Samsung Unpacked launch event: what to expect in the next folding smartphones, ‘pro’ smartwatches

The world’s biggest smartphone maker is expected to unveil new phones that flip and flex, along with one major change to a top-selling product.

The next generation of folding smartphones is expected to be revealed at a New York event late on Wednesday, Australia time, with rumours strongly tipping Samsung to make changes to both of its flexing phones.

But smartwatches could also be on the agenda for the tech giant, which is tipped to launch a “pro” version of its flagship watch for the first time — much like rival Apple.

The launch comes after Telsyte research revealed interest in folding smartphones soared in Australia, with more than one in four consumers now interested in the technology.

This is what you can expect from the latest Samsung Unpacked event, and how to see it.

OPEN AND SHUT CASE

The South Korean tech giant left few guessing about the subject of its big reveal for 2022, with a profile photo of a purple folding phone on the invitation to Samsung Unpacked.

The latest smartphones will be the fourth generation of folding handsets from the company, which kicked off the trend before Huawei, Motorola and Microsoft joined.

Samsung’s third generation folding phone, the Galaxy Z Fold3 smartphone

Samsung’s biggest and best-selling folding phone is expected to get a modest but important makeover, with rumours tipping a smaller body for the 7.6-inch device and a new, sturdier screen hinge.

Reportedly leaked images of the Galaxy Z Fold4 did not reveal whether it would finally receive a built-in stylus like the Galaxy Note, however, as had long been tipped for the device.

The screen of the Z Fold4 could also get an upgrade, with a bigger front display forecast, and its three cameras may also get a upgrade.

Dutch publication Let’s Go Digital also predicted the new big folding phone would feature an extra fingerprint sensor in the screen of this phone, adding to or possibly replacing the scanner currently on the device’s side.

Tipsters have contradicted one another on prices for the new folding phone, however, with two well-known leakers claiming the price of the smartphone would drop this year, while another saying it would rise by 100 euros ($147).

Its predecessor currently sells in Australia for $2648.

FLIPPING OUT

The smallest folding phone in Samsung’s range, the Galaxy Z Flip3, was arguably the surprise star of its range last year, attracting attention with upgrades to its power and form.

This year, both of those features are set to get another post.

Samsung's new flip phone with a flexible screen, the Z Flip3, features a larger external screen, thinner body, and more colours.

Reports from OnLeaks suggest the flip phone will be slightly shorter, its screen slightly narrower, and its body lighter this year.

The new Z Flip could also have a bigger battery, according to YouTube pundit TechTalkTV, as well as a larger outer screen for showing notifications and improved dual 12-megapixel cameras.

Leaked images don’t show a big overhaul for Samsung’s smallest flexible phone, however.

WATCHING THE WATCHES

It’s not just smartphones but smartwatches that could be released at Samsung’s New York event.

Last year, the company released the Galaxy Watch 4 and larger Watch 4 Classic to the market. This year, it is tipped to launch a basic model and a ‘Pro’ watch with added features.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic could be replaced by a ‘pro’ model.

German site WinFuture predicted the top model Galaxy Watch 5 Pro would get a massive battery boost to last up to 80 hours — a jump up to 29 hours per charge.

This could lead to a chunkier device, however, and one designed for sporty types.

A Korean news site also predicted the new watch could get new temperature-sensing technology, which could monitor wearers for signs of infection from their wrists.

WHERE TO SEE IT

Samsung could show off these devices (and possibly more) in a live-streamed event from New York at 11pm AEST, on Wednesday, August 10.

The event will be available on the company’s YouTube channel and on its website, where it’s offering early deals for consumers who register.

The company’s announcement will be strategically timed to arrive as little as a month before rival Apple’s iPhone launch event, which is currently tipped for mid-September.

Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson travelled to New York as a guest of Samsung.

Originally published as Samsung Unpacked launch event: what to expect in the next folding smartphones, ‘pro’ smartwatches