Samsung gave the world the first look at its foldable phone Galaxy Fold in February 2019. A smartphone that doubles up as tablet whenever you want, and still supports all your Android apps.
Although they did launch it by shipping first to tech publications, it came with its own problems:
- people peeling off the plastic layer on the foldable display (it served an important piece for the display)
- the foldable hinge easily allowing bigger dust specs to enter the device,
- display showing cracks along the foldable seam,
- and more.
Samsung delayed the launch and has used that time to rethink the Galaxy Fold, addressing the issues faced at launch and even further refining other areas including its UX and chassis.
Soon, the Middle East will get to experience it as pre-orders have gone live in the UAE and will then roll-out across the region.
It’s a tablet… and smartphone
You’d probably want to say it’s a phablet, but the unique design of the Galaxy Fold allows you to have both – the slim palm-fit ergonomics of a smartphone and the dual-handed wide tablet mode. Best part is that it runs Android 9 Pie.
Just like the Galaxy S10 series, the back sports a triple-camera array with an Ultra-Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lens. What’s unique to the Galaxy Fold is that it has three front-facing cameras: a single selfie camera on the cover side, and a Selfie + RGB Depth Camera when using it as a tablet. That’s a total of six cameras, and this is a hybrid of both a smartphone and tablet.
Samsung has had a few months to iron out many of the issues on the galaxy Fold:
- Extending the top protective layer of the Infinity Flex Display beyond the bezel. This clearly hints its integral part of the display structure that must not be removed.
- Additional reinforcements to better protect the device from external particles while maintaining its signature foldable experience:
- Strengthening the top and bottom of the hinge area with newly added protection caps.
- Reinforce the protection of the Infinity Flex Display with additional metal layers underneath it
- Reducing the space between the hinge and body of Galaxy Fold.
If you thought about wireless charging, the Galaxy Fold supports it both ways. Given the unique design, the battery has been divided between both halves but they work together as one combined battery.
If you want to use your Samsung Galaxy Fold with your Mac or Windows PC, it also supports Samsung DeX just like the Galaxy S10 and Note10. Whether it’s as a smartphone or tablet, you can easily multitask to your own leisure. You have the USB-C port to make it possible.
5G and Middle East release
5G is the talk of the town worldwide. Many Middle East countries have been racing to roll-out the network. You’ll be happy to hear that there will be a separate 5G model. The only trade-offs are a slightly reduced battery capacity and lack of Dual-SIM.
| Processor | 7nm 64-bit Octa-Core Processor (2.84GHz + 2.41GHz + 1.78GHz) |
| Display | Main Display: 7.3” QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED Display (4.2:3) Infinity Flex Display, 2152*1536, 362ppi Cover Display: 4.6” HD+ Super AMOLED Display (21:9), 1680*720, 399ppi |
| Rear Camera | 16MP Ultra Wide Camera: f/2.2 12MP Wide-angle Camera: Super Speed Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.5/ F2.4 12MP Telephoto Camera: PDAF, F2.4, OIS |
| Front Camera | Frond-dual: 10MP Selfie Camera: f/2.2 + 8MP RGB Depth Camera: f/1.9 Cover camera: 10MP Selfie Camera: f/2.2 |
| Battery | 4380mAh (LTE) and 4235mA (5G) |
| Memory | 12 GB |
| Storage | 512 GB |
| SIM | LTE model: one eSIM and one Nano SIM 5G model: one Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz); NFC, Bluetooth 5.0; USB3.1 Type-C reversible connector; GPS; GLONASS; etc. |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint reader on side of Galaxy Fold |
| Colours | Black and Silver |
| Additional notes | Fast Charging compatible on wired and wireless; Wireless PowerShare to Samsung and other Qi-compatible devices |
The smartphone will be hitting retail shelves first in the UAE, and should then roll-out across the region. If you were on the receiving end of Samsung’s advertising for the pre-registration, it’s clear that they’ve picked UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman for registering interest.
Now that pre-orders are online, the official cost for the Galaxy Fold will be AED/QAR 7,199. Those who are in Qatar will be able to pre-order it by visiting the Samsung-branded stores or other major retailers in Doha.
Each purchase includes the standard items and a good amount of value-added items comprised of Galaxy Buds (which can be charged via wireless with the smartphone), Aramid Fiber Cover as well as Samsung Care+ that will protect your device from accidental damage for 1 year.
Now the one lingering question: when will it launch across the rest of the region?
