News
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2: A head-to-toe improvement
An expected refinement
When the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 was first unveiled at the Galaxy Note 20 series Unpacked event we barely knew anything about the device. Now, Samsung has completely revealed everything.
As expected, this is a refinement of the first generation Galaxy Fold. Curiously, Samsung is calling it their third generation folding device following the Galaxy Fold and the Galaxy Z Flip.
Here’s what’s under the hood:
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 |
|
| Main Display | 7.6” QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display (22.5:18) Infinity Flex Display (2208 x 1768), 373ppi |
| Cover Screen | 6.2” HD+ Super AMOLED Display (25:9), 2260 x 816, 386ppi |
| Cover Camera | 10MP Selfie Camera : F2.2, Pixel size: 1.22μm, FOV: 80 ̊ |
| Front Camera | |
| Rear Triple Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide Camera : F2.2 ,Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV : 123 ̊
12MP Wide-angle Camera : Super Speed Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.8, Pixel size: 1.8μm, FOV: 83 ̊ 12MP Telephoto Camera : PDAF, F2.4, OIS, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 45 ̊ |
| RAM and Storage | 12GB RAM with 256GB internal storage (UFS3.1) |
| Battery | 4500mAh (typical) dual battery
Fast Charging compatible on wired and wireless Wireless PowerShare |
| Security | Lock type: pattern, PIN, password
Biometric lock type: Face Recognition, Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor Knox protection: real-time monitoring and protection. Secure Folder: a secure space on the device to keep content such |
| Colors | Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze
[Customization Hinge Color] Metallic Silver, Metallic Gold, Metallic Red, Metallic Blue |
Smoothing out the edges
As expected, the Galaxy Z Fold2 looks more like a finished product than its predecessor. The 6.2-inch Infiniy-O (punch-hole) cover screen makes it usable when folded. You can check emails, look up directions, watch videos, and pretty much anything you would normally do on your phone.
Unfold it and you’ll be greeted by the 7.6-inch main screen that now has a punch hole front camera instead of the hideous notch that was present in the original Galaxy Fold. That massive screen also has a 120Hz refresh rate.
The Galaxy Z Fold2 is held together by the Hideaway Hinge with the CAM mechanism that helps you prop up the fold in whatever way you want it to. They also added the sweeper tech first used on the Galaxy Z Flip. This repels dust and dirt between the body and the hinge.
Different capturing modes
The numbers on the cameras aren’t gonna jump out at you. What’s unique is the number of ways you can capture stills and footage with the device.
There’s Capture View Mode that lets you preview your last five shots on the bottom half of the screen without leaving the camera app.
There’s also Auto Framing which lets you shoot videos hands-free. When over three people are detected, it will automatically zoom out to capture everyone. It uses a machine learning algorithm to detect human faces. Trackable distance is between 1.5m to 2.5m.
It also retains the feature that lets you use the front camera as a viewfinder but use the main camera to take the photo for a higher resolution image. You also get staple Galaxy camera features like Pro Mode, Single Take, Bright Night, and many others.
A multitasking machine
Everyone says this about devices with massive screens but Samsung has put in extra attention to make sure that the ONE UI version on the Galaxy Z Fold2 meets the needs of mobile multitaskers.
Multi-Active Window now lets you have more control and should be easier to use. There’s an improved Multi-Window Tray that lets you use multiple files from the same app and view them side by side.
You can drag and drop seamlessly to move or copy files and can switch between traditional screen or large screen layouts on the Main screen depending on your preference.
This is also the first foldable to implement the use of three apps all at the same time. With Edge Panel, you can customize how those three apps are laid out. The new Screen Capture tech also lets you take a screenshot and just select one of those three apps as the final product without needing to resize and edit.
Everything was just really built intuitively in a way that makes sense for the Fold2’s form factor.
Thom Browne Edition
As revealed during the Galaxy Note 20 series launch, the Galaxy Z Fold2 will have a Thom Browne Edition.
Other than the signature geometric grey and multicolor stripe look, software additions include a new lock screen and exclusive photo filter.
Each Thom Browne Edition Package includes the Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Buds Live and an array of fully customized accessories all featuring elements of Thom Browne’s iconic design.
Galaxy Z Premiere
Just like previous Galaxy Fold owners, Galaxy Z Fold2 consumers have access to the Galaxy Z Premier Service. It’s an on-demand concierge support from a dedicated team of product experts.
Galaxy Z Fold2 owners will be provided one-time device protection against accidental display damage within one year of purchasing date.
With Galaxy Z Premiere, Galaxy Z owners can get a membership to Founders Card21, access to a prepared meal from a Michelin star restaurant, and an elite fairway golf and country club program at clubs across the U.S.23 with more benefits being added all the time.
Pricing and availability
In the US, The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 will retail for US$ 1,999. It will be available starting September 18 in carrier and Unlocked by Samsung versions through Samsung.com, carriers and select retailers online.
Pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G begin September 2, 2020 at 12:01 am ET.
Original Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Flip users can trade-in their device to get the Galaxy Z Fold2 for as low as US$ 25/month with up to US$ 800 trade-in value. Users can save up to US$ 650 on trade-ins of other eligible devices. These offers are for a limited time.
Meanwhile, The Galaxy Z Fold2 Thom Browne edition will retail for US$ 3,299 and will be available for pre-order beginning September 2, 2020 with general availability on September 25, 2020.
In the Philippines, The Galaxy Z Fold2 will be available in Mystic Black and Mystic Bronze on
September 25, 2020 for select Samsung Online Partners and October 2, 2020 for select Authorized Samsung Stores.
Pre-order period is from September 12 to 24, 2020.
News
realme 16 series 5G launches in the Philippines
Pro Plus variant, telephoto lens return; price, availability, offers
realme has officially launched the realme 16 series 5G in the Philippines, composed of three variants: the 16 5G, 16 Pro 5G, and the 16 Pro+ 5G.
The latest numbered series entries promise improved photography, longer battery life, and smarter AI features.
The series is now available nationwide for the following SRPs:
- realme 16 5G (8GB+256GB): PhP 25,999
- realme 16 Pro 5G (8GB+256GB): PhP 31,999
- realme 16 Pro 5G (12GB+512GB): PhP 37,999
- realme 16 Pro+ 5G (12GB+512GB): PhP 43,999
To make the most out of purchasing any of realme’s new releases, customers can pre-order until April 30 for freebies such as the realme Buds Air7 or realme Watch S2.
Also up for grabs are a 5,000mAh power bank, Privilege Card, and discounts of up to PhP 2,000. These put the total perks’ value at about PhP 8,900.
In addition, Shopee customers can enjoy up to PhP 9,000 off until May 5 and get a free AKASO EK7000 series action camera. This means the device can be checked out for as low as PhP 22,499.
Master Portrait for moments that matter
The biggest highlight of the realme 16 series is the 200MP Multi-focal LumaColor Camera System on the Pro models.
This is designed for detailed shots across different focal lengths. Moreover, the Pro+ 5G brings back a 50MP 3.5x telephoto lens for more versatile portraits and zoom photography.
It can be recalled that the previous 15 series didn’t have a Pro+ model and also ditched the telephoto lens.
The more accessible realme 16 5G, on the other hand, has a dual 50MP portrait camera system powered by a Sony IMX852 sensor.
AI tools are available across all variants, including AI Edit Genie 2.0, AI Instant Clip, and AI Portrait Glow. There’s also more room to play with Vibe Master Mode and AI Photo Popout.
Built to last longer
All three variants are equipped with 7,000mAh batteries for extended daily use, with the Pro variants supporting 80W SUPERVOOC charging as well.
The Pro+ 5G runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, while the Pro houses a Dimensity 7300 Max.
Both Pro models likewise have an Airflow Vapor Chamber Cooling System and have 144Hz AMOLED displays.
The base model, meanwhile, is powered by a Dimensity 6400 Turbo chipset and comes with a 120Hz AMOLED display in a more compact form.
Another key highlight is durability, as the entire lineup features IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K dust and water resistance.
The realme 16 series features these distinct colorways:
- Pro+ 5G: Master Gold
- Pro 5G: Pebble Grey, Orchid Purple
- 16 5G: Air White, Air Black (with built-in Selfie Mirror at the back)
Entertainment
DC’s Clayface teaser shows off a horror-filled superhero movie
Our first taste of James Gunn’s Gotham City will be frightening.
Last year, James Gunn’s Superman sparked an impressive wave of excitement for the new DC Universe. Though this year’s spotlight is on Supergirl, Clayface is also getting an eponymous film, giving us our first taste of Gotham City in this bustling universe.
There’s been a lot of mystery surrounding this film. For one, Gotham City’s DCU debut is based on, arguably, a secondary villain, rather than any member of the Bat-Family. Secondly, Gunn has confirmed that the movie will heavily lean towards the horror genre, a feat others have tried but often failed.
Today, DC Studios has released the first teaser trailer for Clayface. And no, Gunn wasn’t kidding when he said this is going to be a horror film.
Tom Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen, a rising movie star suddenly scarred by a violent attack. Desperate to resurrect his career, he resorts to a scientific experiment that turns his skin into moldable clay.
As the teaser hints, the film will not shy away from body horror, including shots of Hagen’s disfigured face either from the attack or from the clay. It’s a big departure from the more traditional style of Superman or Supergirl. But it’s a gamble that might pay off for a universe as young as the DCU.
It’s also apropos that the DCU’s first horror film is getting a horror-themed premiere. Clayface will premiere in cinemas on October 23, 2026.
SEE ALSO: Superman sequel, titled Man of Tomorrow, comes out in 2027
Automotive
VinFast to expand in the Philippines with e-scooters: report
VinFast to compete head-on with major motorbike players
VinFast is bringing its electric scooters to the Philippines.
According to a report by TopGear, the Vietnamese EV manufacturer has signed agreements with 14 local distributors.
The report mentioned that specifically, the Evo, Feliz II, and Viper models shall be made available. The rollout will naturally begin in metro areas, as expected.
These models provide longer range on a single full charge and higher top speeds compared to budget e-bikes. It means they are suitable to be driven on major highways, provided that drivers have a license and the scooter is registered.
Moreover, in what is somewhat similar to Gogoro’s model from a few years back, VinFast is set to have 30,000 battery-swapping stations nationwide.
This way, drivers wouldn’t have to worry about running out of battery power while on the road. They can simply swap batteries instead of looking for charging stations.
This development means VinFast is competing head-on against other fuel-powered motorcycle brands in a market where such vehicles are popular for everyday use.
Not only that, VinFast will likewise compete with the likes of Yadea, RUX Electric Mobility, and even Hatasu to a certain extent.
It doesn’t come as a surprise as back home, VinFast is aggressively pushing for electrification, selling e-scooters to consumers.
This is aligned with the government’s goal to eventually ban petrol motorbikes in major cities, including the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Given the massive rate the production is going, it is only sensible for VinFast to also target nearby markets where it already has a presence, including Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.
In the Philippines, the Vingroup’s EV arm already competes in the electric cars and SUVs segment. Its offerings include the VF3 and VF5.
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