Exploring the Features of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2: Specs & Innovations

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 (2020)

Product Overview: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is the second-generation foldable flagship smartphone in Samsung’s Galaxy Z series, unveiled on September 1, 2020, and released globally on September 18, 2020. Positioned as a premium upgrade to the original Galaxy Fold (2019), it addressed key design flaws of its predecessor while refining the foldable form factor—blending a compact smartphone mode with a tablet-sized immersive display for multitasking and media consumption. The device launched with One UI 2.5 based on Android 10, supporting software updates up to Android 13 with One UI 5.1, and set a new benchmark for foldable device durability and usability.

Key Hardware Specifications

Component	Details
Displays	Cover Screen (Smartphone Mode): 6.2-inch Super AMOLED, 2260×816 resolution (386 ppi), 60 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, Gorilla Glass VictusMain Screen (Tablet Mode): 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2208×1768 resolution (374 ppi), 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR10+ support, ultra-thin glass (UTG 2.0), under-display fingerprint sensor
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ (8-core: 1×3.1 GHz Kryo 585 + 3×2.42 GHz Kryo 585 + 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 585), Adreno 650 GPU; 5G-enabled (mmWave + sub-6 GHz support)
Memory & Storage	12 GB LPDDR5 RAM; 256 GB/512 GB UFS 3.1 internal storage (non-expandable)
Cellular Connectivity	5G (mmWave/sub-6 GHz), 4G LTE Advanced, UMTS/HSPA+, GSM/EDGE; dual-SIM (nano-SIM + eSIM) support
Wireless	Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 2×2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/QZSS, Ultra Wideband (U1) chip
Camera System	Rear Triple-Camera:- 12 MP wide-angle lens (f/1.8 aperture, OIS, Dual Pixel AF, 1.8 μm pixels)- 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens (f/2.2 aperture, 120° FoV, 1.4 μm pixels)- 12 MP telephoto lens (f/2.4 aperture, OIS, 2x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom)Cover Screen Camera: 10 MP selfie lens (f/2.2 aperture, AF)Main Screen Camera: 10 MP under-display selfie lens (f/2.2 aperture, AF)
Battery	4500 mAh dual-cell lithium-ion battery (non-removable); 25 W wired fast charging, 11 W wireless fast charging, 4.5 W reverse wireless charging
Design & Dimensions	Folded: 159.2 × 68.0 × 16.8 mm; Unfolded: 159.2 × 128.2 × 6.9 mm; 282 g; Armor Aluminum frame, UTG 2.0 main screen, Gorilla Glass Victus cover screen; IPX8 water resistance (splash-proof); available in Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black
Other Features	Flex Mode (split-screen multitasking when folded at 90°), S Pen support (compatible with S Pen Fold Edition/S Pen Pro), stereo speakers (AKG-tuned, Dolby Atmos), no 3.5 mm headphone jack

Core Feature Upgrades & Innovations

Revolutionary Foldable Display Technology (UTG 2.0)The Z Fold2 replaced the original Galaxy Fold’s plastic main screen with Ultra-Thin Glass 2.0 (UTG 2.0), a flexible glass substrate that delivered a smoother, more durable touch experience while maintaining foldability. The 7.6-inch main screen also introduced a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, a first for foldable devices, enabling fluid scrolling, gaming, and media playback— a stark contrast to the 60 Hz cover screen. The under-display fingerprint sensor integrated into the main screen eliminated the need for a side-mounted sensor, streamlining the device’s design.
Redesigned Hinge & Durability ImprovementsSamsung’s upgraded Hideaway Hinge addressed the Galaxy Fold’s dust-infiltration issues by using a new sealing mechanism that covered the hinge gap when folded. The hinge also enabled Flex Mode, a game-changing feature that split the main screen into two halves when the device was folded at a 90° angle—users could run a video player on the top half and a chat app on the bottom, or use the bottom half as a virtual keyboard for typing. The Armor Aluminum frame reduced weight by 10% compared to the Galaxy Fold while improving structural rigidity, and the IPX8 water resistance rating made the Z Fold2 splash-proof for the first time in Samsung’s foldable lineup.
Enhanced Multitasking with One UI 2.5Optimized for the Z Fold2’s dual-screen form factor, One UI 2.5 introduced App Pair and Multi-Active Window features that let users run up to three apps simultaneously on the main screen. For example, users could edit a document in Microsoft Word, reference a web page, and chat on WhatsApp side-by-side. The cover screen also supported more apps natively (unlike the Galaxy Fold’s limited app compatibility), making the device usable as a standard smartphone when folded. Additionally, Taskbar integration provided quick access to frequently used apps, mirroring a desktop-like multitasking experience.
S Pen Compatibility & Productivity BoostWhile the Z Fold2 did not include an S Pen in the box, it added official support for the S Pen Fold Edition and S Pen Pro (released later), enabling precise note-taking, sketching, and document annotation on both the cover and main screens. The low-latency S Pen integration (9 ms) made handwriting feel natural, and Samsung Notes syncing across devices further enhanced productivity for business users.

Software & User Experience

Launch OS: One UI 2.5 (Android 10): Tailored for foldable displays, the software automatically optimized app layouts when switching between cover screen and main screen modes. Key features included Flex Mode camera controls (using the bottom half of the screen as a shutter button) and media playback (top half for video, bottom half for controls).
Software Updates: The Z Fold2 received three major Android OS updates (to Android 11, 12, 13) and four years of security patches, a commitment that addressed early concerns about foldable device support longevity. Later updates added features like enhanced multitasking, improved camera algorithms, and S Pen gesture controls.
Gaming & Media: The Snapdragon 865+ chip and Adreno 650 GPU handled high-end games (e.g., PUBG Mobile) smoothly on the 120 Hz main screen, while Dolby Atmos stereo speakers delivered immersive audio for movies and streaming content.

Market Impact & Legacy

Foldable Usability Breakthrough: The Z Fold2 fixed the original Galaxy Fold’s most criticized flaws (fragile plastic screen, dust issues, limited app support), proving that foldable devices could be viable daily drivers. It helped Samsung capture over 70% of the global foldable smartphone market in 2020.
Design Precedent for Future Folds: The Hideaway Hinge, UTG display, and Flex Mode became foundational elements for subsequent Samsung foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Fold4.
Premium Productivity Niche: By targeting business users and power users with its multitasking capabilities, the Z Fold2 established foldable devices as more than a novelty—positioning them as productivity tools that bridge smartphones and tablets.

Limitations

Weight & Bulk: At 282 g, the Z Fold2 was heavier than most flagship smartphones, making it less comfortable for one-handed use when folded.

High Price Point: With a starting price of $1,999, the Z Fold2 remained inaccessible to mainstream consumers, limiting its market reach to premium buyers.

No Expandable Storage: The lack of a microSD slot was a drawback for users needing additional space for photos, videos, or apps.

25 W Slow Charging: Compared to competitors’ 65 W+ fast charging solutions, the Z Fold2’s 25 W wired charging required over 2 hours to fully recharge the 4500 mAh battery.