News: Samsung Galaxy Fold

Samsung Galaxy Fold

After the ZTE Axon M at #CES2018 and the Royole FlexPai earlier this year, it was only a matter of time before one of the major smartphone brands entered the foldable race.

Well, after a nice bit of trolling by including a close up of their new foldable smartphone in the launch invite, Samsung used their Unpacked event to release the Galaxy Fold!

Features

Unlike any before it though, Samsung didn’t go for just a folding smartphone, oh no. They’ve created a tablet/smartphone hybrid, and while not for everyone, in style or price, it certainly has potential for travellers!

It’s all made possible thanks to the Dynamic AMOLED Infinity Flex Display that can fold in half when in phone mode. No creases, no folds, and barely a visible line!

Samsung stressed the screen technology was only a part of the story. The hinge, which has all the inner workings hidden, is made up of multiple interlocking gears allowing for a smooth and natural feel to the action.

Like a Phone, with a bit Extra

In Phone mode, as you would expect, the Galaxy Fold is thicker than other handsets at 17mm, but when opened it’s slimmer than the new S10 range!

On the front is the smaller 4.6” HD+ Super AMOLED display for normal use. Despite the slightly wider appearance, in Phone mode, the fold is still a good looking device!

The first of 6 cameras are found on the front in Phone mode with the main cluster of 3 rear-facing lenses on the back. The other 2 are located on the notch at the top of the main display in tablet mode.

What I liked the most about the rather short demo, was App Continuity, which is the pass over of what you are doing in Phone mode making its way on to the main display when you open the Galaxy Fold up.

A Tablet in your Pocket

And when you do, what a treat! The main 7.3″ QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED display looked impressive, and the multi-tasking 3-way split screen was a functional use of the space!

Today, Samsung is writing the next chapter in mobile innovation history by changing what’s possible in a smartphone. Galaxy Fold introduces a completely new category that unlocks new capabilities never seen before with our Infinity Flex Display.

We created Galaxy Fold for those that want to experience what a premium foldable device can do, beyond the limitations of a traditional smartphone. ~ Samsung.

The larger format also helps with some big numbers in the spec sheet! Onboard there is 12GB of memory and a huge 512GB storage, although Samsung decided to exclude a MicroSD slot!

Due to weight balance, the battery has been divide into two units, and combined, has a massive 4,380mAh capacity. This is an important inclusion, as the Galaxy Fold supports Samsungs new Wireless PowerShare technology!

Could I see myself using this phone on a day to day basis, regardless of the price? No! Could I switch to it when travelling, letting me leave the tablet at home along with the wireless charging pad, and make the Fold the centre of my digital travelling tool kit? Yes!!

Specifications

The Samsung Galaxy Fold will never sell millions of units, but it’s the beginning of a new chapter in the smartphone market. Thankfully!

Samsung used it to mark their 10 year anniversary of the Galaxy range. Apple, their nearest rivals, hit the 10 year milestone in 2017, and the best they could offer was the iPhone X!

• Dimensions – TBC
• Weight – TBC
• Colour Options – Space Silver/Cosmos Black/Martian Green/Astro Blue
• Storage – 512GB
• Front Display – 4.6” HD+ Super AMOLED
• Main Display – 7.3” Foldable QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED
• Rear Triple Camera
  • 12MP Telephoto
  • 12MP Wide Angle
  • 16MP Ultra Wide Angle
• Front Dual Camera
  • 10MP Selfie
  • 8MP Depth
• Phone Mode Single Camera
• Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor
• 4,380mAh Battery
• Android 9.0 (Pie)

How Much does Samsung Galaxy Fold Cost?

There really is no easy way to say this part! The Samsung Galaxy Fold will start from €2000/$1980 and go on sale April 26th, or May 3rd for Europe. You can Pre-Register on the Samsung site if you are interested.

If it helps justify that huge expense, then the new Galaxy Buds, which will retail for £139, will come with the Galaxy Fold.

Join the Conversation

Do foldables have a future? If you’re a frequent traveller would you invest in the Galaxy Fold to leave the tablet at home?

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Visit samsung.com for further information.