Samsung unveiled the highly-anticipated Galaxy Fold — a new foldable device creating a new mobile category (Photo: Samsung)
To the surprise of many, Samsung Electronics unveiled the highly-anticipated Galaxy Fold — a new foldable device creating a new mobile category — at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked in San Francisco, California today.
Galaxy Fold features the world’s first 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display, which folds into a compact device with a cover display.
“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,” said DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics.
“We created Galaxy Fold for those that want to experience what a premium foldable device can do, beyond the limitations of a traditional smartphone.”
A compact device that unfolds to reveal Samsung’s largest-ever smartphone display, Galaxy Fold brings together material, engineering and display innovations, developed over eight years following the debut of Samsung’s first flexible display prototype in 2011. It is interesting to note that the internal screen does not merely bend. It folds, which is a more intuitive motion, and a more difficult innovation to deliver.
For that, Samsung invented a new polymer layer and created a display around 50% thinner than the typical smartphone display. The new material makes Galaxy Fold flexible and tough.
Notably, two batteries and the components are evenly distributed so Galaxy Fold feels balanced in the users' hands. Galaxy Fold was designed with smartphone users in mind – driven by bigger and better form factors that boost their experiences. For instance, Galaxy Fold changes to the screen we need, the moment we need it. Slip it out of your pocket for one-handed calls, texts, and more and open for endless multitasking. With its multi-active window, Galaxy Fold is designed for the ultimate multitasker. Users can open up to three active apps simultaneously on the main display.
To ensure everything runs smoothly, even when running three apps simultaneously, Samsung equipped Galaxy Fold with a high-powered, next-generation AP chipset and 12GB of RAM with PC-like performance. The sophisticated dual battery system was specifically engineered to keep up with the users.
Also, Galaxy Fold is also equipped with Samsung’s most versatile camera yet, with six lenses—three in the back, two on the inside and one on the cover.
No matter which way the users hold or fold the device, a camera will be ready to capture the scene.
Galaxy Fold will be available in the second quarter of 2019. Price from US$1,980.
Assistant editor (Capital Markets & Companies) Liew Jia Teng is reporting live from Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco. Read about the new Galaxy S10 here.
