We’re just days away from the official release of the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G, and already, Samsung and the popular service providers are offering great pre-order and upgrade deals on foldable smartphone ($1,800 for the 256GB model) which ships on August 27.
Not to be confused with the Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G which is being released on the same day, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 offers a larger (7.6”) Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2208 x 1768) screen and 6.2” Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2268 x 832) Cover Screen. It also starts with 256GB of internal storage, and you can double that to 512GB for an extra $100. Aside from its flexible OLED that makes all of this possible, one killer feature of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is its S Pen compatibility, so you can write directly on the screen using Samsung’s proprietary stylus.
Instead of purchasing the phone outright, check out the awesome financing deals being offered by Samsung, Best Buy, AT&T and other popular wireless providers and retailers. Especially if you finance the phone and have an eligible trade-in, you could wind up with a highly discounted (or free) state-of-the-art foldable smartphone, with your choice between three casing colors: silver, green, or black.
Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Pre-Order Deals
Surf over to Samsung’s website to get a $200 instant credit for accessories, plus up to $800 credit when you trade in an eligible phone. A portion of the $150 instant credit can be used to instantly upgrade the phone’s memory to 512GB.
This deal includes the first 12 months of Samsung Care+ included for free to help protect the phone. (A $12.99 per month charge for Samsung Care+ applies for the remaining months of the financing period.)
Pre-order or purchase the Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G directly from Samsung, and you’ll also receive three months of Spotify Premium, four free months of YouTube Premium and six free months of SiriusXM streaming.
Best Buy
Best Buy is another great place for seeking out a stellar deal on the Galaxy Z Fold 3. Save up to $400.00 instantly when you pre-order and activate the new phone, plus as a bonus, get up to $200 Samsung Credit (for qualifying new and existing customers).
Alternatively, when pre-ordering and activating the phone from Best Buy–with AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon as your chosen service provider–you can save between $1,000 and $1,400 with a qualified trade-in and activation.
AT&T
If AT&T is your preferred service provider, it’s offering up to $1,000 in bill credits, plus up to $350 more in bill credits when you take advantage of a qualifying installment plan with an eligible AT&T unlimited plan, plus trade-in an eligible smartphone. Some restrictions apply.
With the pricing discounts when you finance the phone with an AT&T Installment Plan, the monthly difference between the Z Fold3 5G 256GB and 512GB model is just $2.78/month, so it’s a great strategy to go with the additional storage space.
US Cellular
For existing customers, US Cellular is offering up to $1200 off any 5G smartphone, including the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G (with no trade-in required), along with a $200 Samsung Credit when you sign up for an Unlimited Even Better service plan, which requires credit approval and commitment to a 30-month service plan.
For new and qualified US Cellular customers with an eligible trade-in who also sign up for a 30-month service plan, you can score a free Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G with $200 in Samsung Credit, but you’ll need to pre-order ahead of release day to take advantage.
What to Expect from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
It has been less than a year since the debut of the Galaxy Z Fold2, but regardless of how impressive this foldable phone has turned out to be, Samsung won’t be deterred from quickly rendering it obsolete with the next iteration of this flagship phone which offers some impressive features and functions, not to mention 5G compatibility.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G unfolds from a phone into a small tablet. You can pre-order one now.
Samsung
If you saw our review of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 you’ll know that we were quite pleased with the handset; it was thoughtfully designed in ways that made the foldable screen practical and helpful rather than just a high-tech gimmick.
The new Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G appears poised to build on that foundation with some really smart incremental improvements—look for a more rugged and waterproof design, a display uninterrupted by a camera notch, and even S Pen compatibility.
More About the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G is an incremental improvement over the Fold 2 in a wealth of ways, some small and some large. Both Fold smartphones have a fully usable front, or “cover” screen that you can use without unfolding the handset, and the Fold 3 amps up the 6.2-inch HD+ display with Dynamic AMOLED technology—now a slightly higher pixel count and a fast 120Hz refresh rate that matches the refresh rate of the main screen.
Perhaps the coolest innovation in the Fold 3, though, is the new Under camera—the 7.6-inch main display is uninterrupted by any sort of camera notch because the camera sits under the display. Running a close second on the innovation front: The Fold 3 works with the S Pen, meaning the Fold 3 doesn’t just look like a handheld tablet; it works very much like one as well, allowing for easy multitasking, for example.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G works with the S Pen.
Samsung
The Hideaway Hinge—the tech that allows it to unfold so seamlessly, and which first appeared in folding devices starting with the Galaxy Z Flip—is thinner than the version in the Fold 2. Inside, the hinge features shorter bristles, which Samsung claims better repels dust and other particles that extend the life and durability of the device—all the way to 200,000 folds as seen in testing. That means the hinge should be able to withstand about 100 folds a day, every day, for five years.
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 now has IPX8 water resistance and is made with so-called Armor Aluminum—the strongest aluminum ever used on a Galaxy smartphone. And the front screen is made with the even tougher Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. It’s ever-so-slightly lighter (271g vs. 282 g).
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G has multiple display modes to get the most out of the large display.
Samsung
While some people consider the foldable aspect of the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G to be something of a gimmick, if you’re looking for a powerful, state-of-the-art smartphone that gives you access to two screens simultaneously, use of a stylus, and everything else the Android operating system has to offer, this is definitely a smartphone worth checking out firsthand. And since Samsung and other service carriers offer a 21-day, worry-free trial for the new phone, you really have nothing to lose by pre-ordering your device today.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
