Samsung has today announced the launch of the Galaxy Fold, becoming the most expensive smartphone ever released in history.
The head of mobile for Samsung Australia claims that their latest product, the all-new Galaxy Fold, has been the longest launch run-in in the history of the Korean company.
Initially revealed in New York, the foldable smartphone hit a major hurdle when first introduced, after reviewers criticised the quality of the product, particularly when it came to the opening and closing the device.
Six months later, Samsung now has an upgraded model that is set to go on sale in Australia 30 October for a staggering $2,999, becoming the worlds most expensive smartphone at launch.
The highly anticipated, and at times, the controversial phone will finally make the journey down under to give Australian smartphone users the taste of the new technology, which has seen some improvements since its first rendition.
Samsung has aimed to deliver a ‘first-of-its-kind’ user experience that combines a unique form factor with a foldable user interaction, that boasts the same premium performance and camera functionality of its other smartphones.
Unfortunately that ‘first-of-its-kind’ experience comes at the hefty price point, something that not every Australian will be able to afford.
Multitasking is at the forefront of the new phone, with Multi-Active Window functionality allowing three active applications to be opened on the main display.
It should be noted, however, that not all applications support the feature, namely third-party applications, and of course, the natural fold in the screen may be visible.
Fortunately, thanks to Samsung’s partnership with Google to provide integrated OS support for Android will ensure compatibility amongst third-party applications.
“Together with ecosystem partners like Samsung, we have the opportunity to deliver an entirely new user experience that could transform the way we use our smartphones,” said Sagar Kamdar, Director of Product Management for Android at Google.
The foldable phone features a world-first 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display, with a 4.3-inch cover display on the outside of the phone for closed access to essential applications.
“From the moment you pick it up and unfold it, the Galaxy Fold unlocks a completely new large-screen experience,” said Garry McGregor, Vice-President of IT and Mobile, Samsung Electronics Australia.
When the device is closed or opened, the App Continuity function offers a seamless transition between cover to the main display.
Samsung claims the phone can be opened and closed 40,000 times per year, however, as reported by ChannelNews, during a test by SquareTrade the Galaxy Fold began showing signs of damage at 18,500 folds, with touchscreen malfunctions appearing at 40,000 folds.
Powering the phone is a next-generation AP Chipset, 12GB of RAM supported by 512GB of internal storage.
While Android 10 has been released by Google, the Samsung Galaxy Fold will come preloaded with Android 9 Pie.
For security, the phone offers a capacitive fingerprint sensor on the side of the device, plus facial recognition features as well.
A dual battery system has also been fitted to provide 4380mAh, of which can be used to wirelessly charge compatible devices through Samsung’s Wireless PowerShare feature.
Plus, a total of six cameras have been added to the Galaxy Fold, with three in the back, two on the main screen and one on the cover display.
