Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Tab — everything we know so far

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Tab — everything we know then far

(Image credit: LetsGoDigital)

After a rocky offset with the well documented issues of the original Milky way Fold, Samsung's foldable business has hit its stride with the excellent (if pricey) Milky way Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip handsets. Next, Samsung will plow its attending to the tablet marketplace with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Tab.

The appeal of a foldable tablet should be obvious: you get all the advantages of a larger screen with the portability of something far smaller.

The best tablets yous can buy
iPad Pro vs. iPad: Which tablet is right for you?

And Samsung has certainly been mulling over the options, with no fewer than three dissimilar designs for a foldable tablet, which we'll outline beneath. So here's everything we know then far about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Tab.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Tab release date and cost

According to Gizmochina, the Samsung Milky way Z Fold Tab will launch in Q1 2022, which covers the period from January to March. The site suggests that we'll learn more virtually the device in August, when information technology predicts that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 will be unveiled. And so maybe we'll have a Samsung Unpacked effect dedicated to foldables.

Price is harder to gauge. On one hand, Samsung's by foldables have been enormously expensive, ranging from $i,449 for the Galaxy Z Flip 5G and upwardly to $ane,999 for the Galaxy Z Fold ii. Equally the Galaxy Z Fold Tab will feature larger screens and (potentially) more than hinges, information technology'southward piece of cake to see how the Galaxy Z Fold Tab could clear the $2,000 barrier.

On the other hand, traditionally, Samsung's flagship tablets take been cheaper than its non-folding phones in part because cellular connectivity is optional. The Galaxy Tab S7 started life at $649, compared to the Samsung Galaxy S21'south $799.

In short, toll is a mystery at this point, but expect it to be comfortably into the four-figure marker.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Tab design

What the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Tab will end upwards looking like is an intriguing question, with three possible designs floating effectually. Two of these come directly from Samsung patents. And information technology's possible that more than one could come up to market, in the same style that the company currently has two foldable phones.

The nigh interesting design is a tri-folding design, where the tablet folds twice over like this prototype from TCL. The advantage here is how small and portable the tablet could become, even if it may show too thick to exist pocketable.

(Epitome credit: LetsGoDigital)

Then there's a simpler pattern which hopefully would command a lower starting price. This pattern, based off a Samsung patent spotted by LetsGoDigital, is a more basic clamshell where the tablet opens and closes like a book — kind of like a larger Galaxy Z Flip, or a Galaxy Z Fold two without the external screen.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Tab design — (Image credit: LetsGoDigital)

Finally, at that place's another pattern with multiple hinges, once once again uncovered in Samsung's own patents. Hither, the screen unfolds in two places to expand to its total size as mocked up by LetsGoDigital. To be honest, it'southward difficult to run into how this would be preferable to the clamshell option given the added cost of an additional hinge, only here it is anyway.

This, co-ordinate to the patent, could fold inwards or outwards. Inwards seems sensible, given it would offering some protection to the delicate screen. Outwards makes less sense to us, but the patent suggests information technology could provide a place to store a bundled S Pen.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Tab specs

To date, difficult specifications for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Tab have been catchy to come by. But given the 2022 release date, it seems probable that the tablet will be powered by whatsoever follows Qualcomm's Snapdragon 888.

A bundled S Pen has been tipped by Gizmochina, as has enhanced ultra-thin glass to bolster durability against pokes and prods from the stylus. That would make sense, given an S Pen has been included with all contempo Galaxy Tabs and the future of the Milky way Note is very much up in the air.

Samsung Milky way Z Fold Tab outlook

While it's hard not to be impressed by the applied science behind a foldable tablet, the success of the Milky way Z Fold Tab depends on two things: how people use their tablets and price.

The advantage of a folding tablet is doubtless portability, only if people only use their tablets around the firm, then this is less of a factor; especially if the ability to fold reduces lifespan. For commuters who accept their tablet everywhere, the ability to brand information technology smaller, particularly if folding prevents the screen from scratches, is a clear reward.

But for those buyers, price will probable be the deciding factor. If, as seems likely, the Galaxy Z Fold Tab clears the 4-figure marking, it'll become a tough sell when the Galaxy Z Fold ii offers both a tablet and phone in one for $1,999.

Still, it's nevertheless early days for the Milky way Z Fold Tab, and Samsung may have a whole host of killer features to reveal. We'll be keeping a close eye on future leaks, and will update this folio as more than details come to light.

The best foldables of 2021
Everything nosotros know virtually Apple's foldable iPhone Flip

Freelance correspondent Alan has been writing well-nigh tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, y'all'll probably detect him tackling his e'er-growing games backlog. Or, more likely, playing Spelunky for the millionth fourth dimension.