Here’s the full recap of the second Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event of 2024, featuring comprehensive coverage, hands-on insights, and detailed information about Samsung’s latest mobile innovations. The event showcased several notable introductions, though there were no major surprises. Below is our real-time coverage from the Unpacked Live Stream as events unfolded.
A standout highlight was the debut of the Galaxy Ring, Samsung’s inaugural wearable focused on finger-based interaction. Samsung also unveiled updated versions of its wearable lineup, including the new flagship Galaxy Watch Ultra alongside the Galaxy Watch 7 series. Additionally, new Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro earbuds were introduced, offering advanced features reminiscent of another popular model.
For a detailed account of the live blog from the event in Paris, unchanged from its original broadcast, and to explore all the announcements and insights from Samsung at Galaxy Unpacked 2024, continue reading here.
July 10, 2024, 12:01 PM
Hello everyone, Roland Moore-Colyer, Managing Editor of Mobile Computing, here to guide you through the lead-up to what I’m dubbing the ‘summer’ Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event. Today promises a range of product unveilings.
Let’s dive right in. Here’s what you can anticipate:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Expected to feature incremental upgrades based on current rumors.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Anticipate significant changes, particularly an enhanced camera system.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: An upgraded version of the Galaxy Watch 6, likely offering more advanced wellness tracking features, improved specifications, and possibly a redesigned appearance.
- Rumored Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: Positioned as Samsung’s response to the Apple Watch Ultra.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 3 and Galaxy Buds 3: New wireless earbuds aimed to compete with the AirPods lineup.
July 10, 2024, 12:16 PM
While all these devices are currently shrouded in rumors, leaks, and speculation, having covered Samsung for years, I’m quite confident that most, if not all, of these mentioned devices will make their debut.
Although details about the Galaxy Watch Ultra have been sparse, a recent significant leak has intensified the rumors beyond mere speculation.
July 10, 2024 at 12:22 PM
As the head of the Mobile Computing division , overseeing smartphones and tablets, one might expect me to be enthusiastic about the Galaxy Z Fold 6. After all, I currently use both the Fold 4 and Fold 3 and appreciate the tangible flexibility they offer.
However, my excitement is tempered. Based on the rumors, I anticipate the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will receive a chip upgrade to the next generation, but little else in terms of significant enhancements. While Samsung will likely integrate the AI capabilities seen in the Galaxy S24 series into the Fold 6, I haven’t heard much about unique features that would truly leverage the larger display with intelligent tools. This is disappointing, as I’ve previously highlighted the potential for Samsung to use AI to differentiate the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in a meaningful way.
July 10, 2024, 12:25 PM
Check out these renders of the Galaxy Z Fold 6, reportedly based on insider insights, revealing a phone that closely resembles its predecessor.
While I typically appreciate the current Fold’s design, the lack of significant visual changes might not be ideal. With increasing competition from devices like the Google Pixel Fold and OnePlus Open, Samsung could benefit from refreshing the design of its flagship foldable phone. It’s a mouthful to say, especially after a few drinks!
Staying focused on the Galaxy Z Fold 6, it’s likely to be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, similar to the Galaxy S24 series, along with a modest battery upgrade. For a detailed analysis of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 specs, check out our comprehensive breakdown.
Expect new color options for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, including navy, light pink, silver, black, and white. While these choices are conventional, a vibrant lime green Fold would certainly stand out!
Regarding pricing, anticipate the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to start around $1,799.99 / £1,749 / AU$2,599, aligning with the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s pricing structure. However, considering the trend of increasing prices for high-end smartphones in recent releases, don’t be surprised if Samsung opts for a higher price point.
Now turning our attention to the Galaxy Z Flip 6, I anticipate a more substantial upgrade compared to the Fold 6
Expect the Galaxy Z Flip 6 to feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, alongside improvements such as a boosted battery capacity, an upgraded main camera, potentially increased base memory and RAM, and enhancements to ensure smooth operation of Galaxy AI features.
I’m also quite interested in the range of colors expected for the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Samsung typically offers a variety of appealing shades for its flipping foldable phones, and we’re anticipating options like mint, silver, yellow, black, peach, white, and lavender.
As for pricing, I predict the Galaxy Z Flip 6 will launch at a price point similar to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 5, starting around $999.99 / £1,049 / AU$1,649.
Now turning to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, my enthusiasm is somewhat reserved. The rumors and leaks so far haven’t been particularly exciting, suggesting it may offer only incremental updates over the Galaxy Watch 6.
Expected upgrades include a new chipset, available in sizes of 40mm and 44mm, and likely improvements in battery life. On the software front, anticipate smart features like AI-driven workouts and enhanced wellness routines.
I anticipate the starting price for the next-generation Galaxy Watch to be around $299.99 / £289 / AU$549.
However, I’m hopeful that Samsung has a few surprises in store with its latest smartwatch. I’m eager to see if it can challenge the dominance of the Apple Watch, or at the very least, offer strong competition.
Moving on to the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, details from rumors are currently sparse, but indications suggest it will be a larger iteration within the Galaxy Watch series. It’s expected to feature rugged attributes and a durable strap capable of withstanding underwater dives or mountainous terrain.
Anticipate the Galaxy Watch Ultra to offer a blend of advanced wellness and fitness tracking capabilities, possibly including features like blood glucose monitoring. It’s likely to integrate AI-driven functionalities facilitated by connected Galaxy smartphones.
I’m hopeful that the Galaxy Watch Ultra won’t be restricted solely to the best Samsung phones, but rather will be compatible with other Android devices, offering broader accessibility.
One of the most anticipated announcements today will undoubtedly be the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy Ring. This marks Samsung’s debut into the smart ring category, and initial impressions from Fitness Editor Matt Evans suggest it could be a feature-rich device.
Expectations are high for embedded sensors and a range of AI-powered fitness and wellness tracking functionalities. What particularly interests me is its straightforward design and the ability to track metrics like step counts without the need for a smartwatch or concerns about the accuracy of smartphone-based tracking.
While other smart rings exist, Samsung’s extensive tech ecosystem positions it uniquely to create a truly intelligent smart ring. I’m particularly intrigued by the potential for features like gesture control in conjunction with Samsung smartphones.
July 10, 2024, 2:01 PM
In the realm of wellness tracking, there’s breaking news that suggests older Galaxy Watch models are receiving a sleep apnea feature through a recent update.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by intermittent pauses in breathing during sleep, often accompanied by symptoms like loud snoring and daytime fatigue. Monitoring this condition can be a crucial step toward managing it effectively.
The inclusion of this feature in older Galaxy Watches is promising, indicating that the upcoming Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra are likely to incorporate such capabilities as well.