Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 review: A truly amazing foldable phone
Our Verdict With a larger cover screen, improved design, and innovative Flex Mode, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the best foldable phone yet and a productivity powerhouse. For...
08/02/2022
Our Verdict
With a larger cover screen, improved design and innovative Flex Mode, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the best foldable phone yet and a productivity powerhouse.
For
A larger cover screen
Flex mode adds versatility
Improved multitasking
More durable design
Apps use tablet mode
Versus
Pretty expensive
Relatively heavy
Not water resistant
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a leap forward better than the original Fold. And that must be for the high price. The front screen is much larger, 5G is standard, and the unsightly notch inside is gone. In addition, this foldable is more durable than the first Fold.
Samsung has further innovated to make this phone-tablet hybrid much more versatile, thanks to a new Flex mode. Additionally, multitasking is better for running up to three apps at the same time, and multiple apps have a dual-pane view for increased productivity.
The
best phones
At the moment
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra review
LG Wing vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
: Which dual-screen phone wins?< /p>
The Galaxy Z Fold 2's cameras aren't as advanced as what you'll find on the
Galaxy S21 Ultra
(especially the zoom) and the design is quite beefy. In addition, Samsung would prepare the
Galaxy Z Fold 3
for a slated August launch, a sequel that could offer S Pen support along with other upgrades.
But if you're now in the market for a foldable phone, the Z Fold 2 very well justifies Samsung's high asking price. It's no wonder we named it the best foldable phone in our
Tom's Guide Awards 2021 for phones
.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 review: What I like
(Image credit: Future)
A bigger front screen makes a huge difference:
The cover screen has grown to 6.2 inches, which means you don't need to use the internal screen to get things done. The outer screen, however, is narrower than conventional phones.
Apps finally make the most of the tablet-sized screen:
For example, in Gmail, you'll see your email list on the left and message bodies on the right, and Slack will show contacts on the left and messages on the right. The iPhone cannot do this.
Multitasking is better:
It's quite easy to create app pairs to launch three apps at once. I also like that you can drag and drop content from one window to another in some apps.
Flex mode adds versatility:
Thanks to the cam mechanism in the hinge, you can open the display from different angles. Flex mode is here to enjoy. For example, in the Camera app, you'll see Live Previous at the top and Controls at the bottom.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 review: What I don't like
The main screen is prone to smudges:
Although the ultra-thin glass on the 7.6-inch screen is more durable and feels better, it absorbs smudges quickly. And, yes, the crease is still noticeable.
Zoom limited:
I can live without the Galaxy S21 Ultra's 108MP sensor, but only 2x optical zoom on a $2,000 phone when you can get 10x on the Note is a bummer.
No water resistance:
When it started drizzling outside, I took the Z Fold 2 inside as there is no promised water resistance for this device.
It is a heavy device:
At 9.9 ounces, the Z Fold 2 is heavier than the original Galaxy Fold (9.5 ounces) and I felt a little tight after several minutes of typing. Again, you get a phone and a tablet in one.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 review: Price and availability
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Specifications
Price:
$1799
BONE:
Android 10
Main display:
7.6 inch 120Hz (2208 x 1768 pixels)
Cover screen:
6.2 inches 60Hz (2260 x 816 pixels)
CPU:
Snapdragon 865 Plus
RAM:
12GB
Storage:
256GB
Rear cameras
: 12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto (2x optical/10x digital zoom)
Selfie cameras:
10MP (cover), 10MP (main screen)
Battery:
4500mAh
Autonomy:
10 hours 10 minutes
Cut:
6.2 x 2.6 x 0.66 inches (closed); 6.2 x 5 x 0.27 inches (open)
Weight:
9.9 ounces
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 release date was September 18, 2020. It is available for sale through multiple carriers as well as unlocked.
When it debuted, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 cost $1,999 for 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. Note that a microSD card slot is not included and there are no other capacities available. These days, after a permanent $200 price drop, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is selling for $1,799. (This could be a sign that Samsung is looking to liquidate inventory ahead of the planned launch of the
Galaxy Z Fold 3
later this year.)
< p>To put the Z Fold 2's price in context, Microsoft is charging $1,400 for its phoneSurface Duo
. To see how similar these two foldable devices are, check out our
head to head Microsoft Surface Duo vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
.
If you're looking for Galaxy Z Fold 2 deals, the phone has been discounted to $999. So it can pay off to hunt for sales on this foldable phone. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is available from all major carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile (Sprint), as well as unlocked.
Samsung offers the Galaxy Z Premier Service for the Z Fold 2, which includes on-demand concierge support from dedicated experts. Additionally, Z Fold 2 owners can get a FoundersCard membership, access to a prepared meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and access to various golf clubs.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 review: Design and durability< /p>
(Image credit: Future)
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 immediately makes a better impression than the Galaxy Fold due to its larger exterior screen. You don't feel like you're using Android through a peephole anymore, and that's because the cover screen has grown from 4.6-inches to 6.2-inches.
The interior screen is also larger at 7.6 inches for the Galaxy Z Fold 2, compared to 7.3 inches for the previous model. Better still, the ugly notch on the main screen is gone, replaced by a small cutout for a selfie camera.
Samsung has also made several improvements to the Galaxy Z Fold 2 to improve durability and usability. This includes a new, sturdier Ultra Thin Glass display, designed to provide a better touchscreen feel than the plastic Fold display, and a Hideaway Hinge that uses swipe technology to keep dust and dirt out of the phone.
In a third-party test by YouTuber
JerryRigEverything
, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 has survived dirt splatter, suggesting that the new hinge works better than on the original model.
(Image credit: Future)
Similar to
Galaxy Z Flip 5G
, the hinge of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 uses a CAM mechanism that allows you to position the screen in several positions. And although there is still a gap between the two sides of the phone when it is closed, it is narrower than before.
(Image credit: Future)
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is available in two colors: Mystic Bronze and Mystic Black. But you'll be able to add some style in the form of four hinge color options if you order through Samsung.com. Options include Metallic Silver, Metallic Gold, Metallic Red, and Metallic Blue.
Measuring 6.2 x 2.6 x 0.66 inches when closed and 6.2 x 5 x 0.27 inches when open, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is slightly shorter but wider than its predecessor . It's also heavier, as the Z Fold 2 weighs 9.9 ounces, compared to the original model's 9.48 ounces. I really felt a bit of tension after using the phone for several minutes and typing messages.
Another disappointment: the Galaxy Z Fold 2 doesn't offer water resistance, so you can't get it wet while you can with other flagship phones.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 review: display
(Image credit: Future)
In addition to a larger size, the 7.6-inch main display on the Galaxy Z Fold 2 boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, so you should enjoy smooth scrolling and overall performance over the rate. 60Hz on the Galaxy Fold. Also, since the panel is adaptive, it is smart enough to decrease or increase the rate depending on the content on the screen.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2's cover screen doesn't offer a 120Hz refresh rate, but it's still much better than what the first Fold featured. Measuring 6.2 inches, this OLED screen is large enough to perform just about any task, and you can always instantly resume what you were doing on the main screen when you unfold the device.
Just keep in mind that the aspect ratio on the Z Fold 2's cover screen is narrower than most phones, so typing might feel a bit cramped.
Galaxy Z Fold 2 review: Software and Flex mode
(Image credit: Future)
One of the complaints we had about the Galaxy Fold is that most of the apps felt like blast phone apps in tablet mode. But Samsung corrects this drawback with the Galaxy Z Fold 2.
For example, in Gmail, I could see my messages on the left and the email body on the right. And in Slack, my contacts were on the left and messages on the right. You have to switch the Galaxy Z Fold 2's screen orientation to landscape mode to see these changes, but it makes a huge difference in productivity. And that makes the Galaxy Z Fold 2 more laptop-like. Samsung also promises an optimized viewing experience in Microsoft Office and YouTube.
(Image credit: Future)
The Flex mode of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 gives this foldable phone great versatility. The idea is that you can have controls or settings on one side of the screen and content on the other for maximum productivity.
(Image credit: Future)
I really enjoyed using Google Duo in Flex mode because it lets you lay the phone down in a laptop-like position and have a video call with the other person without having to hold the device . This is something I immediately wished my iPhone could do.
Samsung says Flex Mode is supported by several Samsung apps, including Camera, Video Call, Gallery, Video Player, Clock, and Calendar. And Google supports Flex Mode with YouTube as well as Google Duo. Samsung is also working with third-party developers to create apps that are optimized for Flex Mode.
(Image credit: Future)
Another key Galaxy Z Fold 2 upgrade is multitasking. With the enhanced Multi-Active Window feature, you can open up to three apps at the same time and quickly create presets called app pairs that you launch with just a tap.
I tried with Slack, Twitter, and Spotify as well as YouTube, Photos, and Messages, and it was very cool to launch three apps at once. You can also quickly rearrange the layout by tapping or dragging an app from one window to another.
Even cooler, you can also drag and drop content from one window to another. I had no problem dropping a photo from the Gallery app into an outgoing message. However, it didn't work with the Google Photos app. Several Samsung apps support drag and drop, as do Microsoft 365, Gmail, Chrome, and Google Maps.
Samsung's App Continuity feature is also built in from the original Galaxy Fold. The idea is that you can start an app on the cover screen, open the main screen, and pick up where you left off. This worked in most apps, but the Sky Force 2 game forced me to restart the app when switching to the larger canvas.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 Cameras
(Image credit: Future)
It's a little strange to say this, but the $2,000 Galaxy Z Fold 2 is a drop from the $1,300
Galaxy Note 20
when it comes to cameras. You don't get a 108MP main sensor, 5x optical zoom, or 50x space zoom, but you do get three capable shooters that you can use in different ways.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 features a 12MP main wide-angle camera, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera with a 123-degree field of view, and a 12MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom.
(Image credit: Future)
The fun really starts with the camera features that are unique to the Galaxy Z Fold 2. For example, Dual Preview lets subjects see what they'll look like using the front screen while you take the shot. You can also take better quality selfies with the rear cameras.
All you have to do is turn on the camera on the cover screen, then press a button in the top right corner, then the Z Fold 2 prompts you to unfold the device and you'll see a preview live.
(Image credit: Future)
Another plus: you can prop the Galaxy Z Fold 2 up in what looks like laptop mode and it'll keep your subject in focus when shooting video using a feature called Auto Framing. With Flex mode, you can also view recent photos in the lower half of the screen while keeping the live preview in the upper half.
(Image credit: Future)
The Z Fold 2's camera did a fantastic job capturing a close-up of those yellow and purple flowers. You can see fine detail in the petals and even fine water droplets when you zoom in.
(Image credit: Future)
I also took this selfie using the Z Fold 2's 12MP rear camera and cover screen as a viewfinder. The blue of my shirt pops and the surrounding trees and grass look vibrant. You just can't do that on an iPhone.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Future)
Picture 2 of 2
(Image credit: Future)
As expected, the 10x digital zoom proved disappointing compared to the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra's more powerful Space Zoom. While we focus on the tree and the hanging flower baskets, there is a good amount of grain. It's certainly passable, though.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 did a pretty good job in this portrait, artfully blurring the photos in the background. The bokeh effect is better on the Z Fold 2 than on the iPhone 12. However, my face is a little more puffy in the Samsung photo.
In this shot of fall decorations, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 offers a brighter overall image, and you can make out a lot of detail in the turkeys. The iPhone 11 Pro Max does a better job of rendering hay, but overall I'm giving Samsung the edge here.
The Galaxy Z Fold's 2-night mode worked well in this photo taken in the near darkness of a wall hanging. However, the iPhone 11 Pro Max's Night mode captured a considerably brighter image of the scene.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 review: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is equipped with a Snapdragon 865 Plus processor, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage (UFS3.1). We therefore expect performance similar to that of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
On Geekbench 5, which measures overall performance, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 scored 3,193 on the multi-core portion. The Note 20 Ultra with the same chip scored slightly higher at 3,294 and the Asus ROG Phone 3 hit 3,393. The iPhone 11 Pro was the fastest at 3,500.
On the GFXBench graphics test, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 scored 1,461 frames on the Aztec Ruins (High Tier) off-screen benchmark, compared to 1,455 for the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and 1,657 frames for the iPhone 11 Pro.
Overall, the Z Fold 2 offers smooth performance, but I occasionally noticed minor software glitches. The YouTube app view has not changed. I changed screen mode at some point, but restarting the app fixed the problem.
In terms of 5G, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 supports both mmWave and sub-6GHz versions, so you should have no problem accessing 5G networks where there is coverage. I haven't seen the best results in central New Jersey. On AT&T's network, the Galaxy Z Fold 2's download speed only reached 22 Mbps, but on T-Mobile it was a much higher 122 Mbps at the same location.
Because the Z Fold 2 also supports Ultra Wide Band technology, you can take advantage of Samsung's Nearby Sharing features to quickly share files with other compatible devices, which so far only includes the Note 20 Ultra.
Galaxy Z Fold 2 review: Battery life and charging
(Image credit: Future)
The Galaxy Z Fold 2 packs a 4500mAh battery, which should get you through most of the day. The Galaxy Fold had a slightly smaller 4380mAh, so that's a step up.
On our battery test, which involves continuous web browsing at 150 nits of screen brightness, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 lasted 10 hours and 10 minutes on the 60Hz display setting. That's not enough to make our list from
best phone battery life
, where handsets last over 11 hours. But considering the screen size of the Z Fold 2, that's pretty good endurance.
As expected, battery life dropped on the Z Fold 2 with the display set to 120Hz (adaptive), the phone lasting 9 hours and 5 minutes.
Anecdotally, the Z Fold 2's battery life is pretty solid. I started using the phone at 10 a.m. and after a day of heavy use, there was about 18% juice left by 10 p.m.
The Z Fold 2 supports 25W fast charging, as well as wireless fast charging and PowerShare reverse charging. But we didn't see the best results in our tests. After 30 minutes the Z Fold 2 was at 46% and we expected 50%. By comparison, the Note 20 Ultra hit 56% in the same time frame.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 review: Verdict
(Image credit: Future)
< p>Note that aGalaxy Z Fold 3
should be launched this summer. It should include a faster processor, S Pen support, and possibly an under-display camera, among other upgrades. So you'll probably want to wait until mid-August until you make a move.
Overall, though, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the quintessential example of a company listening to its customers and delivering a wide range of improvements they've requested. Even at its discounted price of $1,799, this is a phone that's still suitable for early adopters. At least the Z Fold 2 looks much less like a prototype and more like a viable product.
The Galaxy Z Fold 2's front display is a huge upgrade on its own. I also really like the Flex mode and the versatility this phone gives. Being able to prop the device up from different angles really makes the Z Fold 2 feel like a whole new kind of device. And while the multitasking Mult-Active Window multitasking requires a bit of a learning curve, it maximizes productivity.
If you want a more powerful phone and better cameras, the iPhone 12 Pro Max
is the better option, but Apple doesn't have anything quite as innovative in its lineup to take on the Z Fold 2.
iPhone Flip
might be on the way at some point, but we doubt it'll be anytime soon.
Overall, I'm really impressed with what Samsung has accomplished with the Galaxy Z Fold 2. It's clearly the
best foldable phone
to date and a sign of great things to come in the category.
Mark Spoonauer
Mark Spoonauer is Tom's Guide's Chief Global Editor and has been covering technology for nearly 20 years. As well as overseeing the direction of Tom's Guide, Mark specializes in covering all things mobile, having reviewed dozens of smartphones and other gadgets. He has spoken at key industry events and regularly appears on television to discuss the latest trends. Mark was formerly editor of Laptop Mag, and his work has appeared in Wired, Popular Science and Inc. Follow him on Twitter at @mspoonauer.