Samsung unveiled its newest flagship smartphones on Wednesday, officially announcing the Galaxy Note20 series, Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+, Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Buds Live, and Galaxy Z Fold2. Here’s what you need to know.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 and Note20 Ultra
S Pen: One of the biggest advantages Samsung holds over its competitors is the S Pen, and this year’s iteration has better precision and some nice new features, like the five new “Anywhere actions” that let you navigate your device with gestures. Channel your inner Harry Potter and flick your wrist to go home, take a screenshot, etc.
Samsung Notes: The Samsung Notes app has been improved, too, with seamless syncing between devices and improved annotations. The S Pen couples audio recording with what you write, letting you tap on a word in your notes and instantly return to that part of the recording.
Fun with Microsoft: Samsung also upped its Microsoft integrations, making it easier to send messages, manage notifications, and even receive calls on your Windows 10 PC. You can pin mobile apps to your taskbar and Start menu for easier access, too. Gamers, rejoice: the 100+ titles available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will be available to play on the Galaxy Note20 series on September 15.
Photography & Videography Love: The Note20 series captures 8K video in 21:9 aspect ratio and 24fps, offering “ultra-high resolution and a professional quality video experience.” You can also supercharge your video with “pro-grade focus, audio, exposure, zoom speed control, and 120 fps video at FHD for cinematic-style videos.” An audio source selection feature allows you to adjust gain and selecting between onboard mics or external sources so that you can capture clear audio even in noisy locations.
Ultra Wideband (UWB) Technology: A feature called Nearby Share uses the phone’s UWB tech to let you easily share files between devices equipped with UWB, and can even let you unlock your home by using your phone as a digital key. This has the potential to be a true game-changer.
Samsung DeX: Need a bigger screen? You can now wirelessly connect your phone to a Smart TV with DeX.
The Screen: The Galaxy Note20 Ultra has an AMOLED 2X display and 120Hz refresh rate, and automatically adjusts to the content you are viewing to optimize battery life. The Galaxy Note20 Ultra has a 6.9″ edge Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, while the Galaxy Note 20 has a 6.7” flat FHD+ Infinity-O Display.
The Battery: The Galaxy Note20 touts an “all-day intelligent battery” and “Super Fast Charging capabilities,” adding that you can “get more than 50% charge in just 30 minutes.”
The 5G: Yep.
The Price: The Galaxy Note20 series is available for preorder today and will be available on 8/21. Pricing for the Galaxy Note20 starts at $999.99 and Galaxy Note20 Ultra starts at $1,299.99.
The Tech Specs: Full tech specs can be found at Samsung.com.
Samsung Galaxy Watch3
Samsung’s big push with the Galaxy Watch3 is health, wellness, and fitness, with the goal of having the Watch3 be the “center of your wellness experience.” The device’s fitness tracking, coaching tools, and “advanced sleep scoring” will quantify your health whether you’re working out or resting up. The Galaxy Watch3 also allows on-demand VO2 max and SpO2 readings, and can also detect falls (and can send custom SOS messages).
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
Samsung says the Galaxy Buds Live offer a better fit than previous models, and they feature a bigger (12mm) speaker, which offers deeper and richer sounds. The earbuds also have Active Noise Cancellation.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2
After listening to the feedback it got on its first two foldable devices, Samsung designed the Galaxy Z Fold2, which has two edge-to-edge, nearly bezel-less Infinity-O Displays. The cover screen is 6.2-inches and the main screen is 7.6-inches, each bigger than the Galaxy Fold’s screens.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+
The Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+ are the first 5G-supported tablets in the U.S., and they offer an improved keyboard experience (via a separate Book Cover Keyboard accessory) and an improved S Pen experience, similar to the one found in the Note20 series. Need a bigger workspace? The Galaxy Tab S7+ offers an extra-large 12.4” Super AMOLED display.
Author’s note: This is not a sponsored post. I am the author of this article and it expresses my own opinions. I am not, nor is my company, receiving compensation for it.