Samsung reveals new folding phone, Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy Watch 3 in Unpacked event
The world’s leading smartphone maker has unveiled seven new devices, including a more advanced folding smartphone and a redesigned big-screen phone. But is anyone buying?
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Tech giant Samsung is confident Australians still have enough cash to splash on gadgets during the coronavirus pandemic, revealing plans to launch one folding phone, two big-screen smartphones, two tablets, earbuds, and a new line of smartwatches later this month.
The world’s leading smartphone maker unveiled its tech haul in a “virtual Galaxy Unpacked event” from South Korea overnight, eschewing its typical New York City presentation, and taking the wraps of a huge folding phone “with the power and screen size of a tablet” as well as a new Galaxy Note 20 with a big screen and revamped look.
But, with the new Note commanding $2199, and an undisclosed price for the Galaxy Z Fold2, industry analysts say the smartphone market could be split between those who need more computing grunt and those who’ve taken an economic hit.
Samsung mobile communications president Dr TM Roh said technology had become a vital lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Never before have we relied on technology like we are today,” he said. “It’s how we are staying connected as we navigate the extraordinary challenges faced around the world. That’s why we have introduced five new power devices.”
They include a new version of the company’s first folding phone called the Galaxy Z Fold2 that will open to reveal a 7.6-inch tablet-like screen and will feature a larger, 6.2-inch display outside after criticism of the original model.
Samsung did not reveal an Australian price or a local launch date for the device, however.
Two version of the Galaxy Note will arrive in Australia on August 21, however: an Ultra edition with a 6.9-inch curved screen, three rear cameras, laser autofocus, larger battery, and a stylus with faster response time, and a 6.7-inch model with a flat display.
Both will be available with 5G, a striking design, and will screen Xbox games in a deal with Microsoft.
The 5G Galaxy Note Ultra will cost $200 more than last year’s model, at $2199, but undercut Apple’s top phone by $300.
Samsung also unveiled two Galaxy S7 tablets that will be the first in Australia to connect to 5G, as well as the noise-cancelling earbuds Galaxy Buds Live, and Galaxy Watch 3 smartwatches with more sensors to report on users’ blood oxygenation level, exercise efficiency, and sleep.
Samsung Australia mobile vice-president Garry McGregor said despite dire economic predictions, he expected Australians to embrace the new devices to help them stay connected to friends and work remotely.
Research conducted by Lab and Nature found two in five Australians were spending more money on technology products and services during the pandemic, and a study by Kantar found three in five were using messaging apps, video calls, and news content on smartphones more often.
“Essentially what we’ve done is we’ve accelerated behavioural change and attitudes towards technology,” Mr McGregor said. “What would normally take years … has happened over the last few months.”
Mr McGregor said the company would also launch an augmented reality website where Australians could virtually check out the size, shape, and look of the new Samsung Note smartphones without physically touching it or leaving home.
“It’s allowing a customer to see it who would normally go into a retail store,” he said.
Despite positive predictions, Gartner found smartphone sales fell 20.2 per cent during the first four months of the year — “its worst decline ever,” according to senior research analyst Anshul Gupta.
Telsyte managing director Foad Fadaghi said the Australian smartphone market could be divided between those in a position to upgrade this year and others who wouldn’t compromise but would hang on to older devices.
“It’s going to become a split market: it will be split between those who are very cautious, who might be on JobKeeper, have reduced hours or who might in an industry under pressure, and the other side of the market with safer jobs and who might even have more disposable income because they’re not going out,” he said.
“We could be in an interesting situation where part of the market is quite receptive to new high-end technology, as we’ve seen in other countries.”
Mr Fadaghi predicted Samsung could struggle to win as many fans in the tablet market, where Apple iPads dominated, but said upgrades to their smartwatches could succeed.
“Samsung has a huge opportunity here,” he said. “If they can bring applications and functionality that you don’t see on an Apple Watch, they could have a hit product.”
Preorders for the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 will begin online today (Thursday).