Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2: Killer specs in search of killer purpose

All dressed up with no place to go.

- MICHAEL SIMON

The original Samsung Galaxy Fold never really got a chance to make a name for itself. While it launched to a ton of fanfare, by the time it landed on shelves following a months-long delay (go. pcworld.com/fldy) due to design and manufacturing deficiencies, the Galaxy Note 10+ (go.pcworld.com/nt1p) and iPhone 11 Pro (go.pcworld.com/a11p) were stealing the limelight and the wow factor had long faded. But Samsung persisted and now the follow-up has arrived with a new name (Galaxy Z Fold 2), a new price, and a new lease on life.

Unsurprisingly, Samsung is sticking with a very similar form factor as the one introduced with the original Fold, but every aspect of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 has gotten an upgrade, from the outside cover display to the inside screen ratio. But while the hardware is certainly improved, it’s still missing a compelling reason to spend $2,000 on a folding device.

First, let’s take a look at the specs:

Galaxy Z Fold 2

Dimensions (closed): 68.0 x 159.2 x 16.8mm

Dimensions (open): 128.2 x 159.2 x 6.9mm

Display (outside): 6.2-inch HD+ Super AMOLED, 2260x816, 386ppi

Display (inside): 7.6-inch QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Flex Display (2208 x 1768), 373ppi

Processor: Snapdragon 865+

RAM: 12GB

Storage: 256GB

Front/Inside camera: 10MP, f/2.2

Rear camera (triple): 12MP wide, f/2.4, OIS + 12MO Ultra Wide, f/2,2 + 12MP telephoto (2X), f/2.4, OIS

Battery: 4,500mAh

Network: 5G (mmWave and sub-6Ghz)