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Galaxy Unpacked: Everything Samsung announced, from Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 to Watch 4 and Buds 2

Two new foldable phones, smartwatches, true-wireless earbuds, and more from Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event.

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
Shara Tibken Former managing editor
Shara Tibken was a managing editor at CNET News, overseeing a team covering tech policy, EU tech, mobile and the digital divide. She previously covered mobile as a senior reporter at CNET and also wrote for Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. Shara is a native Midwesterner who still prefers "pop" over "soda."
Lori Grunin
Shara Tibken
3 min read

Samsung's third Unpacked of 2021 is over, and like all events since the coronavirus spread around the world, Samsung's latest launch was all-virtual. Foldables are the big phones of the day: Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 3, which expands outward from a phone into a tablet, and the Galaxy Z Flip 3, a clamshell design. New Galaxy Buds 2Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic models are also on tap to complement the new phones. And do you miss Bixby? It's back!

Read more: CNET's ongoing review of the Galaxy Z Flip 3

Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3

The redesigned Z Flip 3 starts at $1,000, putting it in line with the Galaxy S21 Plus and the iPhone 12 Pro. The Z Fold 3, tweaked to include an under-display front camera, slightly lighter weight and 100 mAh less battery, will come in starting at $1,800; in contrast, when it was unveiled a year ago for $2,000, it was the company's most expensive phone

If you preorder, you'll get a year of extended support free.

Read more: Phones from ocean plastic? Samsung aims for 2025

Watch this: Galaxy Z Flip 3: Samsung's smallest foldable phone now costs $1,000

In addition to lower prices, both the foldables now feature water resistance and sturdier materials for the hinges, body and display. The updates are intended to reassure consumers that foldables aren't as fragile as they may seem. The Z Fold 3 now supports the S Pen.

The Z Flip 3 has an eye-catching design and comes in 7 colors

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Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic

The sleeker, cheaper Watch 4 starts at $250, while the more conventional-looking Watch 4 Classic's prices begin at $350, boast improved specs and herald the return of the rotating bezel. They both debut the new Google-Samsung jointly developed reboot of Android Wear OS.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 comes in two looks and lots of colors

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New health features build on top of those carried over from the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 3, such as heart rate, blood oxygen, electrocardiogram and sleep tracking. They new ones include a few extras for sleep tracking, like snore detection and blood oxygen checks can run once a second or once every 60 seconds.  There's also a new electrical bioimpedance sensor on the rear array for full-body analysis of stats such as BMI, muscle mass and hydration.   

The Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic are available for preorder today and ship Aug. 27. Samsung is offering a $50 credit to those who preorder.

Watch this: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 looks to be the ultimate Android watch

Galaxy Buds 2

See more of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2

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The newest model of Samsung's $150 true-wireless earbuds feature active noise canceling in a smaller design that should fit a wider variety of ear sizes than the more expensive Galaxy Buds Pro. The Buds 2 are also smaller than the Galaxy Buds Plus, but with shorter battery life. They're available for preorder now and will ship on Aug. 27. All four colors (graphite, white, olive and lavender) come with with a white charging case.

Watch this: The Galaxy Buds 2 are Samsung's best small earbuds