Samsung today unveiled two new foldable 5G smartphones at its Galaxy Unpacked event. One is a flat smartphone that opens into a 7.6-inch screen. The other is a smaller flip phone that opens into a 6.7-inch screen. The Z Fold3 with the 7.6-inch screen includes a stylus. The Z Flip3 is suited for customers looking for a smaller size phone to fit in pockets.
The Z Fold3 5G costs $1,799, and the Z Flip3 5G costs $999.
This is the third generation of Samsung Galaxy foldable phones. The first generation was unveiled with a lot of fanfare in the spring of 2019 and then immediately got slammed for problems. Early reviewers said the phones broke at the folding juncture, among other problems.
But Samsung has spent the past two years refining its foldable phone technology.
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Today, Samsung said, “The third generation of these category-defining devices incorporates key improvements that Samsung foldable users have asked for — making them more durable with more optimized foldable experiences.”
Both phones are water resistant and include a new protective film that Samsung says is 80% more durable than previous devices. The company has also improved its “Hideaway Hinge” and says both new devices were put through folding tests, verified by Bureau Veritas, to withstand folding 200,000 times.
Samsung holds it Galaxy Unpacked event in August to get a jump on Apple, which typically unveils its new devices in September. Samsung and Apple devices are the most popular smartphones in the U.S.
T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T offer the new phones
Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T were quick to announce that they will offer the new Samsung Galaxy foldable phones. They’re taking pre-orders now, and the phones will be available on August 27.
T-Mobile is offering a free Z Flip3 5G (or up to $1,000 off Z Fold3 5G) with a phone trade-in for customers who sign up for the Magenta MAX plan. And It’s offering $500 off a Z Flip3 5G or Z Fold3 5G with a trade-in on any postpaid plan.
Verizon is offering up to $1,000 off the new phones with select trade-in and select Unlimited plans to entice people to switch from another provider.
AT&T said customers can get the Z Flip3 for free or the Z Fold3 for up to $1,000 off with eligible trade-ins when purchased on a qualifying installment plan and eligible unlimited plan.