X

Everything Samsung announced at Unpacked: Note 20, Galaxy Watch 3 and more

We also saw the new Tab S7 and Galaxy Z Fold 2, and heard from K-pop legends BTS.

Headshot of Lori Grunin
Headshot of Lori Grunin
Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography | PCs and laptops | Gaming and gaming accessories
Headshot of Patrick Holland
Headshot of Patrick Holland
Patrick Holland Managing Editor
Patrick Holland has been a phone reviewer for CNET since 2016. He is a former theater director who occasionally makes short films. Patrick has an eye for photography and a passion for everything mobile. He is a colorful raconteur who will guide you through the ever-changing, fast-paced world of phones, especially the iPhone and iOS. He used to co-host CNET's I'm So Obsessed podcast and interviewed guests like Jeff Goldblum, Alfre Woodard, Stephen Merchant, Sam Jay, Edgar Wright and Roy Wood Jr.
Expertise Apple | iPhone | iOS | Android | Samsung | Sony | Google | Motorola | Interviews | Coffee equipment | Cats Credentials
  • Patrick's play The Cowboy is included in the Best American Short Plays 2011-12 anthology. He co-wrote and starred in the short film Baden Krunk that won the Best Wisconsin Short Film award at the Milwaukee Short Film Festival.
Lori Grunin
Patrick Holland
2 min read
samsung-bts-galaxy-z-fold-2.png

K-pop superstars BTS introduce the new Z Fold 2.

 Samsung/Screenshot by Lauren Hill/CNET

For its annual August Samsung Unpacked event, the company promised us at least five new devices, and delivered with the Galaxy Z Fold 2, a couple of Galaxy Note 20 models, the Galaxy Buds Live, the Galaxy Tab S7 tablet, Galaxy Watch 3 and more. Following similar events by companies like Apple, which have shifted events online due to the coronavirus pandemic, Samsung streamed the event live from South Korea.

The company faces the same problems a lot of phone companies are facing: Selling the high-end Note 20 and Z Fold 2 in a pandemic.

This story is part of Samsung Event, CNET's collection of news, tips and advice around Samsung's most popular products.
Watch this: Samsung Z Fold 2 features upgraded hinge

Galaxy Z Fold 2

Samsung trotted out BTS (very briefly) for the announcement. The new Galaxy Z Fold 2 foldable phone includes a Qualcomm 865 Plus processor. Samsung shrank the gap between the screens and made it thinner overall than the Fold, but it still uses foldable glass. It's got a new hinge too, and improved dust elimination. More details are coming on Sept. 1, when preorders start.

Read more: Galaxy Z Fold 2: I'm legitimately excited about Samsung's major design changes

Watch this: Samsung unveils Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra
galaxy-note20-ultra-back-front

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, back and front.

 Samsung

Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra

Samsung says the Galaxy Note 20 has the best camera it's put in a phone thus far. It also claims the new S Pen is more precise, with a drop to 9ms latency. There's a 240Hz screen on the Ultra for less latency in screen updates for gaming, along with a partnership for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate that includes Xbox Game Streaming (nee xCloud) for three months and a free controller. And that's just not for the new phones -- it's for all Galaxy devices. You'll be able to get the Notes in 5G models (or LTE in selected countries), with preorders starting tomorrow.

The Galaxy Z Note 2 in motion.

 Samsung/GIF by Caitlin Petrakovitz/CNET
Watch this: Samsung shows off new Galaxy Note 20 S Pen

More news from Unpacked

Watch this: Samsung introduces bean-shaped Galaxy Buds

Mobile Guides

Phones
Foldable Phones
Headphones
Mobile Accessories
Smartwatches
Wireless Plans