Galaxy Z Fold 2: Bigger Displays, Five Cameras, Snapdragon 865
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 was unveiled with two larger displays, a total of five cameras, and the Snapdragon 865+ processor. It was announced on August 5, 2020, as the successor to the original Galaxy Fold, addressing many of its predecessor’s durability and design criticisms.
Background: From the Original Fold to the Z Fold 2
The first Galaxy Fold (2019) was a bold but troubled debut. Review units broke within days, leading Samsung to delay the launch and redesign the hinge and screen protection. The Z Fold 2 was Samsung’s chance to prove the foldable concept could be refined. It kept the inward-folding design but made critical changes: a larger cover display, a more durable Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) inner screen, and a hidden hinge that allows it to fold flat with a slight gap to prevent debris from getting inside.
The name “Z” aligns with Samsung’s Z series (which includes the Z Flip), signaling a new generation. The Z Fold 2 was launched alongside the Galaxy Note 20 series and the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, but it was the most expensive of the trio.
Display: Two Bigger, Better Screens
The most obvious upgrade was the cover display. The original Fold had a cramped 4.6-inch outer screen that was nearly unusable for typing or reading. The Z Fold 2 increased it to 6.2 inches, making it a proper smartphone screen with a 25:9 aspect ratio. This means you can use the phone closed for most tasks without opening it.
The main foldable display grew from 7.3 inches to 7.6 inches. It uses Samsung’s Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) instead of the plastic film used in the original, which reduces the visible crease and improves durability. The screen has a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations noticeably smoother than the 60Hz panels on most phones of that era. The resolution is 2208 x 1768 pixels, giving a sharp pixel density of about 373 ppi.
Both screens are Dynamic AMOLED 2X, supporting HDR10+ and a peak brightness of up to 1300 nits. The inner display has a punch-hole camera instead of the large notch of the original, which reduces distractions when watching videos.
Cameras: Five Lenses, One Versatile Setup
The Z Fold 2 has five cameras in total:
- Three rear cameras: a 12MP main (wide), a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom.
- One cover camera: a 10MP selfie camera on the outer screen.
- One inner camera: a 10MP selfie camera under the main display.
The rear camera system is similar to the Galaxy Note 20 (non-Ultra) and Galaxy S20, offering good low-light performance, 4K video recording at 60fps, and a “Single Take” mode that captures multiple photos and videos with one press. The telephoto lens has 2x optical zoom and up to 10x digital zoom. There is no periscope zoom like on the S20 Ultra, but for a foldable, the camera quality was considered very good.
One unique feature is the ability to use the rear cameras as selfie cameras when the phone is folded. You can set the cover screen as a viewfinder, so you can take high-quality photos with the main camera while seeing yourself on the outer display. This is useful for vlogging or group selfies.
Performance: Snapdragon 865+ and 5G
The Z Fold 2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ processor, a slightly overclocked version of the Snapdragon 865. It has an octa-core CPU (one prime core at 3.09GHz, three performance cores, and four efficiency cores) and an Adreno 650 GPU. This chipset supports 5G (both sub-6GHz and mmWave in some regions), Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0.
The phone comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage (UFS 3.1). There is no microSD card slot, so you cannot expand storage. The battery is 4500mAh, split into two cells to fit the foldable design. It supports 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging. In real-world use, the battery lasts a full day with moderate use, but heavy gaming or video streaming on the large screen can drain it faster.
The Snapdragon 865+ was the fastest Android chipset at the time, so the Z Fold 2 handled multitasking, gaming, and video editing without lag. The phone runs Samsung’s One UI 2.5 based on Android 10, with a special “Flex Mode” that adapts apps when the phone is partially folded.
How It Works: The Hinge and Flex Mode
The Z Fold 2’s hinge is a major engineering achievement. It uses a “CAM” mechanism that allows the phone to stay open at any angle from 75 to 115 degrees. This enables Flex Mode: when you fold the phone partially, apps like YouTube, Camera, and Samsung’s own apps will split the screen. For example, in the camera app, the viewfinder appears on the top half, and controls on the bottom half. In YouTube, the video plays on top, and comments appear below.
The hinge also has a “sweeper” technology – tiny bristles inside that prevent dust and debris from entering the mechanism. The phone folds flat with a small gap, which is necessary to avoid stress on the screen. The inner screen has a pre-installed screen protector that you should not remove, as it is part of the display structure.
Multitasking is a key feature: you can run up to three apps simultaneously on the main screen. You can drag an app from the edge panel to the side, and resize windows like on a desktop. The cover screen can also be used to continue apps when you close the phone – the app will appear on the outer display.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the Z Fold 2’s inner screen is unbreakable. It is not – it is still plastic-based (with a glass layer underneath), and it can be scratched or punctured by sharp objects. The crease is visible and can be felt, but it does not affect functionality. Many users worry about the crease, but it becomes less noticeable over time.
Another issue is that the inner screen does not support the S Pen. The digitizer is not included, and using a stylus can damage the display. Samsung later added S Pen support to the Z Fold 3, but not the Z Fold 2.
Battery life can be inconsistent. The 120Hz refresh rate and large screen can drain the battery quickly if you use the phone heavily. Some users report that the phone gets warm during gaming, but that is normal for high-performance devices.
Software updates: The Z Fold 2 received Android 11 and Android 12 updates, but Samsung eventually stopped supporting it after three major OS updates (Android 10, 11, 12). It is no longer receiving security updates as of 2024, so it is not recommended for security-sensitive use.
Comparison: Z Fold 2 vs. Other Foldables
Compared to the original Galaxy Fold, the Z Fold 2 is a massive improvement: a much better cover screen, 120Hz inner display, more RAM, and a faster processor. It also has a more durable hinge and better cameras.
Compared to the later Z Fold 3 (2021), the Z Fold 2 lacks S Pen support, IPX8 water resistance, and a slightly brighter screen. The Z Fold 3 also has a more durable “Armor Aluminum” frame. However, the Z Fold 2 is often cheaper on the used market.
Compared to the Microsoft Surface Duo (2020), the Z Fold 2 has a single continuous screen, while the Duo has two separate screens with a hinge in the middle. The Z Fold 2 is more versatile for media consumption and gaming.
Compared to the Huawei Mate X2 (2021), the Z Fold 2 has a less expensive price and better software support in the West. The Mate X2 has a more advanced hinge design that eliminates the gap, but it lacks Google services.
Cost and Value in 2024
When launched, the Z Fold 2 had a retail price of $1,999. Today, you can find used or refurbished units for around $400–$600 depending on condition. That makes it an affordable way to experience a foldable, but you must consider that it is an older device with no more software updates.
If you buy a used Z Fold 2, check the hinge for smoothness, the inner screen for dead pixels or a cracked crease, and the battery health. Many used units have scratches on the inner screen because the pre-installed protector was removed. Replacing the inner screen is expensive (around $500), so it is often not worth it.
For the same price, you could buy a new mid-range phone like the Samsung Galaxy A54 or a used Galaxy S21. Those will have better battery life and longer software support. The Z Fold 2 is only worth it if you specifically want a foldable and are willing to accept the trade-offs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Galaxy Z Fold 2 still worth buying in 2024?
Only if you can get it for under $500 and you understand that it will not receive any more security updates. It is a great device for media consumption and multitasking, but for daily use, a newer phone is safer and more reliable.
Does the Z Fold 2 support the S Pen?
No. The Z Fold 2 does not have a digitizer for the S Pen, and using one can damage the inner screen. S Pen support was added starting with the Z Fold 3.
How durable is the inner screen?
The inner screen is made of Ultra-Thin Glass, but it is still fragile compared to a regular smartphone screen. It can be scratched by fingernails or dust, so you should avoid pressing hard and keep the phone away from sand and sharp objects. The pre-installed screen protector should not be removed.
Can the Z Fold 2 run three apps at once?
Yes, you can run up to three apps simultaneously on the main display using the multi-window feature. You can drag apps from the edge panel and resize them.
What is the battery life like?
The 4500mAh battery typically lasts a full day with moderate use. With heavy gaming or video streaming, you may need to charge by the evening. The 25W fast charging gives about 50% in 30 minutes.
Does the Z Fold 2 have water resistance?
No. The Z Fold 2 has no official water resistance rating. The Z Fold 3 was the first foldable to get IPX8 water resistance.
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