The Korean electronics giant is shoring up its new flagship smartphone with an ecosystem of interconnected gadgets to try to snatch its top spot in the global market back from Chinese rival Huawei.
Samsung’s latest smartphone, the Galaxy Note 20, was one of five new devices it unveiled — along with an updated tablet, smartwatch, wireless earbuds, and a folding smartphone.
Unlike other recent launches that have been recorded or streamed without an audience, Samsung chose to nod to the new videoconferencing reality many of us are dealing with during the pandemic, by beaming in dozens of fans displayed on a large curved screen behind the event’s host, Samsung executive Federico Casalegno.
The world is relying on technology more than ever during the pandemic, said TM Roh, Samsung’s president and head of mobile communications.
“It’s how we are staying connected as we navigate the extraordinary challenges faced around the world,” he said.
Here’s everything Samsung is rolling out in the coming days and weeks:
Galaxy Note 20
Samsung’s latest smartphone comes in two versions — the 6.7-inch Galaxy Note 20, starting at $999.99, and the 6.9-inch Note 20 Ultra starting at $1,299.99.
The phones come in five colors — green, gray, and bronze for the Note 20 and white, black and bronze for the Note 20 Ultra — and are available for pre-order starting August 6 before going on sale August 21.
The Note 20 is powered by the fastest processor in Samsung’s Galaxy series, the company said, and features what Samsung calls its “best screen yet.” It also works with 5G, a capability Samsung has focused on. (Apple is yet to release its first 5G smartphone.)
The new Note 20 comes in three colors: gray, green, and bronze, and will go on sale on August 21.