Tried and tested: The new Samsung phone range

They flip, they fold, they come with handles: this is what you need to know about Samsung’s newly launched gear in Australia. We’ve put them to the test.

Are you ready to fold your phone in half on purpose? Samsung launches its family of futuristic phones this weekend.

SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD4

The fourth generation Fold proves the tech is ready

From $2499, samsung.com/au

Samsung's fourth generation folding smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold4, features more powerful cameras, a redesigned hinge and lighter weight.

PROS

– Huge camera boost

– Smaller, smoother hinge

– New Taskbar saves time

CONS

– No big redesign

– Stylus sold separately

– Still not dust-resistant

If you’re not sold on Samsung’s fourth generation Fold, you might never buy a big folding phone. The Galaxy Z Fold4 doesn’t reinvent the company’s book-shaped, futuristic gadget but it refines it in important ways. Upgrades include a camera boost, with the main camera now a 50-megapixel shooter, slightly bigger screens up front and in the middle, a slightly lighter body and a redesigned hinge that is both smoother and smaller, and new software that adds a taskbar below apps. Combined with water-resistance from last year, this Fold is finally ready for mainstream use.

VERDICT: ★★★★★

SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FLIP4

No big flip-out for this folding phone

From $1499, samsung.com/au

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 comes with a larger battery and smaller body.

PROS

– Smaller and pocketable

– More to do on front screen

– Improved battery

CONS

– No major changes

– Cameras are basic

– Small screen limited

It’s easy to see why this is a favourite folding phone option for some buyers: firstly, it’s much cheaper than the Fold and, secondly, it’s much smaller. The pocket-sized appeal of the Z Flip continues in the latest edition, this time with a slightly more compact body and an improved and refined hinge. While the Flip is not reinvented here, the new model also adds 12 per cent more battery power, a wider and brighter camera lens option, and a front screen that can do more, like show settings or take portrait photos. It’s missing big changes for upgraders but this Flip does offer more for the same price as the year before.

VERDICT: ★★★★

SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH5 PRO

A smartwatch with more fitness smarts than you’d expect

From $725, samsung.com/au

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 Pro will feature a bigger battery and more sports features.

PROS

– Sits well on the wrist

– Much bigger battery

– Bigger, clearer screen

CONS

– No use for temperature sensor

– Large body may not suit all

– Only two colour options

Garmin, Suunto and their sporty friends should be very nervous about Samsung’s new smartwatch. With a few hardware additions, it makes a compelling case to replace a disconnected fitness watch. The first Pro Samsung smartwatch adds a battery that’s 60 per cent larger than its predecessor, sits better on the arm to deliver more accurate readings, uses a tough sapphire crystal screen with a large and clear display, and redesigns its sensors. It also boasts a temperature sensor, although there are no uses for it yet.

VERDICT: ★★★★½

SAMSUNG GALAXY BUDS2 PRO

Smaller, lighter and more comfortable than their predecessors

$349, samsung.com/au

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offer active noise cancellation.

PROS

– Smaller, lighter form

– Decent noise cancellation

– Excellent sound quality

CONS

– Features locked to Samsung

– Mics could be better

– Command high price

From the infamous “ear beans” to glossy, olive-shaped devices, Samsung has launched plenty of earbud designs. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro are its most successful efforts to date, however, with a form that is 15 per cent smaller than their predecessors, lighter at just 5.5g per earbud, and capable of producing high-quality, distraction-free audio. Each earbud uses three microphones to identify and cancel noise, though they can also automatically switch to transparent audio with Voice Detect engaged. These sound machines also add 24-bit Hi-Fi support for streaming detailed lossless audio, though the feature only works on Samsung devices.

VERDICT: ★★★★

SAMSUNG GALAXY Z FOLD4 SILICON GRIP

An innovative way to hold an unconventional phone

$79, samsung.com/au

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Silicone Grip Cover adds a handle to the folding phone.

PROS

– Grip is a game-changer

– Adds a bumper to front screen

– Silicon finish stops slips

CONS

– Makes wireless charging tough

– Front bumper needs adhesive

– Pricey for a case

In its full, unfolded glory, the Fold4 could pass for a tablet so adding a handle to it could be smart insurance. This new-release case comes in two parts: a bumper to hug the edges of its front screen, and a case with elasticated handle to fit its rear panel. The result is a secure way to hold your phone while safely enjoying all that its 7.6-inch screen has to offer. The handle can get in the way of wireless charging or docks, but it could also stop a tragic drop.

VERDICT: ★★★★

Originally published as Tried and tested: The new Samsung phone range