Here is what Samsung will unveil at Galaxy Unpacked event

Samsung’s next big product launch event is around the corner and the South Korean technology giant is expected to unveil three new top-end smartphones, strengthening its premium line-up.

This is probably the last chance this year for the Samsung to impress smartphone enthusiasts and boost the bottom line of its mobile business, according to analysts.

The company’s mobile division posted a 25 per cent increase in operating income to $5.98 billion (Dh21.96bn) in the second quarter.

Samsung said it expects smartphone sales to rise in the third quarter with the launch of new devices, including a new foldable phone.

The National evaluates what to expect from the Galaxy Unpacked event on Wednesday that is being held online this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Adding more juice to Note series

Samsung is expected to expand its Galaxy Note line-up by launching two new models – Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra. According to sources, Note 20 will come with a 17.01-centimetre flat display, while the Note 20 Ultra will have a 17.52cm curved display. There will be a vertical three-camera array, as opposed to a horizontal three-camera array in Note 9, on the rear of both stylus-equipped phones.

A new foldable phone

To woo premium customers, Samsung is doubling down on its first two foldable models and pushing out a new foldable phone, Galaxy Z Fold 2. Recent leaks indicate it will come with a bigger 19.05cm display (when fully opened), with support for a 120Hz refresh rate. It will have a triple-camera setup identical to the Note 20.

The new foldable phone will cost around $1,980 (Dh7,266), according to MySmartPrice, the second–largest technology and gadget research site in India with more than 20 million user visits a month.

It is quite higher than its predecessor Z Flip that was priced Dh5,499 when it was launched in February. It is compact, palm-sized device when folded, with screen size nearly doubling to 17cm when opened.

Why is Samsung pinning high hopes on Note 20?

Samsung shipped only 54.2 million smartphones in three months to June 30, a 28.9 per cent year-on-year decline, according to figures compiled by International Data Corporation.

Samsung's premium devices such the Galaxy S20 and the Galaxy Z Flip, launched in the peak of the pandemic (in February), are facing sales challenges despite price reductions, IDC said.

When will the Note 20 line-up be available in the UAE?

The Galaxy Note 20 series is expected to be available in the last week of August across all major retailers and Samsung stores in the UAE. However, it will be available in the US and selected markets in Europe by the second or third week of this month. Whereas, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is expected to hit the shelves next month.

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