Samsung Galaxy Fold (2019): Everything You Need To Know
The Pitch
The Galaxy Fold is Samsung’s first foldable smartphone. Originally teased at the company’s 2018 Developer Conference, the Galaxy Fold is the product of six years of research & development by Samsung. When folded, it’s a slim — if thick — smartphone with a 4.6-inch cover display. Unfurled, the device transforms to offer a tablet-like 7.3-inch screen.
After early reviewers cited widespread design and durability issues with the device, Samsung moved to postpone the launch of the Galaxy Fold by several months. As a result, the final product here features a number of technical improvements and an overall more robust design.
The Specs
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
Inner Screen: 7.3-inches AMOLED HDR10+
Outer Screen: 4.6-inches Super AMOLED
Resolution: 1536 x 2152 pixels
RAM: 12GB
ROM: 512GB
Expandable Storage: No
Headphone Jack: No
Fingerprint Scanner: Yes
Operating System: Android 9 at launch
Battery Size: 4380mAh
Rear Camera: 12-megapixel (f/1.5–2.4) wide lens + 12-megapixel (f/2.4) telephoto lens + 16-megapixel (f/2.2) ultrawide lens
Front-Facing Camera: 10-megapixel (f/2.2) wide lens+ 8-megapixel (f/1.9) depth sensor
The Reviews
In my review of the Samsung Galaxy Fold for PC World, I wrote that:
After spending proper time with the world’s first mainstream foldable device, Samsung has not only managed to convince me that the Fold isn’t about spontaneously self-destruct. They’ve managed to sell me on the idea that this technology and this kind of flexible form-factor has a future. There are plenty of reasons not to buy the Galaxy Fold but there are just as many reasons to be excited about the foundation it’s laying for the foldable devices to come.
Over at Gizmodo Australia, Tegan Jones found that:
There is a lot I adore. Using the Fold is like holding the future in one’s hand. You get a glimpse at where consumer technology is going and that’s incredibly special and humbling.
The Verge’s Dieter Bohn said that:
As an experience, there’s a there there, if you know what I mean, even though the screen technology and software clearly aren’t there yet.
WhistleOut’s Alex Choros came away similarly mixed, admitting that:
The Galaxy Fold is undeniable proof that foldable smartphones can be good. It’s surprisingly polished for a first generation product, but it’s still a first generation product.
Our Verdict?
As a debut for mainstream foldable phones, the Galaxy Fold manages to succeed despite itself. However, the relationship between the devices high price and handful of critical caveats makes it hard to recommend.
Time might have been kind to the recommended retail pricing for the Samsung Galaxy Fold but less can be said about the chunky front-facing bezels and glossy plastic display on the inside. Those who bide their time and money for cheaper and better foldables will likely have their patience rewarded.
