The wait is finally over. Samsung has unveiled its much-rumored foldable smartphone today and as expected, it's called the Galaxy Fold. Samsung calls it the world's first device with a Dynamic AMOLED Infinity Flex Display. It has the largest display that Samsung has ever put in a smartphone.
Samsung has only shown off the device today and won't be immediately taking pre-orders for it. However, the company has confirmed that the Galaxy Fold will be available in both LTE and 5G variants. It also has the specs that you'd expect from a flagship smartphone in 2019.
Samsung Galaxy Fold specs
The Galaxy Fold is the outcome of material, engineering and display innovations that Samsung has developed over eight years. As such, the internal 7.3-inch QXGA+ 4.2:3 aspect ratio display doesn't just bend. It folds with a satisfying rigidity. Samsung invented a new polymer layer to make this happen and created a display that's 50 percent thinner than a normal smartphone display.
Samsung has engineered a sophisticated hinge which allows the Galaxy Fold to open smoothly like a book and close flat with a reassuring click. The hinge is inside a hidden enclosure so that the entire look appears seamless. You don't have to open the device every time you want to use it. The Galaxy Fold has a 4.6-inch HD+ 21:9 aspect ratio Super AMOLED cover display. It allows for easy one-handed calls, texts and more. There's a fingerprint scanner on the side for easily unlocking the device.
The internal display is undoubtedly the star of the show. Samsung has worked with Google to build a unique UX for the Galaxy Fold so that users can get the most out of the display. The Multi-Active Window feature will enable users to have up to three active apps simultaneously. The App Continuity feature allows for seamless transitions between the cover and main displays. As the Galaxy Fold is opened and closed, the apps will automatically show up where the user leaves off. Samsung has also worked with the Android developer community so that popular apps like Facebook, WhatsApp and YouTube are all compatible with the Galaxy Fold's UX.
Samsung hasn't skimped in the performance department. The Galaxy Fold packs Qualcomm's 7nm Snapdragon 855 processor with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of UFS3.0 storage. The device does not have a microSD card slot, though. There are AKG-tuned stereo speakers onboard in addition to the PowerShare reverse wireless charging feature. It runs Android 9.0 Pie out of the box. Additional features include Samsung DeX support, Bixby Routines, Samsung Pay and Samsung Health.
The Galaxy Fold has six cameras in total – three at the back, two on the inside and one on the cover. This allows for a whole new level of multitasking, enabling users to run other apps during a video call. The rear triple-camera system features a 16MP f/2.2 Ultra-Wide, 12MP (2PD) f/1.5-f/2.4 OIS Wide and 12MP f/2.4 OIS Telephoto lens. Fold the device open and you get a 10MP (2PD) f/2.2 Wide and 8MP f/1.9 RGB depth lens. There's also a 10MP (2PD) f/2.2 lens above the cover display.
Samsung has confirmed today that the Galaxy Fold is going to be available in LTE and 5G variants in the second quarter of this year. It will be offered in Space Silver, Cosmos Black, Martian Green and Astro Blue colors with a Samsung logo engraved on the hinge.
