Samsung to hold "Unpacked" on August 11-Are new models of folding smartphones announced?

Samsung seems ready to announce a new product for folding devices. The company announced on July 20th that it will hold a product launch event "Galaxy Unpacked" online on August 11th. It is expected to announce a cheaper product to push the foldable device from its previous niche position.

Samsung sent an invitation to the press saying that the online keynote will begin at 10 am EST on August 11. Due to the influence of the new coronavirus, IT companies have not yet held face-to-face product launches. The invitation says "Get ready to unfold".

Samsung hasn't disclosed details about the products it will announce today, but has launched a pre-order page for unreleased products for fans of the "Galaxy" series. Customers who make a reservation in advance will receive an increased cash back when trading in the device, and will be able to use "Samsung Care +" for 12 months.

This event will be unpacked for the third time in 2021, but it is expected to maintain the same policy as before, that is, to introduce cheaper devices. At Unpacked in January, the "Galaxy S21" was announced, which was $ 200 less than the "Galaxy S20." Then in March, Unpacked announced the cheap "Galaxy A" series.

TM Roh, head of Samsung's mobile division, wrote in an official blog in December 2020 that he plans to expand the lineup of foldable devices and make them "accessible." It seems to mean cheaper.

Samsung's attempt to make devices even cheaper is due to the current state of people's lives. Consumers are holding their devices longer, and in the United States, the average age of smartphones in the past was about two years, but nowadays it's about three years. In addition, the new coronavirus has hit many people financially. High-end specs and cutting-edge features attract people's attention and are talked about, but people are also more concerned about spending.

Samsung's first "Galaxy Fold" was an outward-folding smartphone that turned from a smartphone to a tablet when the creases were opened, impressing most people who tested the early version. However, foldable smartphones are too expensive for mainstream buyers and are currently in a niche position.

This time, Samsung is expected to announce the new "Galaxy Z Fold 3" and the updated "Galaxy Z Flip 3". The Z Fold 3 is expected to support a front camera embedded at the bottom of the screen, a sophisticated rear camera, and a special version of the "S Pen." The S Pen was originally a device for the "Galaxy Note" series, but it is gradually expanding its compatible devices. The Z Flip3 has the potential to feature a new two-tone color scheme and a larger external screen for folding and closing.

In addition to the foldable device, Unpacked is expected to announce the "Galaxy S21 FE 5G" as the second in the inexpensive "FE" series. The "Galaxy S20 FE" was released in September 2020 at a price 300 dollars (about 33,000 yen) lower than the Galaxy S20. When CNET interviewed Samsung executives, they said they were planning to release a new product in the FE series as well.

At the recital, it is expected that the smart watch "Galaxy Watch 4", "Galaxy Watch 4 Classic", and the wireless earphone "Galaxy Buds 2" will also be announced.

This article was edited by Asahi Interactive for Japan from an article from overseas Red Ventures.