Samsung is planning to launch the Galaxy Fold on April 26th, starting at $1,980, through AT&T and T-Mobile in the US, with a free pair of Samsung’s new wireless earbuds. There will be both an LTE and 5G version of the Galaxy Fold, and Samsung is even planning on launching the device in Europe on May 3rd, starting at 2,000 euros.
The newest Galaxy features are 4.6-inch display when closed and a 7.3-inch display when opened. The interior screen is so large that it powers a truly next-generation experience. The software feature that lets you switch between screens without pausing. “App Continuity” is a way for the app you’re looking at on the front display auto-opens the app on the bigger screen when you open it.
Apps like WhatsApp, Microsoft Office, and YouTube have all been optimized for the new display and modes, and Samsung has been working with Google to ensure Android 9 Pie fully supports this display.
The Galaxy Fold will be offered in four color options: black, green, silver and blue. The device packs six cameras – three on the back, two on the inside and one on the front, as well as 512 GB of storage and 12 GB of RAM.
A fingerprint sensor is on the side of the phone for unlocking the device, similar to the new Galaxy S10e which places its fingerprint sensor on its side power button. Two batteries, split across each side of the phone, powers the foldable.
When plugged into a charger the device can take advantage of Samsung's new "Wireless PowerShare" feature to wirelessly charge other devices, such as the company's new Galaxy Buds earbuds, directly from the Fold while it simultaneously recharges itself.
Patrick Moorhead, president and principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy, thinks the device "will be a niche product" but also believes that "Samsung will sell as many Folds as it can make. It is ultra premium teetering on luxury. It will become a status symbol like the first iPhones were."
"Simply put, users want more display area to do more with the phone. Remember when smartphone displays were 4 inches? Now think about the 6-inch displays and how much more users do with their phones," Moorhead tells USA TODAY. "The experience is just better with a larger, 7.3-inch display and the use cases presented were compelling."
Well there you have it; as time rolls by, do expect to see a lot of foldable phones in 2019 and beyond.
