* Image simulated for illustrative purposes

As AI evolves from text-based prompts to multimodal understanding, Galaxy devices are becoming smarter — able to get what you’re looking at and respond to situations. The camera is at the heart of this transformation. More than just a tool for capturing images, coupled with enhanced AI-powered features, the Galaxy camera is now part of the intuitive interface that turns what users see into understanding and action.

When paired with the flexible, expansive screen of a foldable, this experience becomes even more powerful, dynamic and immersive. Because innovation means nothing without trust, privacy is built into every layer helping to ensure that data is protected at all times.

Stay tuned. The camera will only get smarter — helping users capture life’s moments more vividly and make everyday experiences more seamless, personal and impactful.

The Ultra experience is ready to unfold.

Introduced in 2019, the first Galaxy Fold was a completely new form factor that combined the portability of a smartphone with the extensive productivity of a tablet — challenging conventional perceptions of what a smartphone could be. Driven by the bold vision that foldable phones could reconcile two seemingly conflicting demands — large screens and true portability — Samsung looked to other industries for inspiration, engineering a durable hinge and proving that smartphone displays, too, could fold. It was a synthesis of creativity and productivity that unlocked new possibilities — from seamless multitasking on the go to immersive content creation.

But smartphones are constant companions that we tuck into our pockets, use with one hand and take everywhere we go. So it’s only natural that users desire a foldable device that is as easy to carry as it is to use. To that end, Samsung engineers and designers are refining each generation of the Galaxy Z series to be thinner, lighter and more durable than the last.

* Image simulated for illustrative purposes

This year, that journey reaches a new milestone. The newest Galaxy Z series is the thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet — meticulously crafted and built to last.

The Ultra experience is ready to unfold.

That’s why Galaxy’s next chapter is to provide an experience that seamlessly blends artistry and engineering to elevate everyday interactions.

Squeeze onto a crowded subway train for your evening commute with the device folded in hand and use voice controls to have AI find you the perfect restaurant and text your dining companion. Finish off that unsent work email during the ride, then use the powerful camera to commemorate your night out. AI-powered tools enable all-day messaging, browsing and gaming on the go, so you can focus on your life — all without weighing you down.

With industry-leading hardware, cutting-edge performance and seamless AI integration optimized for the foldable format, it’s what users have come to expect from Galaxy Ultra.

And when it unfolds, it transforms — into a more immersive entertainment hub, a spacious workspace or a multitasking powerhouse, now enhanced by powerful Galaxy AI features designed specifically for the foldable form.

The Ultra experience is ready to unfold.

A foldable is exactly that — a folding phone. Unlike bar-type smartphones with a single body, foldables consist of a central hinge and two folding sides. The hinge serves as the central axis for opening and closing the phone. Over time, Samsung has introduced unique, cutting-edge technology into the hinge mechanism of its Galaxy Z Fold series to create a revolutionary hinge design with each release. In addition, Samsung has continued to reduce the thickness of the Galaxy Z Fold series so the phone can be carried anytime, anywhere.

Samsung Newsroom looked back at the evolution of the Galaxy Z Fold series’ sleek profile and distinctive hinge design — now thinner, sturdier and compact as ever.

[2019] Galaxy Fold

The Dawn of Foldable Phones: Folding and Unfolding

Thickness when folded: 15.7-17.1 mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.9-7.6 mm Weight: 276 g

As user lifestyles continue to diversify, so too do their needs. Samsung has consistently introduced advanced technologies each year to meet these changes. First unveiled in 2019, the Galaxy Fold featured a groundbreaking form factor — the first to deliver a natural, big-screen experience when unfolded and a compact, portable experience when folded. The act of “folding and unfolding” emerged as a new category of mobile interaction, and Samsung applied never-before-seen hinge technology to ensure this functionality felt natural and intuitive.

The inward-folding hinge not only felt familiar and easy to use, but it also provided robust display protection. The phone could be smoothly opened like a book, yet stay flat and thin when folded. The palm-sized dimensions were key to its convenience. With the first Galaxy Fold, Samsung achieved a maximum folded thickness of just 17.1 millimeters and ushered in the era of smart foldables.

[2020] Galaxy Z Fold2

The Era of Flex Mode: Hideaway Hinge and Sweeper Technology

Thickness when folded: 13.8-16.8 mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.0-6.9 mm Weight: 282 g

In 2020, the successor to the pioneering Galaxy Fold was released. The Galaxy Z Fold2 took foldables to the next level with an all-new sophisticated and refined design. The most notable of its several innovative features was the Hideaway Hinge, which seamlessly connected the body of the smartphone while supporting stable folding and unfolding. Users could mount the Galaxy Z Fold2 at various angles with the Hideaway Hinge to easily take selfies and make video calls in Flex Mode.

The Hideaway Hinge’s more than sixty parts made the innovative dual CAM mechanism a reality. The flat surface between two ridge-shaped parts, CAM helped keep the device open or closed and enabled Flex Mode. By increasing the number of CAM structures and springs, the hinge could reliably support wider angles. The Hideaway Hinge was mounted on an optimal location on the Galaxy Z Fold2 for an even slimmer design and a maximum folded thickness of just 16.8 millimeters.

Since the hinge was constantly folded when the device was opened or closed, there was an inevitable gap between the front of the device and the hinge housing. To effectively minimize this gap, Samsung needed to develop a component that would be long-lasting and elastic without adding extra bulk. Inspired by the brush of a vacuum cleaner, Samsung made use of delicately cut optical fibers to address this issue: Sweeper Technology. Sweeper Technology protected the phone’s display from external dust and debris that could enter through the gap , providing a more fluid foldable device experience.

[2021] Galaxy Z Fold3

The Solution to the Foldable Phone’s Biggest Challenge: Waterproofing

Thickness when folded: 14.4-16.0 mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.4 mm Weight: 271 g

It’s a given that today’s smartphones are waterproof. However, the hinge that opened and closed the screen on foldables would always be exposed to the elements. If liquids such as beverages or even rainwater leaked inside, the device would be at risk of immediate malfunction.

The Galaxy Z Fold3 was the first foldable to be water resistant, one of the biggest challenges that previous foldable devices faced. Samsung’s waterproofing technology was applied to two areas — the outer part of the display and the hinge. The outer part of the display was surrounded by a rubber band that prevented dust and liquid from entering, whereas the metal parts of the hinge were made of corrosion-resistant materials and coated with a long-lasting lubricant. The terminal connecting the two mainboards bordering the hinge was sealed with a silicone-based cured-in-place gasket (CIPG) that prevented liquid from entering the device. Additionally, flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) cables were used to protect sensitive components.

A robust material that withstands external shocks and reduces the risk of deformities or scratches, Armor Aluminum was used to help the Galaxy Z Fold3 achieve an even thinner and lighter form factor.

Armor Aluminum was applied to the two edges that make up the exterior and to the housing that surrounds the hinge. Various components were densely packed inside the Galaxy Z Fold3’s Hideaway Hinge to enable Flex Mode and ensure smooth opening and closing. To support these functions, the hinge housing needed to be made from sturdy materials.

The Sweeper Technology that closed the gap between the hinge and the body of the foldable evolved too. As the device became slimmer, the sweeper’s bristles were shortened to improve aesthetics while still keeping the hinge safe from dust and external particles. These innovations allowed the Galaxy Z Fold3 to be as thin as 16.0 millimeters when folded.

[2022] Galaxy Z Fold4

From Rotating to Linear: A Slimmer, Lighter Hinge

Thickness when folded: 14.2-15.8 mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.3 mm Weight: 263 g

Unveiled in 2022, the Galaxy Z Fold4 saw a significant reduction in weight and thickness. At 263 grams, the device weighed nearly 20 grams less than the Galaxy Z Fold2 at 282 grams. The maximum folded thickness was 15.8 millimeters, making this foldable the thinnest in the series at the time. Once again, Samsung loaded its signature foldable with innovation — resulting in an easy-to-grip, thin and lightweight body.

Redesigned to be 21% lighter than its predecessor, the new hinge of the Galaxy Z Fold4 accommodated the wider width and shorter length of the Cover Screen. While the previous foldable in the series used interlocking gears to ensure even screen folding and unfolding, the Galaxy Z Fold4 changed the hinge motion from rotary to linear. This adjustment drastically reduced weight, thickness and the number of parts, which streamlined manufacturing and improved the device’s resilience. With the Galaxy Z Fold4, Samsung built its slimmest, lightest hinge at the time while upholding the same level of durability as the previous form factor.

[2023] Galaxy Z Fold5

Flex Hinge: The Secret to a Fully Foldable Phone

Thickness when folded: 13.4 mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.1 mm Weight: 253 g

In 2023, the Galaxy Z Fold5 introduced the world to the next generation of foldable smartphones. Moving away from the traditional Hideaway Hinge, Samsung unveiled a new type of mechanism called the Flex Hinge — demonstrating a leap forward in foldable innovation. With improved flexibility and a wide range of features, the Flex Hinge made it possible for the display to curl into the hinge like a water droplet using four drive shafts and a dual rail structure that allowed parts to glide along it. Thanks to this hinge technology, the two screens could be evenly folded without any creases or gaps.

This new folding mechanism resulted in the lightest and thinnest Galaxy Z Fold series device yet. More than two millimeters thinner than its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold5’s maximum thickness is 13.4 millimeters when folded. The foldable also weighs 253 grams — 10 grams lighter than its predecessor — making it more compact, portable and stable when folded. The phone’s sleek, solid shape could be appreciated from any angle.

Each year, Samsung refines the Galaxy Z Fold series by leveraging precise engineering and meticulous manufacturing processes. Every detail is studied carefully, from internal mechanisms to exterior design. Reimagining the hinges and device thickness — core attributes of the foldable — has enhanced the utility of the Galaxy Z Fold series immensely. Samsung will continue to build on its legacy of unprecedented foldables, ensuring that more people can utilize them for an even more convenient life.

Discover the next generation of Samsung’s innovations at Galaxy Unpacked 2024 on July 10 in Paris.

As one of the earliest smartphone makers, Samsung recognized that a true innovation does not come solely from the advance in technology itself. True innovation unlocks new benefits that transform consumers’ daily lives and by democratizing the innovations for all.

To help users understand more about the foldable technology from an engineering perspective, Samsung Newsroom sat down with Dr. Won-Joon Choi, Executive Vice President, Head of Flagship Product R&D Team and Technology Strategy Team at Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics.

As a leader of Samsung’s flagship product R&D team, the Q&A below includes some of the latest breakthroughs and exclusive insights on the fourth-generation of Galaxy Z series.

Read on to learn more about Samsung’s goals for the Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 and the process behind the foldable technology that’s as dynamic as its engineering team.

Q: What is your approach to improving the hardware design of Samsung’s lineup of foldables?

Not only have we accumulated engineering knowledge from the three previous generations of foldables, but we’ve also received customer feedback along the way that has been extremely valuable to advancing the Z Fold4 and Z Flip4. When we address customer feedback, most of the time, we must overcome technological limitations, which require new approaches when compared to conventional bar-type smartphones. To bring foldable technology to millions and make the foldable device category mainstream, we focused on the following areas: enhancing durability for everyday use, providing perfect balance of on-the-go experiences and optimized large-screen experiences and maintaining the ultimate performance which is the fundamental of the Galaxy smartphones.

Q: How does the updated hinge in Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 make everyday use more comfortable for users?

For Z Flip, our users wanted the form factor to be even more compact. For Z Fold, our users liked to leverage both the Main Display and Cover Screen and accomplish tasks one-handed.

So, our solution was to redesign the hinge on both devices. Our previous Hinge design was an engineering feat and enabled the foldable experience we see today. However, we knew internally that we would need to simplify the design to manufacture it at an even greater scale and meet the needs of the mainstream users.

By creating this new hinge, we could further slim down the Z Flip4 design to make it even more compact. It also allowed us to modify the dimensions on Z Fold4. Now, the device has a slightly wider and slightly shorter Cover Screen, enabling a more comfortable experience while typing on the go and doing other tasks on the Cover Screen. While these under-the-hood changes may feel incremental, they go a long way in the consumer experience.

Beyond offering users comfortable use, redesigning the hinge also brings benefits to both manufacturing and longevity. We reduced the number of components by 60%. This is a feat in itself because this means that fewer components could potentially need repair, and it’s easier to manufacture at a larger scale.

Q: Z Flip and Z Fold users love creating content with high-quality cameras. Do the latest devices offer users any new experiences or features?

We took care to upgrade the cameras in both devices. We wanted to give our consumers the advantages of Nightography, first introduced on S22, on both Z Flip and Z Fold. However, this required adding larger camera lenses to bring in more light. By redesigning the hinge, we were able to secure more space for the component that could fit our new camera systems without making the device thicker.

Q: How has the fourth generation Z series been made lighter? How will this benefit the end user?

Over the past several generations, we have been focused on shaving down the weight of Z Fold series. We know this is a critically important factor to get right on foldables because the value proposition of these devices is to offer new experiences without compromise.

This year, we focused on reducing the weight of the display and hinge, resulting in a device that weighs 263 grams, which is 8 grams lighter than Z Fold3 and nearly 20 grams lighter than Z Fold2 (282g). This subtle yet continuous refinement makes a big difference over generations.

To accomplish this, we restructured and optimized number of internal components including display and hinge. Reducing the display weight contributed much to overall weight. We redesigned the structure and materials of the layers and by doing so, the display of Z Fold4 is not only 15% lighter than the previous generation but also 45% stronger. Combined with the redesigned hinge, which is 21% lighter than the one used on Z Fold3, Z Fold4 offers a noticeable difference in weight. This results in a more comfortable, portable and convenient user experience.

Q: Samsung has received feedback in the past regarding Z Flip’s battery life. How has the battery life been extended in the Z Flip4?

One of the biggest pieces of feedback we received from Z Flip3 was about its battery life. Since a foldable smartphone is divided into two parts and joined together with a hinge, naturally, it has limitations to its internal space when compared to conventional bar-type smartphones. However, by making the hinge slim and reconfiguring internal mechanical design, it allowed us to secure extra space for bigger battery. Together with more efficient performance, users are now able to enjoy longer battery life compared to previous generation.

Q: Galaxy users care about having an immersive viewing experience on their devices. How and why has the Under Display Camera (UDC) on Z Fold been improved in this latest iteration?

We created the UDC technology to provide an uninterrupted viewing experience on the 7.6-inch Main Display. This was the first of its kind on a foldable, and with Z Fold4, we were able to make the experience even better.

We reconfigured the pixels on top of the camera to improve the perceived resolution and thus make the camera even more unnoticeable. We changed the sub-pixel arrangement from a cluster-type to a scatter-type, increasing grid pattern visibility and improving the readability of texts. As a result, watching content, playing games and reading are uninterrupted on the Main Display.

Q: The key element to Samsung’s foldables is Ultra Thin Glass (UTG). Can you tell us more about how you created this durable material that can be folded hundreds of thousands of times?

When we developed the first generation of the Galaxy Fold, we made the foldable screens using flexible polyimide. But we knew we would need to make something more durable to make foldables mainstream.

This is how the first Ultra Thin Glass was created. It is a highly complex material that has to come through countless steps from the raw material. We first receive sheets of thin glass, which are thinner than a single human hair, from our partners before they are coated and cut to precise dimensions. Then, we undergo a delicate process of smoothing and polishing the glass surface. This ensures the material is structurally sound and ready for installation. Finally, they are given a strenuous durability test before being added to a Z series device.

Each step has been refined every year to get us where we are today, producing millions of components for our devices durable enough to give our users peace of mind in their everyday usage.

To help users understand more about the journey of foldable UX design evolution, Samsung Newsroom sat down with Yoojin Hong, Executive Vice President and Head of User Experience, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. As a leader in the global UX design of Samsung mobile products, the Q&A below includes exclusive insights on all things flippable and foldable.

Read on to learn more about Samsung’s goals for the Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 and the process behind the smartphones’ flexible and bold designs.

Q: What inspired the creation of Samsung’s lineup of foldables? How has the device enabled new experiences for users?

As smartphones became an essential companion in our daily lives, users began to demand larger screens, and the race was on to deliver just that. At the same time, users wanted pocket-sized and portable devices — two seemingly opposing asks. So this posed the question, how could we reconcile these demands while solving the problem? Samsung’s solution was simple, though not easy: fold the screen.

While this was a huge undertaking in itself, developing folding screen technology was only the beginning. Once we had these new form factors, we realized that designing UX for a foldable was different from a traditional smartphone. We had to rethink the smartphone experience entirely. We also discovered, over time, that these new form factors had the potential to change people’s relationships with their phones. Changes in form factor also lead to new life patterns, and not just for advanced users, but for everyday users. Foldables met evolving user needs in surprising ways.

Q: What is Samsung’s UX design philosophy for foldable?

When creating a user experience on a phone, most companies only need to account for a single static screen. But foldables are moving devices with two screens, so the UX must be more fluid. This has been the basis of our entire design philosophy since the beginning.

Our design philosophy for foldables revolves around two foundations. First, UX design that is new yet familiar. Foldables offer consumers a new form factor, which delivers a variety of different and innovative benefits. However, while the user experience is new, it shouldn’t be unfamiliar — there should not be a steep learning curve. For foldables, we design with the idea that the UI should be almost invisible. It should be so intuitive that users are instantly familiar and can navigate with ease.

The second foundation is to remember that foldables are tools that help users create. Smartphones have evolved from literal phones to devices that can unlock creativity through photography, art, gaming and more. We want to ensure our UX enhances these experiences.

Since that first Galaxy Fold, we’ve launched a new generation of foldable phones every year. These phones have evolved in so many unexpected ways — some of which were planned from the beginning, while others were guided by our learnings over time in addition to the invaluable feedback from our users.

Q: What are the differences in the user base between Z Flip series and Z Fold series?

Z Flip series and Z Fold series are both foldables, but they have very different form factors with distinct user bases. Z Flip users see their devices as a form of self-expression and enjoy the versatility and personalization the form factor provides. Z Fold users gravitate to the large-screen experience with the ability to do and see more at once. They love getting things done quickly and then having more time to focus on what’s more important to them.

These separate user bases also gave distinct feedback on the previous generations, which led to our focus areas for Z Flip4 and Z Fold4. For Z Flip, we wanted to give even more ways for users to express themselves and personalize their experiences. For Z Fold, we wanted to enhance large-screen interactions, specifically around multitasking.

What’s important to remember, however, is that these new devices are not just for advanced smartphone users — they’re for everyone.

Q: How have the UI and customization features been improved for the latest Z Flip4?

With Z Flip4, users can personalize the entire look of their device, from the hardware color, accessories, Main Screen UI — and now Cover Screen UI. Customization goes beyond simply decorating a phone’s UX — it also includes customizing the user experience. The Z Flip4 offers a new level of Cover Screen functionality, where users can not only customize the Cover Screen design but also take advantage of a variety of useful widgets and other functions.

We also noticed that Z Flip users were taking advantage of the unique photo-capturing experiences offered by the form factor. So, on Z Flip4, we continued to provide features that promoted self-expression and enhanced the UI of the camera to open up new possibilities for the FlexCam.

Q: How is UI improved users boost their productivity and save time with the new Z Fold 4?

We’ve improved interactions and eliminated steps in activating settings and redesigned menus and layouts to bring action buttons closer together. This is important on a large screen as it reduces the amount of finger “reaching required” for the most common inputs.

We also wanted to simplify the large-screen experience by enabling faster app switching and activation. To accomplish this, we’ve added Taskbar, a familiar app bar that can always be activated, no matter what app you’re using.

Finally, we’re also giving more flexibility in how multiple apps can be viewed on the screen with finger gestures that enable a split window or pop-up window. One-finger swiping at a corner makes the currently used app shown on a pop-up window. Two-finger swiping on the right, left or bottom makes the currently used app split in half. This allows you to be more productive, so you can achieve more in your daily life.

Q: How have Samsung’s collaborations set the foundation for the entire foldables market?

We have worked with Google to create this ecosystem together from the beginning, often inspiring each other to develop new features or technologies. From the beginning, we worked closely with Google to fulfill our foldable vision, even collaborating at the code level to modify Android to meet the needs of foldable devices. We knew we would need to enhance Android to run effectively on new screen dimensions, and this work served as step one of our foldables journey long before any hardware was announced.

And, of course, we continue to work with our biggest partners, including Google, Meta and Microsoft, to bring optimized experiences on foldables to life. Now, apps like Chrome, Gmail and Microsoft’s full Office suites and Outlook take advantage of the Z Fold series’ large screen for the ultimate multitasking experience. Thanks to our partnership with Meta, FlexCam is optimized for the most popular social platforms, including Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook.

I believe it is extremely important to both build a Foldable ecosystem to diversify user experiences and continue to expand the app ecosystem through an open collaboration philosophy.

Q: User behavior — and thus, user experience — is constantly evolving. How would you summarize your approach to keeping up with new consumer demands?

In our previous devices, we approached our UX design by starting with what was necessary and tackling the challenges. Then, we developed new technologies to provide more screen space while keeping the devices compact. The new designs didn’t just solve existing problems; they also transformed user behavior, changing the way people take photos, interact with their phones and more. These new behaviors have become natural parts of the everyday lives of the people who use foldable phones.

They also, of course, create all new challenges — and that’s what drives us forward as UX designers. Users imagine new possibilities, and those possibilities become demands. It’s our responsibility to create the innovations to meet them. As the cycle of innovation continues, we’re excited to get to work building the foundation for what’s next.

Unlike in the past when one screen meant one application open, Galaxy Z foldable phone users can divide their screens according to what they need to get done, and even rest their phone easily to harness apps hands-free. With the latest lineup of foldable phones, these multi-tasking features have evolved to become more sophisticated and offer more unique user experiences.

In the second part of this two-part series, Samsung Newsroom is providing some useful tips for harnessing the unique form factor and user experience (UX) of the Galaxy Z foldable lineup for everyday scenarios in ways you might not have thought of before.

Multi-Active Window ①: Viewing Two Navigation Applications – Simultaneously

When choosing which route to take with a navigation app, unforeseen circumstances, such as traffic jams or construction, can make you regret the route you’ve taken. Galaxy Z foldable phone users have an easy fix to such situations: thanks to Multi-Active Window, you can easily open up two different navigation apps at the same time to compare expected arrival times and traffic situations so as to follow the navigation route that will get you to your destination as quickly as possible.

Notably, the Galaxy Z Fold2 features a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that allows you to check your route with a single glance. If you’d like to switch back to following just one navigation app, simply adjust the Multi-Active Window tray to view the navigation app you prefer with a single tap of the screen. With this easy-to-view and easily dividable screen, you can navigate rush hour with an extra helping hand.

Multi-Active Window ②: Mobile Banking Made Easy

As mobile banking has become more convenient, it has become more and more common for us to use our smartphones to make financial transactions as we go about our day, particularly when we need to send a friend some money or make a quick online purchase. However, bank account numbers are not easy to memorize, meaning that when it comes to making a transfer, we find ourselves switching back and forth between app windows – making what should be a seamless process somewhat inconvenient.

Galaxy Z foldable phone users can get their mobile bank transfers done in no time, as they can divide their smartphone’s screen to view the messenger app with account information on the top half and manage their mobile banking app on the bottom half. You can enjoy convenient and accurate transactions on the very first try all without the hassle of memorizing account numbers as you can check the correct information as you go thanks to Multi-Active Window.

When you need to access information or details for a bank transfer regularly, you can use App Pair, a feature that lets you open up to three of your most-frequently used apps at the same time, to ‘pair’ your notepad with your mobile banking application – meaning that the two will open simultaneously and allow you to make your payments more conveniently.

Drag and Drop: For Editing Files, Even While on the Go

We’ve all had those moments after work when we’re enjoying having logged off for the day – but then an urgent message comes in that the presentation we were working on requires editing. In order to allow users to respond to such time-sensitive requests using just their Galaxy Z foldable smartphones, Samsung has developed intuitive document editing functions for easy file editing in any situation.

Drag and Drop is a feature that lets you copy & paste text, charts and images instantly when using compatible apps. For example, say you have divided your screen into three parts using Multi-Active Window to open up Excel, PowerPoint, and Word at the same time. You can easily edit all your files in one go with this feature as you can copy data from Excel and paste it right away into your PowerPoint presentation, or copy an image from PowerPoint and paste it directly into your Word document. From editing through to sending the edited file, everything can be taken care of directly from your smartphone.

Multi-Active Window ③: Making Travel Plans Easier and Quicker With Vertical Split Screen

Making concrete and organized travel plans is a crucial part of having a relaxing vacation, especially when you’re planning for a spontaneous weekend away or a sudden trip that doesn’t leave you with much time to plan. Getting everything done at once can be overwhelming, so by harnessing Multi-Active Window and Vertical Split Screen Mode of your Galaxy Z foldable phone, you can make your vacation plans and bookings with optimal efficiency. First, split your top screen vertically, and harness the bottom screen to research your vacation ideas while making note of itineraries in one half of your split top screen and searching for real-time pricings of accommodations on the other half.

Furthermore, Galaxy Z Fold users can simply swipe left on their Edge panel, tap the app they’d like to switch into their Multi-Active Window layout and drag it into the layout to instantly open the app. For your most commonly-used layouts, you can also save a specific mode into your Edge panel for easy and instant access whenever you need it.

Flex Mode: Harnessing Your Foldable Phone for Victory With a Second Screen

These days, many gamers are using game walkthroughs, which are guides that provide useful information pertaining to the game’s characters, maps, items and more. In order to most effectively enjoy a walkthrough while playing a game, Galaxy Z Fold2 users can harness their smartphone as a handy secondary monitor by using Flex mode and the Cover display. Simply place your device in a convenient location and enjoy stress-free gaming without the hassle of having to set up a secondary monitor or arrange a smartphone within the best field of vision.

If you’d like to watch the game walkthrough more in detail, all you need to do is just unfold the Galaxy Z Fold. The Galaxy Z Fold series supports App Continuity, meaning that you can freely move between the Cover and Main displays.

In this two-part series, Samsung Newsroom will be detailing some of those moments and situations in which the revolutionary form factors of Samsung Electronics’ foldable lineup come in particularly useful. Read on to learn more.

Split Screen Capture: For Instant Sharing of Those Must-See Moments

When you are watching a TV show or movie, you are bound to run into a hilarious scene that you just have to share with others. So, what do you do when you want to share these must-see scenes with friends? You have to undergo the cumbersome process of screen capturing, cropping, editing and sharing your screen capture via messaging application, all without missing as little of your favorite show as possible. So as to let you enjoy your favorite content while sharing, the Galaxy Z Fold2 comes with the Split Screen Capture feature.

The Split Screen Capture feature of the Galaxy Z Fold2 allows you to take a separate screenshot of up to three applications on your screen at the same time and then select only the screenshots of the specific application, or applications, of your choice. After capturing the separated screen, you will see the screenshots of the open applications at the bottom of your display. Simply select the screenshot you would like to share and drag and drop that image into your messenger application to seamlessly share the image for uninterrupted media and sharing experiences.

Flex mode ①: For Freestanding Viewing Experiences

Watching a video on your smartphone with the device propped up on a surface without a phone stand, tripod or holder is about never very enjoyable; even when you are resting your phone against an object, it’s far too easy for the phone to slip down, and without a stand or other accessory, it is not always easy to get your phone to stand at the desired angle. However, if you are Galaxy Z foldable device user, you need not worry about such hindrances, and there’s no need to buy any separate accessories. The devices themselves can act as their own stand in order to allow you to watch your favorite content at variety of angles while moving both hands freely.

When you use Flex mode, the screen will automatically divide into two when you fold the phone to make it stand at a certain angle. The unique advantage of Galaxy Z Fold2 is that you can even watch your chosen media directly from the cover display. If you fold your smartphone to stand on its two displays with the hinge pointing up like a tent, you can enjoy watching videos in this other unique and stable format. The Galaxy Z Fold2’s cover display of 6.2-inches, enhanced from the previous Fold’s cover display size of 4.6-inches, matches the size of regular smartphone displays, meaning that your viewing experiences are not compromised when watching content.

Dual Preview: For Photos Taken Your Way

One of the great benefits of hanging out with close friends is that, when the moment arises, you have your own personal photographers available. But not everyone’s photography skills are the same – sometimes the picture you take for your friend will be fabulous while the one they take for you could use some work. In order to provide better shooting experiences and protect friendships, Samsung developed the Dual Preview feature, available on the Galaxy Z Fold2.

Dual Preview allows not just the photographer but also the subject on the other side of the camera to look at themselves on the large-sized Cover display of the Galaxy Z Fold2. You can experiment with your facial expression and pose to find the best look, and then even directly take the photo yourself by showing the palm of your hand to the camera. Essentially, even when your friend is holding your phone like a tripod, you can take selfies in the way that suits you best.

Flex mode ②: For More Precise Editing

These days we are always adding filters or other such layers, such as handwritten words and stickers, to our pictures. The Galaxy Z foldable phone lineup is here to help you make these edits more precisely thanks to its Multi-Window function. When you divide the screen into two and open the original image on the top and the photo editing application in the bottom display, you can work on the photos while comparing the two screens real-time.¹ By comparing the edits to the original image, you can ensure that any special effects you add are kept in line with the original photo’s tone. You can also open an image that you’d like to use as a reference on the top screen while editing on the bottom screen for even more editing inspiration.

▲ A photo edited to showcase the editing function available using Multi-Window

For further editing ease, you can also harness the AI-powered Object Eraser feature which erases unnecessary objects in your photos. Simply open the original photo on the top screen and use the bottom screen to erase those background or other unnecessary elements in your photos one by one by touching the screen. By comparing the edited version and the original version at once, you can ensure that what remains in your edited photos is what is worth emphasizing.

Auto framing: For Seamless Angle Adjustment with Automatic AI in Group Shots

Taking a group shot to commemorate the moment when hanging out with friends and family is a must. However, someone in the group will always suffer by being caught at the wrong angle, or have to bear the inconvenience of adjusting the camera several times to find the perfect angle as others move around. This is why the Galaxy Z foldable line comes with the dedicated Auto framing feature, which helps you capture videos with all members of your group in frame and at the right angle.

Thanks to AI-powered machine learning capabilities, Auto framing recognizes the body and faces of the subject or subjects in front of the camera and will then track and automatically adjust the angle of view to capture them by zooming in or out, moving the screen, and more. The camera focus will automatically adjust when up to two people move in and out of focus, and once more than three people enter the frame, the camera will zoom out so that as many people as possible can appear in-shot. Simply place your Galaxy Z foldable device at the right angle and you are more than ready to take winning group shots worthy of sharing.

¹ Some photo editing applications may not support the Multi-Window function.