It’s been anticipated and talked about for months, there has even been sneak peek video’s, now Samsung has rolled out in all its glories a new Galaxy Fold smartphone and it’s impressive, Samsung claims, It heralds a new category for the mobile phone category.
The device has the world’s first 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display, which folds into a compact device with a cover display.
Overnight the device was the hero of the day at the San Francisco launch of the new Galaxy 10 smartphone, a new 5G handset that will only be available via Telstra and the all new Fold that lets users multitask, watch videos, play games, and more on multiple screens.
As to the fragility and durability of the device we will have to wait till we get our hands on a Flip for a hand’s on review.
Samsung claims it delivers a new kind of mobile experience allowing users to do things they couldn’t do with an ordinary smartphone.
When unfolded you get Samsung’s largest-ever smartphone display as well as a new generation of material, engineering and display innovations, which Samsung said was under development for more than eight years following the debut of Samsung’s first flexible display prototype in 2011.
“Today, Samsung is writing the next chapter in mobile innovation history by changing what’s possible in a smartphone” said DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics at last nights launch.
He added “Galaxy Fold introduces a completely new category that unlocks new capabilities never seen before with our Infinity Flex Display.” said “We created Galaxy Fold for those that want to experience what a premium foldable device can do, beyond the limitations of a traditional smartphone.”
Prior to delivering this device Samsung engineers had to work through several engineering issues.
A first look reveals that he internal screen does not merely bend, It folds.
Samsung engineers said that “Folding is a more intuitive motion, and a more difficult innovation to deliver”.
To achieve this Samsung invented a new polymer layer and created a display around 50 percent thinner than the typical smartphone display.
They also developed a new folding hinged mechanism which is a problem that Lenovo had to tackle with their hinged notebooks which were both tablet and notebook.
As a result, the new Galaxy Fold opens smoothly and naturally, like a book, and closes flat and compact, it even has its own click which lets you know it is locked in.
The new hinge with multiple interlocking gears is housed in a hidden enclosure this was developed so that a seamless and elegant look could be delivered for the device.
There is even a fingerprint scanner on the side where the thumb naturally rests, it also has not one but two batteries which Samsung claims balances up the device when held.
As for finishes it comes in Space Silver, Cosmos Black, Martian Green and Astro Blue, it even has a hinge engraved with the Samsung logo.
As for functionality you can slip it out of your pocket for one-handed calls, texts, and if you want more you can open the device for multitasking and high-quality viewing on a larger screen.
Users can open up to three active apps simultaneously on the main display so you can surf, text, work, watch and share without losing a beat.
Samsung has equipped Galaxy Fold with a high-powered, next-generation AP chipset and 12GB of RAM with PC-like performance.
The sophisticated dual battery system is also capable of charging itself and a second device simultaneously via Wireless PowerShare, while connected to a regular charger so you can leave your second charger at home.
As for watching 4K movies it comes with a Dynamic AMOLED display and AKG stereo speakers.
Samsung said the Galaxy Fold will be priced around $2,900 in Australia, pricing in the USA is US$1,999
