In Samsung’s latest Unpacked event yesterday, two smart devices hogged the limelight, the Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5. Both equally impressive tech offering significant improvements from the models they are replacing, it is easy to miss out on other noteworthy reveals. If you want to know more about what comes with the latest Flip and Fold devices, check out our preview piece here following a closed-door session for the media which we attended last week.

As for the ‘other’ reveals, feast your eyes on Samsung’s attempt to overthrow Apple’s iPad and the return of a fan favourite. First up is the Samsung tablet line, the S9 series. Available in three distinct sizes; 14.6-inch on Tab S9 Ultra, 12.4-inch on Tab S9+, and 11-inch on Tab S. Whilst the sizes of the screens differ, each model comes with dynamic refresh rate which, in Samsung’s own words, ‘automatically calibrates from 60 to 120Hz to balance smooth responsiveness with optimized battery efficiency’.

All S9 tablets are S-pen compatible for navigation, come in a 16:9 aspect ratio and for maximum media enjoyment, pack an AKG speaker system backed by Dolby Atmos. Couple any of your S9 devices with a proprietary Samsung keyboard and voila – you have a very capable machine that would give any medium to high-spec work machine a run for their money. The brief moment we were allowed to fiddle with the devices wasn’t enough for us to gauge how it performs as a daily drive; whether it is capable enough to replace our X1 Nano as a daily workhorse. However, we can attest to the build quality which screams ‘Premium’ throughout. Fingers crossed, we get to run one of these bad boys through their paces.

Available in just two shades, the S9 is available in multiple configurations, similar to what it’s like when shopping for a car. We aren’t exaggerating; take a look.

Samsung is currently running a special deal for pre-orders where you can save some cash which in return, can be used on the next product, their latest range of smartwatches. Two iterations back, we reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic which we loved. The rotating bezel was the seller as it provides both a rugged and distinguished look from a wearable which is commonly associated with being safe and unassuming. Our only gripe with the Watch4 was the weak battery which would have a hard time staying alive beyond the 24-hour mark.

We didn’t give much thought to the Watch5 since Samsung totally abandoned the rotating bezels but with the Samsung Galaxy Watch6, the bezel is back with the Classic variant. Ignore the slimmer Fold 5, the larger cover screen on the Flip 5, and the premium feel from the S9 tablet range; the returning bezels on a Samsung Galaxy Watch was the one which carved the largest smile for us.

According to Samsung, battery performance on the new Watch6 is much-improved thanks to a larger battery and reduced battery consumption. A Samsung representative claimed that operating the Watch6 with the Always On Display feature turned on ekes about 40 hours of operation time which is a welcomed significant boost. Regardless of the watch face sizes, users stand to enjoy up to 20% larger screen area while those who opt for the bezel-ed Classic variant don’t lose much screen estate as Samsung has reduced the bezel size by 15%.

Samsung boldly claimed the Watch6 as being the most complete smartwatch for fitness enthusiasts available in the market right now and at the price they are selling for, they better be. Available in four colours depending on which variant and watch face size, the Watch6 retails from RM1,099 for the variant sporting the smallest watch face and Bluetooth connectivity. Prices increase by RM300 for each model should you opt for the LTE version.

Like all reveals from Samsung’s Unpacked event, the Watch6 is also available for pre-order. More info here.