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Hey, what's up, y'all? MKBHD here. Today, Samsung hosted their anticipated summer Unpacked event in July, revealing two new phones and three new wearable devices. Well, it's actually more than that if you count the different sizes, but there's a lot to unpack. I had the chance to go hands-on with all of it, so here are my first impressions.
The New Foldables: Samsung Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6
Let's kick things off with the stars of the show: the new foldable phones. This year, Samsung introduced the Z Flip 6 and the Z Fold 6. At first glance, these phones might seem like minor iterations on last year's models, but there's more beneath the surface.
Samsung Z Fold 6
The Fold 6 closely resembles its predecessor, the Fold 5. However, Samsung has made some subtle yet significant changes. The sides are more squared, the camera housing has a refreshed look, and the bezels are slightly thinner, making the cover screen more usable. Both screens now reach up to 2,600 nits, providing better visibility in bright light. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Fold 6 comes in new colors and features a 60% larger vapor chamber for improved cooling.
One of the notable updates is the enhanced hinge, which is more durable and less prone to creasing. The under-screen camera remains, but the overall design feels more refined. Samsung's focus this year seems to be on integrating advanced AI features. The new Galaxy AI section in the settings app highlights features like Call Assist, Note Assist, and Transcript Assist, which can be genuinely useful.
Samsung Z Flip 6
Similarly, the Z Flip 6 follows the same design philosophy as the Z Fold 6. It boasts the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, squared-up sides, and a slightly refreshed design. The camera setup now includes a 50-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, borrowed from the base S24. The battery has been increased from 3,700 to 4,000 mAh, promising better longevity. The inside screen also reaches 2,600 nits, and there's a wider variety of widgets for the outside screen, making it more functional.
Enhanced AI Features
Samsung's new AI features are at the forefront of these devices. Similar to Apple's recent updates, Samsung has grouped all AI functionalities under the Galaxy AI banner. This includes features like Call Assist, which helps manage calls, and Note Assist, which summarizes notes. The AI also extends to the browser, offering summarizations of web pages and generative fills for photos.
Drawing Assist is another interesting addition. It can transform your sketches into different art styles within Samsung Notes, providing a fun and creative outlet for users. These AI enhancements aim to make everyday tasks more efficient and engaging.
Price and Availability
The Z Flip 6 starts at $1,099, while the Z Fold 6 is priced at $1,899, both $100 more than their predecessors. While the price hike might be a deterrent for some, the advanced features and improvements could justify the cost for tech enthusiasts.
New Wearables: Galaxy Watch 7, Watch 7 Ultra,
free ipad Buds Pro, and Smart Ring
Samsung also unveiled new wearables that have garnered a lot of attention. The Galaxy Watch 7 series, Buds Pro, and a new smart ring are set to compete with other high-end wearables on the market.
Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch 7 Ultra
The Galaxy Watch 7 gets a modest refresh, starting at $299 for the 40-millimeter model. The standout addition is the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra. This new entry features a titanium body, sapphire crystal display, and a beefier build to accommodate a 590 mAh battery. It's water-resistant up to 100 meters and includes dual-frequency GPS. The new Quick Button (akin to Apple's Action Button) is a customizable feature that can start workouts or other activities.
Priced at $650, the Watch 7 Ultra is positioned against Apple's Watch Ultra, which retails for $800. Samsung's new Energy Score compiles health metrics into a single score, providing a comprehensive overview of your well-being.
Galaxy Buds Pro and
free ipad Buds 3
The Galaxy Buds Pro and Buds 3 also saw updates. The Buds Pro, priced at $249, include features like adaptive noise cancellation and Ambient mode. They have a new design with blade lights indicating different modes. The Buds 3, priced at $179, offer a more basic experience but still include essential features for a high-quality audio experience.
Samsung Smart Ring
Finally, Samsung introduced their much-anticipated smart ring. Designed for 24/7 fitness tracking, the ring monitors heart rate, skin temperature, and other metrics. It's water-resistant up to 100 meters and boasts a seven-day battery life. The charging case lights up to show the charging status, which is a nice touch. The ring, priced at $399, does not require a subscription, unlike the Oura Ring.
Final Thoughts
Samsung's latest offerings continue to push the boundaries of technology. The new foldables, enhanced AI features, and innovative wearables are impressive. While the prices have increased, the improvements and new features could make them worthwhile for many users.
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Thanks for watching! Let me know which
devices you're most excited about and what you'd like to see reviewed first. Catch you in the next one. Peace.
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