality and performance of the main screen, it produces stunning visuals and the high refresh rate makes for a super smooth viewing experience. The Galaxy Z Fold2 5G also has some excellent multitasking features, which really takes advantage of the large folding display. For example, you can have two apps open at the same time next to each other and they will adapt to a more practical layout as you resize the space each app takes up. This is really useful for things such as replying to an email whilst still being able to see your inbox, and I can see that multitasking on the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G could be a big productivity booster. Lastly, the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G has a triple camera system with a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 12MP wide-angle camera and a 12MP telephoto camera. The cover and front cameras are both 10MP, meaning that in total there are six cameras on the device. I will go into more detail about the camera capabilities later in the review, but it is worth noting that the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G truly has a flagship camera setup. All in all, the key features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G such as the large folding display, multitasking capabilities and impressive camera performance have left me extremely impressed with the device. I really enjoy using the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G on a day-to-day basis and it has easily become one of my new favorite smartphones.

Design and Build Quality

Overall, I have been very impressed by the design and build quality of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G. The device looks and feels fantastic, and the folding display is a real head-turner when showing off the device to others. I think Samsung has done an excellent job at refining the design and the hinge, and the result is a smartphone that truly stands out from the rest. I am also glad to see that Samsung has focused on practicality and durability by adding features such as the sweeper bristles in the hinge and the use of standard high-end materials for the construction of the device. However, I will be careful with the folding screen as recently, there have been some durability issues reported by other users. The Galaxy Z Fold2 5G still feels like a fragile device, so I would recommend using a case and handle the device with care.

Even though the device is very large when unfolded, I found it easy to hold and type on with one hand, which is actually useful for tasks such as replying to messages. The back of the device is made out of a high-quality frosted glass, which feels premium and does not attract fingerprints. The side frame is made of aluminium, adding strength to the device while maintaining a lightweight form. The glass and aluminium construction is the standard for most high-end smartphones and it’s great to see that Samsung is using these materials for the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G as well.

When unfolded, the large 7.6″ screen is a sight to behold, especially given that it is a foldable display. The “Infinity-O Display” looks impressive with a small hole-punch camera cutout and minimal bezels. The quality of the AMOLED display is fantastic, with sharp details and vibrant colours. Thanks to the high refresh rate of 120Hz, scrolling on the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is incredibly smooth and responsive.

The Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is available in two different colours – “Mystic Bronze” and “Mystic Black”. I have the Mystic Bronze version and the colour looks very sophisticated and elegant, especially with the matte finish. In terms of ergonomics, the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G feels great in the hand despite its size. Samsung has rounded the edges of the device compared to the predecessor, which makes it more comfortable to grip.

When it comes to design and build quality, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G really shines. The device feels extremely well-built and solid in the hand, and the hinge mechanism is a testament to Samsung’s engineering prowess. The hinge has been greatly improved since the previous model and it now feels smooth and robust when folding and unfolding the device. There are also new sweeper bristles inside the hinge that help to repel dirt and dust, which should make the device more durable over time.

Performance and User Experience

A sophisticated device like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G deserves an equally impressive performance. Powered by the advanced Snapdragon 865 Plus Mobile Platform and 12GB RAM, the device runs smoothly and is responsive to various tasks from daily social media browsing to playing graphics-demanding games. The 5G network capability means that it is ready for a fast and seamless cloud gaming experience, which is great for gaming enthusiasts. For the review unit we got, the device comes with a generous 256GB internal storage with no expandable storage option. However, a 512GB variant is also available for those who require even more space. The huge amount of storage is excellent for people who love to capture pictures and videos using the phone – plenty of space for those memories. On normal usages like scrolling through my social media feeds, casual gaming, checking emails and the occasional camera usage, a full charge can easily last me a day. For heavy usages like gaming and video streaming, I will have to do a top-up charge either at night or while I’m at my desk. You have a couple of quick charge options with the device – a 25W charger, an 11W wireless charger or the Wireless PowerShare feature, where you can utilize the foldable design to charge another device at the back of your phone wirelessly. If you don’t already know, the Wireless PowerShare feature was first introduced in the Samsung Galaxy S10 so it is not a new technology. It is certainly convenient but it’s definitely not something crucial because you can get a normal wired charger and it charges way faster. In my opinion, the significance of Wireless PowerShare in the Galaxy Z Fold2 lies in the innovative and futuristic experience it can deliver – charging two devices at once… and that’s cool.

Display and Multitasking

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is equipped with two displays. On the front, the device has a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2260 by 816 pixels. When unfolded, the phone features a massive 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2208 by 1768 pixels. According to Samsung, the front display offers a 25% larger viewing area and a 4% higher aspect ratio compared to its predecessor. On the other hand, the main display provides a 13% improved aspect ratio and a notch-free view, creating a truly immersive experience. The main display also supports a high refresh rate of 120Hz, resulting in ultra-smooth scrolling and gaming. The camera cutout on the main display has been minimized as well, while the 4mm pixels offer clearer and more beautiful visuals. Moreover, the front display now has a punch-hole camera, maximizing the overall viewing area. The larger screen real estate in both folded and unfolded modes enhances the multitasking experience on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G. Multi-Active Window, a feature introduced in Samsung’s One UI 3, allows users to open up to three apps simultaneously and create a perfectly customized workflow. By dragging and dropping an app from the Edge panel, multitasking pairs such as ‘Chat and YouTube’ and ‘Contacts and Messages’ can be created. App Pair, another new feature in One UI 3, enables users to launch their favorite multi-window setup instantly from the Edge panel. For example, turning on the cover screen and opening the Camera and Gallery in split-screen view is as simple as a single tap. In addition, the updated App Continuity now allows users to switch back and forth between the front and main displays more seamlessly. For instance, unfolding the phone when using an app on the front display will open it in split-screen on the main display. Closing the app and folding the device will then take it back to the front display. These improvements in the software and the introduction of more multitasking features perfectly complement the powerful hardware of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, creating an amazing and innovative user experience.

Camera and Imaging Capabilities

Overall, I am incredibly impressed with the camera and imaging capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G. The device has exceeded my expectations and offers one of the most enjoyable and functional camera experiences on the current market. It is clear that Samsung has put considerable thought and effort into developing the Foldable Main Camera system and making the most of the unique foldable form factor. I would highly recommend the device to anyone who is interested in a premium and innovative smartphone with cutting-edge photography and videography features.

Thanks to the combination of cinematic-quality camera features and the Foldable Main Display, I experienced a truly immersive video recording experience with advanced photography and videography controls at my fingertips. I was able to effortlessly switch angles between the Cover Screen and the Main Screen by unfolding the device, and the Dual Preview and Auto-framing features made it easy to capture well-framed and smooth videos. As such, I am confident that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G would appeal to content creators and video enthusiasts who are looking for the convenience of a portable yet powerful filming tool.

I tested the camera by taking a variety of photos in different lighting conditions, including broad daylight, indoor natural light, and low light. The camera performed incredibly well and consistently delivered high-quality images with excellent sharpness and vibrant colors. In particular, the ultra wide camera offers a 123-degree field of view, producing stunning and dramatic landscape shots. The night mode took fantastic low-light photos, effectively brightening and enhancing the scenes. Videos can be recorded in 4K UHD resolution at 60 frames per second, ensuring high-definition quality.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G also features Flex mode and Capture View Mode, which have been specifically designed to optimize the camera user interface and enable a more convenient and enjoyable camera experience. In Flex mode, when the device is folded at an angle, the rear camera view is displayed on the top half of the screen and various camera controls are displayed on the bottom half of the screen. This allows users to easily capture photos and videos with touchless commands. In Capture View Mode, users can review their photos or videos on the left half of the display while the camera viewfinder is active on the right half. This means that users can simultaneously preview their pictures and keep shooting, helping them to select the best shots and improve their photography skills.

In terms of its imaging capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is equipped with a rear triple camera system and a front dual camera system. The rear camera system consists of a 12MP ultra wide camera, a 12MP wide-angle camera, and a 12MP telephoto camera. On the other hand, the front camera system comprises of a 10MP front camera and a 10MP cover camera. The camera system supports advanced functionalities such as dual optical image stabilization (OIS) and tracking autofocus, which can automatically focus on and track a subject in motion.

Battery Life and Charging

To ensure powerful performance and efficiency, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is equipped with a 4500mAh typical dual intelligent battery. Also, it is underpinned by an advanced and sophisticated battery management system. The battery life differs depending on individual usage. On days with moderate usage, I found that the battery could last me throughout the day, from 7am to 10pm, with about 20% remaining. I would use the Cover Screen to check notifications and replies, and the Main Screen for more heavy-duty tasks such as replying emails and watching YouTube videos. The good news is that the device supports super-fast charging – both wired and wireless. When connected to the 25W super-fast charger, it was able to go from 0% to 50% in just under 30 minutes. This means that even a short charging session can get you a lot of power. When wirelessly charging with the Wireless Charging Stand, the device turns into a convenient second screen. However, in order to enjoy the super-fast charging, the device has to be powered off or placed on the Wireless Charging Stand. The device also supports wireless power share, where if the battery is running low, you can use the device to charge another Qi-enabled smartphone or wearable. This feature comes in handy when you want to help your friends out with their low battery emergencies. Overall, it took me about 1 hour and 40 minutes to charge the device from 10% to 100% wirelessly using the Wireless Charging Stand. The Wireless Power Share and super-fast charging are definitely my favourite features as they add a lot of convenience to my life. I do not have to bring a cable with me when I go out and I can also share my power with anyone without searching for a charging cable.

Software and Interface

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G runs on the latest version of the Android operating system, which is Android 10. It also has Samsung’s One UI 2.5 software. The user interface is quite intuitive and easy to navigate, even though the large 7.6-inch display can be overwhelming at first. Most of the time, the layout of the apps and icons on the home screens make optimal use of the large screen space. But when you open an app, which will take over the entire 7.6-inch display, things will be scaled up relatively and sometimes it may be a bit difficult for you to reach certain areas of the screen. However, I found it is not a common issue, as the most frequently used parts of the interface, like the navigation bar, are always within my thumb’s reach. Everyone is somewhat accustomed to using smartphones in a certain way and may feel skeptical about the foldable design. But over time, I appreciate the seamless experience the Z Fold2 has offered when transitioning from one screen to another. For example, when you unfold the big screen, the app will automatically expand to use the entire display, and you can immediately continue from where you have stopped on the front screen. When you fold it, the app window will become smaller and then there usually will be a sliding-up animation indicating the app is closing, which feels quite natural. Also, thanks to the Flex mode feature, it enhances the usability of the Z Fold2 in certain scenarios. For instance, when you open the camera app and the phone is half unfolded, the display will enter the Flex mode, showing the viewfinder at the top half and the camera controls at the bottom half of the screen. This allows you to have a hands-free experience by tapping the screen to switch modes or taking photos with the side fingerprint sensor, which is more intuitive and convenient. Another example is that when you are having a video call, you can put the phone on the table and the video feed displayed on the top half, while the bottom half will show the control buttons or the comments section. This makes the video call much easier and you won’t have your hands occupied by holding the phone. All in all, the device definitely provides a unique and enjoyable experience to its users by leveraging its big screen and the Flex mode feature.

Pros and Cons

Furthermore, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G has a Flex Mode feature that allows the user to split the main screen into two separate ones. This reveals the technology of the Hideaway Hinge, which uses interlocking gears with a CAM mechanism to make the structure stable. It also features an app continuity system that enables the user to pick up on either the cover screen or the main display where he left off. Another innovation of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is its rear camera. It consists of three lenses with different functionalities, an Ultra Wide Camera with 12MP and 123-degree field of vision, a Wide camera with 12MP and 26 degrees, as well as a 2x optical zoom Tele Camera with 12MP. The high resolution and good performance of the camera create possibilities for high-quality photos and videos. The cons of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G affect the interest of a group of people in buying this model. First, its weight and thickness make it hard to carry around and less portable. When folding, a ribbon-like crease in the middle of the larger display will be visible from an angle. Also, people may worry about the durability of such a foldable smartphone. The price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is another disadvantage which is likely to hinder the sales of the model. The price of this model is doubled compared with the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series and iPhone 11.

Pros of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G

Lastly, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G has a 4500mAh dual intelligent battery that can last for a day with typical usage. The phone also supports fast charging of up to 25W and wireless power sharing, which can charge Qi-compatible devices.

This smartphone has a triple rear camera system with 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP wide-angle, and 12MP telephoto cameras, as well as a 10MP front camera on the cover screen and a 10MP front camera on the main screen. The camera system delivers high-quality and sharp photos with accurate colors. Also, the rear cameras can be used for creating artistic and dramatic shots. The intelligent dual preview feature on the main screen shows the preview from both the photo mode and the flex mode. This allows users to quickly choose the best angle and adjust the composition by dragging the side preview to the desired location.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus, a flagship processor that provides powerful performance. It is capable of handling intensive tasks and running demanding apps and games. In addition, with 5G support, users can enjoy faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and a more stable connection in 5G coverage areas.

Firstly, in terms of display, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G has two displays – a 6.2-inch cover screen and a 7.6-inch foldable main screen. The main screen, in particular, is much larger than regular smartphones, providing a tablet-like experience. The main screen also has a high refresh rate of 120Hz, resulting in smooth scrolling and animations. This makes the phone suitable for gaming and multimedia consumption, as well as productivity tasks due to the spacious display. The large screen also allows for the enhanced multitasking experience, where multiple apps can be opened and viewed simultaneously. This is a unique and useful feature not commonly found in other smartphones.

Cons of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G

All these cons could be critical factors that hinder potential buyers from purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G.

The limited availability of apps optimized for the foldable display is a big drawback for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, given its high price and status as a technologically advanced phone. This drawback also contributes to the relatively low practicality of the foldable ability, since users may not have access to a wide range of apps that take advantage of the larger tablet-sized screen. It is also important to point out that the support for the foldable display may be a long-term issue for this phone, as developers may not be willing to invest time and effort to adapt their apps specially for such a unique display.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is definitely a high-end phone with its premium design, advanced features, and large foldable display. However, the price of the phone may not be an attractive factor to many users. With the high price of $1,999.00, most people would rather opt for a laptop and a mainstream smartphone that offers better performance at a lower total cost.

Another drawback of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is its heavy weight. When folded, the phone may be less comfortable to hold and use with one hand compared to traditional smartphones. Additionally, the phone is thicker and may not fit into the pockets of some pants. The weight and size may possibly hinder the phone’s portability, as it takes up more space and is more cumbersome to carry around. Furthermore, an accidental drop may cause more damage due to its weight and the momentum. This possibly leads to a higher repair cost, so extra care is needed when using the phone.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is truly a remarkable feat of engineering and design. The revolutionary design has transformed the concept of a smartphone, offering a device that can function as a phone and a tablet. The build quality is exceptional and the performance is excellent, allowing for seamless multitasking. The camera system also offers a high level of versatility and produces stunning results. Despite minor quibbles such as the price and the issue of durability, the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is an extremely exciting piece of technology that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone is capable of. Whether you are a professional who needs to work on the go, a heavy media consumer or someone who just wants to experience the bleeding edge of technology, the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is sure to leave a lasting impression.