News

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2: A head-to-toe improvement

An expected refinement

Published

September 1, 2020

Rodneil Quiteles

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:

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	10MP Selfie Camera : F2.2, Pixel size: 1.22μm, FOV: 80 ̊
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

TECNO’s SPARK 50 Pro is the latest budget smartphone battery beast

Just two months after the SPARK 50 5G

Published

June 16, 2026

Vincenz

One after another, TECNO launches the SPARK 50 Pro with a beastly battery within. That’s just days after the grand launch of the POVA 8 5G in India.

Built to last

The icing of the cake has got to be the battery of the SPARK 50 Pro. However, the battery capacity will differ depending on where you live.

There’s a 5600mAh dual-cell version and a slightly larger single-cell model hitting the 6000mAh mark.

Still, despite that battery capacity, it measures just 7.8mm thin.

If you’re worried about battery longevity, the SPARK 50 Pro can still last more than 80% of their original battery capacity — even after 1900+ charging cycles in six years.

Charging support is faster at 60W, better than what TECNO’s 45W speeds in their most recent smartphones.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Beneath that battery lies MediaTek’s Helio G100 Ultimate SoC. When it comes to memory, it allows up to 24GB extended thanks to Memory Fusion 4.0.

Up front, there’s a 6.78-inch 120Hz display paired with DTS-supported dual stereo speakers.

Finally, the SPARK 50 Pro also boasts SGS Five-Star durability certification alongside IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance — making it one of the budget-friendly devices to have such durability rating.

More than meets the eye

Unlike the base SPARK 50 5G, the SPARK 50 Pro is powered by a 50MP Sony LYTIA 600 (or LYT-600) main camera. The said sensor promises improved low-light performance compared to typical cameras in its category.

The company is also bringing its TECNO’s very-own FlashSnap capabilities found in higher CAMON series. This feature offers shutter speeds of up to 1/10,000 of a second to better capture fast-moving subjects like pets, sports, or action shots.

Speaking of, TECNO’s Universal Tone technology also returns, aiming to produce more natural-looking skin tones across different environments.

Several AI-powered editing tools are included as well. That includes AI Eraser 2.0 and AI Extender for photos, AI Noise Cancellation for clearer calls, as well as AI Health Assistant. Even Ella as your AI Assistant was not left behind.

For off the grid communication, FreeLink 2.0 exists when needed.

Pricing and Availability

The TECNO SPARK 50 Pro comes in five color choices: Ink Black, Titanium Grey, Midnight Blue, Dynamic Orange, and Cloud White.

TECNO has yet to announce official pricing and regional availability.

News

Nothing is coming to over 500 Best Buy stores in the United States

Also available online

Published

June 15, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

As the newest kid on the block, Nothing hasn’t made it terribly easy to grab one of their phones. But that’s all part of the allure. After all, fashion shouldn’t be easy.

Thankfully, all that difficulty isn’t forever. Nothing, together with all its phones and accessories, are coming to over 500 Best Buys across the United States.

It’s been a long time coming. Last year, Nothing expanded first in Canada as part of its push to spread across the North American continent. Now, after all the wait, the brand is finally available in one of the other North American country’s biggest retailers for tech.

From coast to coast, fans of the fashionable brand can grab the Phone (4a) Pro, the Headphone (a), the Phone (3), and the Ear (3) at their nearest Best Buy branch. Alternatively, they can also order any of these devices online through BestBuy.com.

It’s been a quiet year for Nothing. Though the brand successfully launched the Phone (4a) Pro series earlier this year, it has no plans to launch a follow-up to last year’s Phone (3) yet, leaving the flagship market hanging by another year. That said, there’s still much to love about the brand this year, from its heavily notable designs to its capable specs.

India

TECNO’s POVA 8 5G is both futuristic and future-ready

8000mAh battery, Sony LYTIA 600 camera, Alive Matrix display, and more

Published

June 11, 2026

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Four months after the POVA Curve 2 5G, TECNO adds the POVA 8 5G to their performance-focused arsenal.

Futuristic vibe

TECNO’s POVA 8 5G continues the series’ signature sci-fi-inspired design language. The latest smartphone features sharp geometric elements and a semi-transparent rear panel.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

One of its standout features is none other than the new Alive Matrix Display. It’s a customizable light panel on the back that can display 49 pre-loaded lighting effects for incoming calls, notifications, charging status, gaming sessions, and more. Prospective users can also personalize scenarios to match their style and could actually store many more customized effects aside from the pre-loaded ones.

Beside that LED display lies the 50MP main rear camera based on Sony’s LYTIA 600 (or LYT-600) sensor. The said sensor offers improved light capture for brighter and more detailed photos. It also supports 2x lossless zoom. Up front, you’ll get a 13MP front-facing shooter.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Powering the device is MediaTek’s Dimensity 7100 SoC. That’s paired together with TECNO’s in-house G1 Signal Enhancement Chip and SE1 Wi-Fi Enhancement Chip — making it a triple chipset smartphone.

TECNO says these chips help improve connectivity in challenging environments such as elevators and basements while boosting Wi-Fi reception.

The phone also features a 144Hz display with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification and military-grade durability.

Last but definitely not the least, its 8000mAh battery that can last as much as two days. For some measure, TECNO says the phone can last up to 85+ hours of music playback, 29+ hours of YouTube streaming, 26+ hours of WhatsApp, or 14+ hours of playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB).

Future-ready

Aside from the beastly battery packed inside, TECNO is also bringing several practical AI tools to the POVA 8 5G.

Among them is AI YouTube Summary. This turns lengthy videos into concise notes with key points and timestamps. The device also features AI-powered noise cancellation that helps isolate the speaker’s voice during calls, recordings, and meetings.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

For photography, AI LightMaster 2.0 can remove unwanted reflections, lens flare, and shadows. The phone also supports uploading Live Photos directly to Instagram as Boomerang.

In select markets, users can even access AI Health features that estimate metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and respiration through facial scanning technology.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Further solidifying its future readiness, TECNO promises two major Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates.

The company is also bundling three years of FREE 256GB cloud storage for POVA 8 5G users. Eligible markets can also receive a 3-month Google AI Plus trial which includes 2TB of cloud storage.

Pricing and Availability

The TECNO POVA 8 5G debuts first in India and is available in 16-Bit White, Terminal Green, and Plasma Orange colorways.

Specific pricing and availability in global markets are yet to follow along these four color choices: Arc White, Graphite Black, Echo Green, and Helios Orange.