Every summer, Samsung’s Unpacked event brings the latest iteration of the company’s foldable devices, smartwatches, and earbuds. This year, it’s all about AI and its integration with the Galaxy Z series. Here’s everything announced at Samsung Unpacked 2024.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 Get Galaxy AI
The Galaxy Z Fold 6joins Samsung’s foldable lineup, mirroring the boxy flattened design of theGalaxy S24 Ultra. The device sports the same 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a resolution of 2160 x 1856 and a 6.3-inch cover display, which both support 120Hz. The main difference here is that both displays lose the rounded corners found in previous Z Fold phones.
The other notable change is the chip, which is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy. If the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s performance was anything to go off of, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 should deliver incredibly reliable and consistent performance across the board in terms of everyday usability as well as intensive tasks such as multitasking or gaming.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 has 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options and 12GB of RAM. Its 4,400mAh battery supports 25W Super Fast Charging and 15W wireless charging. The camera setup looks to be the same triple rear camera system with a 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP telephoto lens. The front camera is a 4MP under-display camera complemented by a 10MP cover camera.
Broadly, the hardware upgrade here is very incremental, like it has been for the past few years. The device still does not have a dedicated S-Pen slot, but it does get a dust rating this year—which is a very promising sign for foldables.
For the past five iterations of the Galaxy Z series, as well as the broader foldable market, this continual pitfall with long-term durability has been present. In 2021, Samsung introduced water resistance with the Z Fold 3, but dust and debris—the stuff that gets between the phone and its hinge—have always raised concerns about the longevity of these expensive devices.
With the Galaxy Z Fold 6, we’re finally getting an IP48 rating, which, of course, isn’t as effective as regular flagship phones. However, it does mean that there is at least some protection from dust and debris, which we weren’t getting in previous years.
Galaxy Z Flip 6
Much like the Fold 6,the Galaxy Z Flip 6continues the iterative trend across Samsung’s lineup, featuring almost an identical design to the Flip 5. The device features the same 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 3.4-inch Super AMOLED Flex Window on the front for quick notifications and selfies. Similar to the Fold 6, we’re getting a new IP48 rating.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is also powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy and is available in 256GB and 512GB storage options with 12GB of RAM. The 4,000mAh battery comes with 25W Super Fast Charging and 10W wireless charging. The camera setup includes dual rear sensors with 12MP ultra-wide and 50MP wide lenses. The front camera is a 10MP shooter.
Now it’s no secret that these phones are offering very minor design and hardware changes from the previous generation. Still, on the software side, you are going to benefit from Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite of AI-enabled smart features across the device.
Translation, for example, works in Flex Mode for both phones, allowing both parties in a conversation to view the translation on the main screen and the cover simultaneously. On the Fold 6, you’re getting AI-enabled photo generation that allows you to sketch something in Samsung Notes and have it generate artwork based on your sketch.
Aside from these features, you’re getting the same suite of AI features found on the Galaxy S24 series, including smart compose, image editing, and Circle to Search.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a foldable smartphone that merges the utility of a tablet with the ease of a phone. Its expansive, flexible internal screen seamlessly continues your activities from the cover display. This device epitomizes mobile productivity and entertainment, boasting advanced multitasking features, robust performance, and enhanced Galaxy AI functionalities.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a stylish, foldable smartphone featuring a dynamic 6.7-inch AMOLED internal display and a durable hinge mechanism. Equipped with the latest Snapdragon processor, it delivers outstanding performance, an enhanced dual-camera system, and Flex Mode for convenient hands-free selfies and video calls.
Samsung’s Galaxy Ring Is Finally Available
Samsung’s Galaxy Ring, teased earlier this year at the Galaxy S24 event, is finally available. This smart ring has a distinct concave design and a Grade 5 titanium finish while only weighing up to 3 grams. Like the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra, it maintains a 10ATM water resistance rating. It will be available in Titanium Black, Silver, and Gold and in nine sizes.
Samsung says that the Galaxy Ring provides up to seven days of battery life and incorporates many of the smartwatch features we’ve come to enjoy, including automatic workout detection, sleep analysis, and heart rate monitoring. Much like the Watch 7, the ring can provide comprehensive health insights through the Samsung Health app, all without a subscription.
This is probably the most exciting product in this year’s launch cycle, especially given that we haven’t really seen that many major players in the smart ring market aside from Oura or Ultrahuman. I’m excited to see where this product category will go, now that Samsung’s hat in the ring provides a subscription-less alternative to today’s options. I’m hoping the Galaxy Ring can be an effective smartwatch replacement, given that with so many people opting for these devices, our wrists have begun to look all but the same.
Samsung Galaxy Ring
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a wearable designed to seamlessly combine health monitoring and smart features in a sleek, minimalist ring. Outfitted with sensors, it tracks vital statistics, provides activity monitoring, and integrates with other Samsung devices to deliver a comprehensive user experience.
Samsung Goes Big With Galaxy Watch Ultra
This year’s Galaxy Watch 7 improves performance and health monitoring features. The watch is available in three color options, Green, Cream, and Silver, and features a 1.47-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels. New this year is the Exynos W1000 3 nm processor, which is coupled with 2GB of RAM and double the storage of 32GB, which should hopefully improve on the inconsistent performance of last year’s Watch 6.
The more interesting watch this year, though, is the new Galaxy Watch Ultra. Like the Apple Watch Ultra, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is designed for extreme durability, featuring a rugged build and larger frame. It comes in Titanium Grey and Silver options and boasts a 1.47-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels.
The Watch Ultra is powered by the same Exynos W1000 3 nm processor with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The standout feature here is its massive 590 mAh battery, which should bring multi-day usage.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is Samsung’s entry-level smartwatch for 2024. It retains the look of the Galaxy Watch 6 but is equipped with an upgraded Exynos W1000 chipset, offering significantly better battery life and performance.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is crafted for dedicated athletes, featuring 10 ATM water resistance and a battery life that lasts for several days.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro Get a New Design
The Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro offer significant design changes this year. Gone are bean-shaped pods, replaced with a new design with stems similar to AirPods. With the Buds 3 Pro, you’re getting an LED strip that spans the length of the earbud.
The new Buds 3 and 3 Pro feature advanced ANC and EQ with voice detect and auto-switching ANC. In terms of battery life, Samsung claims both models provide up to five hours of playtime with ANC on, and seven hours with ANC off for the Buds 3, and eight hours on the Buds 3 Pro, supported by a 500 mAh battery in the case.
The Buds 3 Pro come with an enhanced 2-way speaker with dual drivers for a richer audio experience and support a new ambient sound mode that intelligently monitors the sounds around you and filters in important sounds like sirens. Additionally, both the Buds 3 and 3 Pro benefit from Galaxy AI, now supporting translation in real time, directly in your ear.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3
The Galaxy Buds 3 are Samsung’s everyday earbuds, delivering high-end features at an affordable price. Equipped with 11mm dynamic drivers, active noise cancellation, and long-lasting battery life, they offer excellent performance without the premium cost of the Buds 3 Pro.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are the latest flagship earbuds from the company, boasting advanced AI features such as interpreter mode and voice detection. They promise superior audio quality with 10.5mm dynamic drivers and 6.1mm planar drivers.
Overall, Samsung’s latest lineup emphasizes the software side, bringing in minor hardware changes across the board. That said, I must say that I am impressed with how consolidated the entire lineup now feels. Regardless of whichever device you choose in whatever category, you won’t miss out on any of the latest features, which is great. Stay tuned for our reviews on these devices!
