Samsung has unveiled its latest lineup of Galaxy Note series smartphones, as well as previewing its next foldable device.

The Korean technology giant used a virtual press conference to announce its new Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra 5G phones, which come with the series’ signature S Pen stylus built-in.

And the event also saw the company confirm its next foldable product, the Galaxy Z Fold 2, which features a larger 6.2-inch front screen and opens up to reveal a flexible 7.6-inch display inside the device.

The device is Samsung’s third foldable after the original Galaxy Fold released last year and the Galaxy Z Flip launched earlier in 2020.

The S Pen in the Note 20 series has been updated to be more precise when used onscreen, with increased responsiveness to better mimic using a real pen and paper, Samsung says.

The new phones were part of a wide lineup of new products announced by the firm, which included a new smartwatch – the Galaxy Watch 3, the wireless Galaxy Buds Live earphones and two new tablets, the Tab S7 and S7+ 5G.

Conor Pierce, corporate vice president of Samsung Electronics in the UK and Ireland said the tech giant was keen to show the “ecosystem” it could offer.

“Technology has played a vital role in keeping us connected during these unprecedented times,” he said.

“Now more than ever, our customers are looking for products that deliver against this and work seamlessly together.

“Whether it’s through work or play, the ecosystem we have launched today is designed to help you get the most out of life.

“With our Note 20 range and Tab S7+ now powered by 5G, we are not only super-charging the connected experience, but also strengthening Samsung’s 5G leadership in the UK. We can’t wait to hear our customers’ feedback.”

Samsung confirmed the new Note 20 would start at £849, while the larger-screened Note20 Ultra 5G will start at £1,179, with both available to pre-order from Wednesday.

The new Galaxy Watch 3 will start at £399, while the Galaxy Buds Live are priced at £179.

The Tab S7 starts at £619 and the S7+ at £799.

Samsung said all the new devices can be pre-ordered from Wednesday and will go on sale on August 21.

Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at Uswitch.com, said the new phones looked impressive but noted the rising price of high-end smartphones.

“The top end of the smartphone market is dominated by a select few handsets with screens larger than your hand, bulging with cameras and costing a small fortune,” he said.

“The Note 20 and its big brother the Note 20 Ultra today elbow their way into this elite group, with all the bravado befitting their top-of-the-line functions, including 5G as standard.

“With prices for the Note 20 Ultra 5G starting at £1,179, today’s launch marks one of the most expensive handsets of recent times.

“Our research found that the price of top-end mobiles are five times more expensive than they were in the year 2000. In fact, our data suggests that high-end smartphones could cost £1,800 within five years.

“The Note 20 and the Note 20 Ultra are bulging with all the top-end features and gizmos that users of premium handsets expect, but such technology doesn’t come cheap.”