Samsung Electronics is not only embracing this future but driving it. Using precise manufacturing processes that allow for the production of bendable, ultra-thin glass at scale, Samsung facilities are well-equipped to meet the rising demands of a smartphone era that mixes the old with the new.

Check out the video below and join Samsung on August 10 for the next Galaxy Unpacked event to learn more about the future of foldables. The event will be streamed live at 6.30pm IST on Samsung Newsroom India, Samsung.com and Samsung’s YouTube channel, so make sure to tune in for a close-up look at the latest Galaxy devices.

I have worked my entire career as an engineer, and I have seen many innovations at Samsung that have pushed the limits of what’s possible with smartphones. Our mission is, and always has been, to create technology that makes people’s lives better. Ten years ago, we set out to create a transformative technology by looking at the one thing all smartphones were synonymous with — a flat rectangular display. We asked ourselves a simple question: How can we have it all — a bigger screen and better portability?

We saw an opportunity not only to design a new shape but also to create new experiences that had never been possible with a smartphone before. Overcoming many technological hurdles, we successfully introduced the first-ever Galaxy foldable smartphone in 2019 and have changed the future of our industry ever since.

Last year, we saw almost 10 million foldable smartphones shipped worldwide. That’s an industry increase of more than 300% from 2020, and I predict this fast-paced growth will continue. We are reaching the moment where these foldable devices are becoming widespread and staking a bigger claim in the overall smartphone market.

More importantly, Samsung Galaxy foldables have changed the way we use mobile devices and helped enable better lifestyles for users worldwide.

As Lifestyles Evolve, a New Legacy Unfolds

The world is more connected than ever and is moving at a much faster pace. Work and play intermix, and the lines between the physical and digital world have blurred. Where we turn for work, entertainment, wellness and more has become a single place — our phone. As such, our users need a flexible device to keep up with their daily demands.

The Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Flip deliver on that mandate. Last year, 70% of Galaxy foldable users turned to the Flip to help them see the world from a different point of view. Flip users love owning a device built for self-expression, whether choosing bold color options for their device or taking pictures in a new way with Flex mode.

It’s a different experience with the Fold. Nearly one out of three Galaxy foldable users last year opted for this ultimate productivity device, which has empowered them to do more through hyper-connected, individual computing. Fold users love the multitasking capability of a screen that doubles in size, so they can be more efficient and get things done faster.

Both foldable users have enthusiastically embraced what we have created. Their response is our biggest motivation to push forward, and that’s why we are committed to this journey of seeking new possibilities for mobile innovation.

This year, we’ve made advancements in every detail and opened the new experiences enabled by these behavior-shifting devices. I am excited to see people discover new ways to do more of the things they love with the new foldable.

Of course, this wouldn’t have been possible without the open collaboration and a shared desire with our partners to continuously bring new innovations to the mobile category. We are working with industry leaders including Google, Microsoft and other carrier partners to expand the experiences that are possible throughout the foldable ecosystem.

Redefining What’s Possible for People Everywhere

Three years ago, Samsung Galaxy foldables could be summed up in a single word: radical. Very quickly, however, it became clear that this groundbreaking, flexible design fit perfectly into modern lifestyles. As a result, what was once a novelty three years ago, is now the preferred choice for millions.

At our upcoming Unpacked on August 10th, you’ll see that the impact of our innovation is not only about what technology can do. It’s about what you can do. We’ve once again taken our inspiration from the most important source — Galaxy users — to push the limits of what’s possible.

I can’t wait to show you the potential of our new Samsung Galaxy foldables as the ultimate tool for both productivity and self-expression. Now, you can do more than you ever thought possible, all at once, on one device.

Get ready to unfold your world.

by Dr. TM Roh

President & Head of MX Business, Samsung Electronics

Samsung has been leading the industry by introducing hardware (HW) and software (SW) that break the existing mold every year for the past 12 years since the unveiling of the first Galaxy S device in 2010. Some of the most game-changing so far include a large-screen smartphone with excellent immersion; a smartphone-stylus combination that enhanced productivity and creativity; and the world’s first dual-pixel camera technology. In addition, the Galaxy Note series, Galaxy tablet series and various wearable devices including Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds have contributed to the wider Galaxy ecosystem that has so transformed user’s lifestyles.

Ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked event set for February 10, Samsung Newsroom is providing a look back at the technological legacy of the Galaxy series. Read on to learn more about the 10 innovative Galaxy smartphone technologies that have set new standards and transformed the way we live our lives.

#1. 2010
The AMOLED Display: Bigger Is Better

One of the major benefits of a smartphone is that it allows users to enjoy content on a large screen with clear picture quality that sits right in the palm of their hand. Samsung kicked off the trend of the large screen era in the smartphone industry with the introduction of their AMOLED display. This display, developed using Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) technology, is characterized by its clear picture quality, self-luminescence and larger screen size.

The Samsung Galaxy S was the world’s first smartphone to be launched with a Super AMOLED display, an ultra-thin screen that consumes less power and provides crisper and more vivid picture quality. With the introduction of the Galaxy S in 2010, users’ interest became piqued in obtaining bigger screens — such as the 4- to 5-inch screens of the AMOLED display compared to the conventional 3-inches on other phones — on which to fully immerse themselves in their favorite content.

Samsung has continued to take its AMOLED technology to the next level by unveiling devices with more powerful and more advanced screens, such as the Galaxy S10, the world’s first mobile device with a High Dynamic Range10+ (HDR10+) supported Dynamic AMOLED display, and the Galaxy S21 series, which features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with an automatic refresh rate of up to 120Hz based on the content type. Samsung’s innovative technology has enabled silky-smooth scrolling and uninterrupted viewing experiences, even on larger screens.

#2. 2011
The Galaxy Note and S Pen: Adding Analog Touch to Digital Devices

As of 2011, it became no longer necessary to keep notebooks and writing instruments in our bags at all times. With the introduction of the Galaxy Note equipped with S Pen, it is now possible to save and share everything from memos to drawings right on our smartphone’s screen. At that time, the Galaxy Note was launched with an S Pen that supported 256 levels of pressure onto the device’s large screen. Since then, both the Note and the S Pen have become inseparable, and as the series has developed, both have evolved significantly.

For example, Samsung introduced Air Command for the Galaxy Note 3 to give users easy access to signature S Pen features when hovering their S Pen over the screen. The company also then incorporated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology into the Galaxy Note 9 S Pen so that its stylus pen could also function as a remote control. For the Galaxy Note 10, the addition of Air Action features enabled users to remotely control their device when switching camera modes or zooming in or out, a marked change from previous models which only permitted users to take photos from a distance. In line with this innovative spirit, Samsung introduced the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered S Pen for the Galaxy Note 20 in order to provide users with a more delicate and sophisticated drawing experience, and as of last year, the innovative S Pen is now available on devices such as the Galaxy S21 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold3 to expand its compatibility.

#3. 2013
Samsung Knox: Your Trusted Mobile Bodyguard

We are now living in the era where most of our daily tasks and experiences can be undertaken all with a singular smartphone, meaning that the importance of security cannot be overemphasized. Samsung Knox has become a reliable shield for users concerned about information leakage or virus penetration.

Samsung Knox, installed on Galaxy devices since the Galaxy Note 3 in 2013, protects devices on a step-by-step basis from the chipset to the operating system (OS) and application level, while also blocking hacking and unauthorized access. In addition, thanks to its encrypted container space, a user’s personal and business data can be separated and managed safely.

In 2021, the company launched Samsung Knox Vault with the Galaxy S21 in order to thoroughly ensure the protection of ever-growing amounts of data. In addition to offering the industry’s highest level of security chipset (eSE, or embedded Secure Element) and a secure processor that prevents HW-level attacks, Samsung Knox Vault features a tamper-resistant security memory to protect a user’s various passwords and biometric information.

#4. 2014
Superb IP Rating: Ultimate Protection From Dust and Water

In the early 2010s, if you accidentally dropped your smartphone while using it in water, nothing but despair awaited you. To mitigate this, Samsung expanded the horizon of smartphone experiences by applying waterproof and dustproof functions to the Galaxy S5 for the first time in 2014.

From the Galaxy S7 in 2017 onwards, IP68,¹ the highest waterproof and dustproof rating, has been applied to Galaxy devices in order to strengthen their performance. The IP68 rating is given to devices after testing in fresh water at a depth of 1.5m for 30 minutes. Galaxy users are now able to use their smartphones with peace of mind thanks to strong waterproof and dustproof technologies.

#5. 2015
Samsung Pay: A Mobile Wallet in Your Pocket

It is no exaggeration to say that, after 2015, the trend of going ‘wallet-less’ saw a surge in increase. At this time, Samsung introduced Samsung Pay, a mobile payment service that replaces the cash and credit cards in a user’s wallet. Since this service was first introduced on the Galaxy S6 in 2015, it has established itself as a core representational service of the Galaxy smartphone.

When using public transportation, as well as when out shopping, users need just touch their smartphone instead of having to get out their wallet to pay. These days, leaving the house without a wallet has become a normal habit.

#6. 2016
Advanced Camera Technology: The World’s First Dual Pixel Sensor

Smartphone camera technologies are advancing day by day, to the extent at which if you have a smartphone, you’re able to capture pictures and videos comparable to that of professionals.

In 2016, Samsung raised the smartphone camera function to a new level by installing the industry’s first dual pixel in the Galaxy S7. At that time, the dual pixel was an image sensor only seen in high-end digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. By increasing the amount of light received by both the front and rear cameras, the Galaxy S7 was able to focus quickly and accurately, as well as take optimal photos in dark environments.

Samsung then combined an Ultra-Wide angle lens and intelligent SW in the Galaxy S10 to help users take even sharper pictures. The Galaxy S20 features a remarkable four quad cameras, raising the level of camera functionality once again. In particular, the optical zoom performance has been greatly improved; Galaxy S20 Ultra users can harness the Space Zoom function to zoom in up to 100 times, allowing them to take clear pictures of the night sky.

#7. 2018
One UI: Making My Own Galaxy

One UI is an interface that supports the unique user experience of Samsung Galaxy, and was first introduced in November 2018.

By dividing the viewing area and the touching area, the layout of One UI allows users to comfortably perform all operations with just one hand, and all necessary essential functions are included concisely on-screen so that everyone and anyone is able to use it easily. One UI is also characterized by a unified user experience as it has been applied consistently to devices across the Galaxy ecosystem, including smartphones, tablets and wearables.

One UI 4, updated last year, harnesses a completely different color palette with which to decorate a device’s home screen, icons, notifications and wallpapers in your own style. In addition, One UI 4 features strengthened security features, such as allowing users to easily select what to share and what to keep private in order to keep up with users who increasingly value their individuality and their privacy.

#8. 2019
Galaxy Z Series: The Dawn of the Era of Foldable Smartphones

In 2019, Samsung pioneered the field of foldable smartphones by unveiling the world’s first Galaxy Z Fold, equipped with a 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display.

Samsung’s newly developed hinge technology makes it possible to open and close the smartphone as smoothly as one opens a book, and offers users secure, long-lasting flexibility that passed a test to withstand 200,000 folds. In 2020, the company’s foldable lineup was expanding to include the Galaxy Z Flip, which features a compact design as the screen unfolds vertically.

Samsung not only pioneered a new form factor, but also new usability options through such functions as Flex mode, which allows for more usage scenarios by fixing the hinge at a specific angle, and Multi-Active Window, which can open and run apps at the same time with applications optimized for the foldable screen for a split screen view.

Last year, Samsung expanded their foldable lineup with the Galaxy Z Fold3, which saw the inclusion of an S Pen and waterproof and dustproof technology, and the colorful, pastel-toned Galaxy Z Flip3 Bespoke Edition, leading the era of foldable popularization.

#9. 2021
An AI-Powered Eraser: Removing Unwanted Objects From Photos

As part of Samsung’s mission to expand the application of innovative AI technologies to all smartphones, the company introduced the Object Eraser feature that lets you remove any unwanted objects in your photos with just a touch.

The Object Eraser function, first introduced in the Galaxy S21 in 2021, is a photo editing tool that harnesses artificial intelligence. Simply by touching the object you want to remove from a photo and tapping the ‘object erase’ button, the object is deleted without the need for a separate editing program. Currently, this function is available on smartphones with One UI 3.1 or higher, such as the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Z Fold3.

Samsung first applied its AI-powered interface, Bixby, to the Galaxy S8 in 2017, and now users can control their major Galaxy devices using only their voice. In addition, Samsung has been incorporating AI technologies into its device OS, battery and camera in order to improve performance and convenience.

#10. 2021
Galaxy for the Planet: For a Sustainable Future

Samsung is fully committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its products throughout the entire lifecycle of its smartphones, from the design to the production stage through to their usage and disposal, in order to ensure that Galaxy smartphones contribute to greater environmental sustainability. Under the sustainability vision of its Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, “Galaxy for the Planet,” Samsung is consistently working to achieve a circular economy by reusing and recycling resources in order to build a better Galaxy ecosystem.

One such effort towards sustainability is a reduction of plastic usage in smartphone packaging. The percentage of plastics used in the Galaxy S21 packaging accounts for a mere 4 percent of the total weight, cutting down the waste generated per packaging unit by 49 percent as compared with that of the Galaxy S7. In addition, the Galaxy S21 packaging contains only 58 percent of the paper used in that of the Galaxy S7, helping save some 44,802 trees a year. Samsung plans to exclude plastic materials in its product packaging and apply recycled materials to all of its products in the MX division by 2025.

The products set to be unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2022 are drawing attention thanks to the revelation that they have been designed using eco-conscious materials recycled from marine waste. Samsung has succeeded in transforming discarded fishing nets, a major contributor to marine pollution, into a material with which to produce smart devices, and the company plans to apply this material to all its products in the future.

¹ IP (Degree of Ingress Protection, IP Code) is a product-related protection technology standard established by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and is applied to various IT products and industrial devices. IP68 is the highest rating for dust and water resistance. Ip68 has a waterproof function that can withstand 1.5m of clear water for 30 minutes, but it is recommended that the device be washed off immediately after contact with water and then dried.

When Samsung Electronics revealed its first prototype of a flexible display back in 2011, few people realized they were witnessing a glimpse into the mobile industry’s future. Now, a decade later, Samsung has shipped 4 times more foldable devices in 2021 than in 2020, exceeding the three-fold market growth that analysts expected.¹

Consumer enthusiasm for Samsung foldables is exemplified by the success of the Galaxy Z series. In the first month since launch, the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 exceeded total accumulative sales of Samsung foldable devices in 2020.

With foldable smartphone shipments predicted to grow tenfold by 2023,² let’s take a look at the key moments, top innovations and important partnerships that have helped make foldable devices the next big thing.

Bringing Foldables to Consumers Around the World

Samsung may have first introduced the concept of foldable displays in 2011, but it would take over a decade to bring foldable devices to consumers around the world.

The next major milestone came in 2019, when Samsung finally brought its foldable vision to reality with the Galaxy Fold, its first foldable device. Soon after that came the Galaxy Z Flip. A sleek clamshell design – a throwback to flip phones of yore – made the Galaxy Z Flip an instant icon.

After a decade of progress and three generations of innovation, the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 brought enhanced durability and an improved user experience to foldables. Not only have they set a new standard in the industry, but they rekindled consumer interest in smartphones in general.

Innovations Behind the Technology

From creating new materials and methods to overcoming mechanical challenges, creating the foldable category required Samsung to reimagine the smartphone from the inside out.

From the onset, Samsung engineers understood that the key to creating a new category would be inventing a range of new technologies to ensure the devices would meet the expectations of global consumers.

The Infinity Flex Display and Samsung UTG, for example, enabled the world’s first folding glass display. While its screen may be a continuous piece of glass, a foldable’s body features two distinct components. This unique structure meant that in order to maintain a design slim enough for daily use, engineers would have to completely rethink the placement of internal components. That challenge included designing a new internal cooling system as well as a dual-battery system with technology that optimizes multiple power sources as one.

To ensure that the devices would be capable of withstanding hundreds of thousands of folds, a Hideaway Hinge mechanism was designed with Sweeper technology to help keep out dust and dirt particles. The hinge also added a new layer of functionality to Samsung foldables, allowing them to stand on their own, which makes them perfect for watching content, making video calls, or taking hands-free selfies.

Samsung’s dedication to creating new foldable innovations enabled it to achieve yet another major milestone in 2021 with the release of the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 – the first foldables to receive an IPX8 water resistance rating.

But the features that set Samsung foldables apart aren’t all hidden beneath the surface. With App Continuity – a responsive UI that delivers seamless transitions between folded and unfolded modes – and features like Multi-Active Window and Flex mode, Samsung foldables have unlocked new ways for us to work, play and express ourselves.

Driving Consumer Demand for Foldable Devices

This unprecedented push in innovation has sparked a surging demand for foldable devices, bringing more users to the Galaxy family than ever before. Compared to the Galaxy Note20, Samsung has seen a 150 percent³ increase in consumers who switched smartphone brands for the Galaxy Z Flip3, and a 140 percent increase compared to the Galaxy S21.

A simple explanation for this massive increase is that both Galaxy Z series devices offer distinct features that appeal to specific customer groups in ways that no other smartphones have before.

A buyer survey conducted by Samsung revealed that a stylish design, portability and an innovative folding form factor were the top drivers behind purchases of the Galaxy Z Flip3. The ability to use the cover screen without opening the device was another important factor for those who value privacy, as well as those who want to regulate their screen time to manage their mental health. Buyers of the Galaxy Z Fold3, meanwhile, reported being drawn to its large screen for viewing content, multitasking capabilities and productivity features, including the S Pen.⁴ At the end of the day, it’s clear that both devices are giving consumers more incentive than ever to switch to a foldable, even if it means changing brands or operating systems.

Pioneering the Foldable Future

As more consumers become aware of foldables’ incredible potential, interest in the category will continue to grow. With a variety of innovations set to make their way to consumers in the coming years, Samsung will continue to lead the foldable category with even more pioneering technology.

To achieve this goal, Samsung is heavily investing in R&D while openly collaborating with app developers and industry partners such as Google.

For years, Samsung and Google have been collaborating to make the foldable experience scalable by providing Android developers with the necessary framework and resources. In 2021, the companies announced guidelines for creating apps for large-screen and foldable devices, building on Google’s work to optimize its most popular apps – such as Gmail, YouTube, Duo and Maps – for foldable form factors. Going forward, Samsung will continue to work with partners and developers to develop technologies that will steer the future of the mobile industry.

In establishing an entirely new mobile category a decade ago, Samsung raised the bar for mobile innovation. As it looks toward the next decade and beyond, the company will continue to reinvent the mobile experience to change what’s possible as they unfold.

¹ According to figures from Counterpoint Research

² According to figures from Counterpoint Research

³ Samsung Big Data Center

⁴ Only Galaxy Z Fold3 main display has S Pen capability. Compatible only with the S Pen Fold Edition or S Pen Pro, sold separately.

Samsung Electronics today announced the latest development in its ongoing partnership with streaming giant, Netflix, to herald the release of the second season of its hit-show, Emily in Paris, produced by MTV Entertainment Studios. The Emmy-nominated show, renowned for its 21^st century celebration of iconic Parisian style, has collaborated with Samsung to showcase world-class premium technology to fans of the series.

In the first season, the beautiful setting and quintessentially Parisian characters gave viewers an insight into French style and culture and are some of the driving forces behind the show’s success. This sense of escapism was created and elevated by the global cast, including the iconic character of Sylvie Grateau. Played by Samsung ambassador Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Sylvie acts as lead protagonist Emily’s boss, and the CMO of luxury marketing agency Savoir. Sylvie’s character embodies true stylish authority; great at her job, powerful, commanding and effortlessly chic, she became one of the most widely recognized and loved characters from the show’s debut season. In season two, to make sure she keeps on top of her personal and professional life, Sylvie has chosen the stylish and snappy Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G to keep Emily and the rest of the agency on their toes.

But Sylvie is not the only one to benefit from the style and glamour of the Galaxy Z Flip 5G. To launch the second season, Samsung and Netflix will bring iconic style and innovative technology to fans of Emily in Paris through an integrated campaign; featuring offline ads, social and influencer content, and a TikTok filter that provides a new way for fans to enjoy the show, through the lens of the iconic Galaxy Z Flip 5G. The filter will allow fans to “flip the script” and become the lead character in their own Emily in Paris animated poster. The stunning Galaxy Z Flip 5G will unfold in front of the user, putting them front and center before the iconic Eiffel Tower. TikTok users* can try out the Flip the Script TikTok Effect on the platform as of 28^th of December.

Benjamin Braun, Samsung CMO for Europe, said, “At Samsung, we are always at the forefront of creativity and innovation. We are excited to partner with Netflix for the second season of one of their biggest shows, Emily in Paris, and to see Sylvie wielding the iconic Galaxy Z Flip 5G fits the personality of the device perfectly. We’re looking forward to developing this partnership further and deeper in the future.”

Samsung’s latest line of premium products are set to push the boundaries of innovation for fans of Emily in Paris, showcasing the brands’ ability for combining style with flagship innovation and craftmanship. Some of the Samsung products include:

• The Galaxy Z Flip 5G: A premium and innovative foldable phone developed for trend-setters and multi-taskers who want to easily flip between capturing the perfect selfie and sending out a series of emails, or catch-up on the latest episode on the go.

• The Galaxy Watch3: A fashionable and functional wearable that enables you to track all your wellness metrics with a flip of your wrist, turning your daily walk into a dazzling catwalk.

• The Serif: A one-of-a-kind television that blends iconic design and startling picture to transform every show or film into the ultimate viewing experience, as if you’re walking through the Musée D’Orsay yourself.

• The Sero: The revolutionary Sero TV is a world-first design, enabling you to seamlessly flip between horizontal and vertical content so you can watch Netflix and mobile social content with ease.

• The Bespoke Cube: A compact and multi-functional refrigerator solution that can easily be placed anywhere in the home, keeping everything from wine to cosmetics fresh for longer.

• The Bespoke Fridge Freezer: The iconic modular refrigerator solution that allows you to welcome personalization and innovative technology into your home.

Emily in Paris season 2 will be available to watch on Netflix on the 22^nd of December.

* TikTok filter will be available in the UK, Germany, France Italy and Spain from Dec 28^th ’21 to 26 Feb ’22.

About Netflix, Inc.

Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service with over 209 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

▲ This beautiful Korean landscape known as the Awesome Savanna, one of the locations featured in the BTS music video ‘Spring Day’, was scouted by location manager Taeyoung Kim

An essential element to bringing a movie or TV show’s characters and narrative to life is the background that is shown behind them. When the location of the characters’ life and events are vivid, an audience is automatically more naturally drawn into the story. In essence, the perfect space can serve as a canvas on which a narrative is painted.

Taeyoung Kim is the first Korean location manager, who over the past 20 years has scouted many beautiful spaces for all kinds of classic productions. In his journeys to find the perfect spots, Kim’s Galaxy Z Fold3 has become his trusted partner, so Samsung Newsroom tagged along on Kim’s latest road trip to discover some new shoot locations with the help of Galaxy Z Fold3.

The Secret Formula to Scouting the Perfect Scene for a Shot

“All spaces have stories:” this is Taeyoung Kim’s philosophy. Kim understands that, wherever a place may be, it is drenched with the traces of the people who have been there over the ages. Kim’s job as a location manager is to discover the story that a space holds and then bring new value to that space. In order to find those special spaces capable of bringing a scene to life, he has traveled more than 800,000km – the equivalent of 20 journeys around the Earth – and accumulated more than 3 million photos for location scouting purposes.

As soon as Kim receives a scenario, he pictures the scenery he wishes to find in his head. After running through tens of thousands of different combinations in his mind, he begins to search for the right places. In the past, he would carry 7 to 8 atlases around with him at all times – to the point where they became torn and worn out. Then, he would have to take photos of each space using a heavy camera and subsequently have to get those photos printed for meetings. Luckily, with his introduction to Galaxy smartphones and Galaxy Z Fold3, these inconveniences are now a thing of the past.

Not only has Kim been able to switch out his heavy-duty camera for a high-resolution camera, but he has also been able to conveniently note, record and share potential locations using navigation, GPS and real-time location sharing on his Galaxy Z Fold3. Kim has been using Galaxy smartphones since the release of the Galaxy Note3, and these days harnesses the Galaxy Z Fold3 for his work. “With my Galaxy smartphones, I have been able to significantly cut down the time and cost it takes to discover a location,” said Kim. “I am now able to solely focus on the space and the scenario I am looking for by simply holding up my smartphone in one hand instead of having to carry around heavy equipment such as a camera and a tripod.”

Galaxy Z Fold3, the Perfect Partner for Taeyoung Kim’s Scouting Journeys

A location scouting trip is all about discovering the optimal place to match the scenario formed already in Kim’s head. To ensure a successful trip, Kim has a selection of essential items that he always keeps with him in his bag. The latest addition to this list of items is his Galaxy Z Fold3, which has replaced his previous duo of a Galaxy S21 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S7. In addition to his smartphone, Kim carries with him his Galaxy Book Flex Alpha, an external hard drive, a scenario book, a drone device, snacks for the trip and a distance measuring device.

Packing and transporting his equipment when heading out on scouting missions has become much simpler for Kim since he acquired his Galaxy Z Fold3. Thanks to the Galaxy Z Fold3, Kim is able to take photos of a location and examine them at a wide angle in a single frame using the device’s large screen, a functionality he previously enjoyed when using the ultra-wide lens of his Galaxy S21 Ultra. In addition, when it comes to exploring more precarious places, such as valleys or cliffs, with Galaxy Z Fold3, all Kim needs to do is hold up his smartphone. “Thanks to the small and lightweight nature of the device, as well as its high-performing camera, I can record the places I have visited without ever having to worry about missing a spot,” noted Kim. “The whole process has been made so much more convenient with the Galaxy Z Fold3.”

Furthermore, as Kim is reviewing an image on the expansive screen of his Galaxy Z Fold3, he is also able to make notes of any relevant information – such as location details, hazardous factors, usable space, dimensions and more – with his S Pen on the spot. This ability to take notes immediately on his smartphone has enabled Kim to capture any inspiration that comes to him when viewing a location as it happens. “Applying cinematic elements to a photo I have taken of a potential location requires some explanation,” explained Kim. “Being able to include figures or other images in these pictures makes it much easier for people to understand my train of thought; my Galaxy Z Fold3 and S Pen have come in extremely useful when it comes to sharing my location scouting images with cinematographers, art directors and producers.”

Once Kim has finished his ideation process and is ready to scout out a location, all that’s left is to embark on is the journey itself. With the Galaxy Z Fold3, all this means doing is entering the location into the navigation system – and off he goes.

In order to learn more about Kim’s location scouting process, optimized by the Galaxy Z Fold3, take a look at the ‘Voices of Galaxy’ video below.

Today’s younger generations, including Millennials and Generation Z (or ‘Gen Z’), are all about expressing their own unique personalities through the decoration of their diaries, their personal computing devices, their rooms – and even their phones. Since customization has become the norm these days, it is only natural that the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G has become the perfect vehicle for these generations, as the phone boasts a trendy design and allows users to differentiate their device through various methods of customization.

This October, Samsung Electronics provided even more ways for users to personalize their device with the unveiling of the Galaxy Z Flip3 Bespoke Edition, which allows users to express their own taste through combining different design elements. Users can also take this one step further with the new Galaxy Watch4 Maison Kitsuné Edition and Galaxy Buds2 Maison Kitsuné Edition, which have been created in collaboration with the trendy fashion brand Kitsuné.

The multifaceted ways one can decorate their Galaxy Z Flip3 5G have been growing in popularity due to their unique nature and direct relation to the user’s taste. However, if you’re a beginner in the phone decoration game, Samsung Newsroom is here to introduce four top tips for decorating your Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.

1. Make Your Phone a Fashion Statement With Colors That Pop Out

Thanks to its visually appealing design and varied color swatches, Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is a fashion item and accessory within its own right. Just as a pop of color can totally transform your OOTD, the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G can also serve as a unique highlight item thanks to the exciting range of shades it is available in, as well as the range of colorful accessories available that allow you to match your mood or style of the day, whatever the season. You can even choose from a range of Galaxy Watch straps and Buds cases to take your accessory matching to the next level.

2. Showcase Your Style – As Well as Your Support – With Stickers

Decorating using stickers has always been a common way for users to customize their diaries or other personal items, such as laptops. Following the release of Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, more users than ever before have been using stickers to decorate their phones, as Galaxy Z Flip3 5G comes in a range of colors¹ – including the chic Phantom Black shade, the warm Cream shade and the lovely Lavender shade – that allows it to serve as a canvas with which users can express their own individuality. Why not pick up some cute stickers to decorate your phone case and make it truly and uniquely your own?

Furthermore, in celebration of International Red Panda (Lesser Panda) Day this September 18^th, Samsung worked with Da-seul Jeong (Aeso), the creator of the character Ompangi, to create lesser panda stickers for phone decoration. This collaboration was undertaken to raise awareness of the protection of endangered animals, a category that unfortunately lesser pandas are part of. Through using such cute yet important stickers as these, users can customize their phones not only to show their style, but also to actively show their support for all kinds of causes.

3. Make Your Phone Truly Your Own, From the Inside Out

Previously, a user has been able to show off their personal style by using their phone’s home screen. But with Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, you can take this one step further and apply your unique personality to your phone case, as well, thanks to the wide range of accessories launched by Samsung through collaboration with a variety of movies, cartoons, sports teams and even food brands.

By checking out the ‘Featured Items’ page for accessories on the Samsung Members app, you can take a look at all kinds of accessories that are available thanks to these diverse collaborations; Knotted Donuts, Disney, Jill Stuart, Dragon Ball and more are among the brands Samsung has collaborated with so far.² From the wide range of collaboration accessories available, including smartphone ring grips, strap cases and clear case palettes, Samsung has created products that not only provide unique ways for users to express their style, but also ways for users to enjoy their phone with utmost convenience. These brand collaboration items are available for your Galaxy Watch, too, so that even when you aren’t holding up your smartphone, you are still able to showcase your true self whenever you want.

What’s more, the wider Cover Screen that comes with the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G provides even more screen real estate with which you can demonstrate your mood or interests – you can even decorate your screen with up to 15 images of your favorite animals, celebrities, characters or even your family members. While originally, the image shown on the Cover Screen would change automatically every time the screen was turned on, the recent One UI 4 update now lets you fix which images show up when according to your own preferences. Furthermore, a new color palette has been provided that lets you change your Home Screen, wallpaper and icons to suit your tastes, providing even more ways for you to express your own individuality.

4. Build Personality and Self-Expression Into the Very Design of Your Smartphone

If you are the type of person that enjoys a more minimal approach to decoration and prefers to leave the look of the phone the way it was when you first received it, then this custom-design approach might be perfect for you. Just because you enjoy a simple style doesn’t mean that your smartphone has to look like everyone else’s – and so with the Galaxy Z Flip3 Bespoke Edition unveiled this October, you can express your own tastes through the phone’s design itself. The Bespoke Edition offers two frame colors, black and silver, as well as five panel colors, blue, yellow, pink, white and black, which come together to provide a total of 49 design combinations.

Furthermore, just as some might switch up their style by changing their phone case, you can even switch the colors of the front and rear panels of your phone as you please thanks to the Bespoke Upgrade Care service, and the Galaxy Watch4 Maison Kitsuné Edition and Galaxy Buds2 Maison Kitsuné Edition provide even more subtle nods to decoration thanks to their witty yet simple design.

If you are not sure which colors make the perfect match for you, you can try out various combinations in person at your local Samsung Experience Store, or try out the combinations virtually in 3D at Samsung.com.

¹ Color swatches available for Galaxy Z Flip3 5G may vary by region or mobile operator.
²The availability of the collaboration accessories may vary by region or mobile operator.

But Samsung’s cutting-edge new foldable solutions couldn’t have been realized without the hard work and collaborative efforts of Samsung’s global network of engineers. Among other accomplishments, these employees were able to incorporate advanced technologies like AI to enable drawing and writing on the Galaxy Z Fold3’s large screen, and to allow the device to convert handwriting in a range of languages into on-screen text with S Pen.

To find out more about just what went into the development of the innovative new S Pen, Newsroom spoke to Olga Radyvonenko from the Visual Intelligence Team at Samsung Research Ukraine.

Q: Can you briefly introduce the Ukrainian Research Institute and the kind of work that goes on there?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the key technologies of our R&D center. Our lab is focused on bringing Samsung users human-centric AI technologies that make input and interaction easy and enjoyable.

Q: The S Pen has now been applied to the Galaxy Z Fold3, making it the first of its kind among foldable smartphones. What role did you play in this process?

The major contributions of our lab to the Z Fold3 were the development of on-device deep learning technologies for handwritten content recognition and the technology for reducing S Pen input latency that combines advances in graphics and AI.

Q: What is the S Pen Software Development Kit? What particular advantages does it bring?

The S Pen Software Development Kit (SDK) is being developed by Samsung researchers and developers from many countries around the world, and we are very proud to be part of this international team. The S Pen SDK provides ways to speed up rendering and to reduce and optimize S Pen input latency. In addition, it comprises smart AI-powered features, such as recognition of handwritten text, shapes, diagrams and handwriting straightening.

Q: Given the unique function of the S Pen on the Z Fold3, was there any function of the S Pen that was developed or expanded specifically for the foldable smartphone?

As the new Z Fold3 has a massive and unique foldable display, we’ve focused on using our AI technology to optimize the S Pen experience as well as improve the latency. Thanks to our point prediction technology powered by deep learning, we are able to predict the next movement of the S Pen to minimize the delay between input and output on the screen of the Z Fold3. This, in combination with the front buffer rendering technology and unique large screen, means that our users can enjoy the most natural handwriting, note-taking and drawing on their Z Fold3.

Q: How many languages does the S Pen now support? What were some of the difficulties of expanding the number of recognized languages for the Z Fold3’s S Pen?

At this moment, the S Pen supports 88 languages in total, 14 of which were newly added in the past year.

Adding a new language for handwriting recognition requires a lot of effort. In order to achieve the world’s best level of recognition quality and speed, we have developed an advanced AI technology. This technology is based on deep learning across millions of users’ samples and language modeling for natural language processing (NLP).

Q: Do you have any special tips for making the most out of the S Pen on the Z Fold3 to share with users?

For those who love writing by hand, the S Pen To Text feature now supports writing with the S Pen directly into text fields. The handwriting is then automatically converted to text. Also, you can edit any printed text with your S Pen – for example, when correcting spacing or inserting words.

One feature that will also interest many users is Neat Shape mode. It can help you to not only draw shapes, but also build a flowchart.

Make sure to check the Tips application and not skip usage tips – there you will discover the newest S Pen and input features, and also learn how to use many other Samsung apps to their fullest potential.

Q: Looking forward, what do you think the future of the S Pen looks like? How might it evolve?

We hope to introduce more ways to support better user experiences by providing even more personalization in the near future. Our mission is to make S Pen input like writing in your notepad with a pen, but better and smarter.

Most of all, I want for as many people as possible to experience the power and convenience of the S Pen and its handwritten input capabilities. It has the potential to enhance input on a wide range of devices. We view the S Pen not only as a cool gadget, but first and foremost as an accessible and useful tool. I hope I will see the S Pen and its features casually used in education, in the workplace and in everyday life. I do believe we are set to see a revolution in input technology.

The full interview video can be viewed here:

Samsung’s high-tech, innovative tests include environmental chamber, water resistance, S Pen usability and folding test. Environmental chamber tests ensure that features, such as video playback, and components, like cameras work properly in a variety of climates — from dry to humid, and hot to cold. Water resistance tests establish the high quality of the very first water-resistant foldable smartphone by even testing in different folding positions, including Flex mode. With S Pen drawing tests, Samsung ensures the performance of the digitizer underneath the foldable display including where it folds. And to ensure that the new foldables live up to their namesake, the Galaxy Z series devices undergo rigorous folding tests to outlast 200,000¹ folds — or around five years of use if folded and unfolded 100 times a day. The enhanced folding tests reflect actual user patterns in real-world scenarios such as folding and unfolding using both hands.

Take a look at the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the testing procedures Samsung uses to ensure that the latest Galaxy Z series devices meet the highest standards possible.