The new AI gadgets in hands-on

Samsung presented some new AI-focused gadgets at its Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris. We were able to test the devices on site.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6/Z Flip6: New foldable smartphones with AI

Samsung's foldable smartphones have a successor. The Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 build on the previous devices and bring with them some new features. The devices now have rounded corners, a faster processor, a brighter screen and a new ultra-wide-angle camera. The Fold's external display is a little wider and the Flip has a new wide-angle lens and a larger battery.

But the focus is particularly on the new software. OneUI 6.1.1, which is based on Android 14 from Google, is preinstalled. Samsung promises seven years of software and OS updates, more than only Google can offer. The company has built some new AI features into the software, including a real-time translator and auto zoom.

The new design is immediately noticeable in the hands-on test. Samsung is once again using a colorful palette of colors. The external display of the Z Fold could have been wider, like the Honor Magic V2 or the Google Pixel Fold. It is easier to type messages, but it does not look ideal.

The Z Fold6 comes in “pink” for the first time. (Image: BASIC thinking)

Much more interesting is a function that allows users to transform a simple drawing on the screen into an AI image. This works surprisingly well. Similar styles can also be applied to portrait photos taken by yourself.

In addition, both hinges of the devices have been redesigned. Both the Fold and the Flip now fit perfectly together when closed, which also enables IP48 certification.

Samsung continues to charge a lot for both devices. The Flip starts at 1,199 euros with 12 gigabytes of RAM and 256 gigabytes of internal memory. The Fold starts in the same version at 1,999 euros.

Samsung Galaxy Watch7/Ultra: New watches with more performance

In addition to smartphones, there were also a number of wearables on display. First up were new watches, a successor to the Galaxy Watch6 and the first Galaxy Watch “Ultra”.

The Galaxy Watch7 adopts the design of the Galaxy Watch6 and again comes in a small 40 mm and a larger 44 mm version. Inside is an Exynos W1000, Samsung's first own 3 nm processor. This was developed for the watch and is also used in the Watch Ultra. The memory is now also larger (32 gigabytes). A new sensor should provide more precise health data. Both watches have dual-frequency GPS.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra is even bigger than the Watch7. (Image: BASIC thinking)

For the first time, Samsung is also building AI into the smartwatch, which comes with the brand new WearOS 5. This allows the watch to suggest context-based answers and calculate a “health score” using all the data.

The first Galaxy Watch “Ultra” has the same features, and its design is a mix of Galaxy Watch7 and Apple Watch Ultra. The watch is aimed at “extreme and professional athletes” and has a new mechanism for the straps, which are double-locked (and therefore sit more securely on the wrist). The watch is MIL-STD-810H certified and 10ATM and IP68 dust and water resistant.

A new feature is an “action button” on the watch that directly calls up the sports menu. The watch supports a triathlon mode (several sports in a row) as well as a race against the old time. The battery life in energy-saving mode is just under 100 hours. Unfortunately, the watch does not have a rotating bezel or rotating crown, which limits navigation to the touch display.

While the Galaxy Watch7 starts at 319 or 349 euros, Samsung wants 699 euros for its Ultra model.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3/Pro: Samsung now also has a stick

Samsung has tried many different designs for their headphones in the past. From buttons on the Galaxy Buds 1/2 to a bean on the Galaxy Buds “Live”. Now, like pretty much every other manufacturer, the new Galaxy Buds models are using the “stick design”. Samsung explains this by saying that the microphone is closer to the mouth, which allows them to record better sound.

The Galaxy Buds3 now also use a “stick”. (Image: BASIC thinking)

The headphones are available in a basic and a Pro version. The big difference is the “channel” design, instead of an open one. This means that the headphones are plugged directly into the ear canal, instead of just being placed in there like the basic model. In addition, the speaker on the Pro model is even better and the bar has LEDs to display status information.

On the software side, Samsung has also built AI into the headphones, so that notes can be taken directly from spoken conversations or conversations can be translated directly. How well this works will be shown in the test. The Pro model can also optimize the sound based on the ambient noise.

Samsung wants 179 euros for the Buds3, the Pro model costs 249 euros.

Samsung Galaxy Ring: An alternative to the smartwatch?

The Galaxy Ring has been eagerly awaited after it was announced with the Galaxy S24 at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked in February. The ring will be available in nine sizes and three different colors, with no subscription model, but with a proud RRP of 449 euros.

The Galaxy Ring comes in a simple case (Image: BASIC thinking)

What do you get for it? A simple ring made of titanium alloy that measures steps, heart rate and sleep with a seven-day battery life. Since the ring is also 10ATM and IP68 dust and water resistant, it can also be used in water. Samsung has also built in some software functions so that the ring can be used as a remote shutter release for the smartphone camera, for example.

In the hands-on test, the ring feels very light, but this can also give the impression of cheap materials. The charging case looks chic, but it takes a few tries before you know how to put the ring into the case. We are excited to see how the ring performs in everyday use.

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