Unfolding a new mobile experience
SAMSUNG has unveiled its much-anticipated Galaxy Fold, the company’s first “foldable smartphone” that opens up like a book.
When closed, you can access the features of the phone from the 4.6in HD+ (1,680 x 720 pixels) screen which the company calls the cover display.
When it’s unfolded, you’ll see a larger 7.3in QXGA+ (2,152 x 1,536 pixels) that’s great for watching videos, playing games and multitasking.
Users can, for instance, stream videos, browse the Internet and chat with friends at the same time.
Samsung Malaysia Electronics president Yoonsoo Kim said the device “defies the barriers of a traditional smartphone design”.
“It’s designed to offer a seamless experience folded or unfolded and optimised for the Android ecosystem,” he added.
The App Continuity feature allows users to seamlessly use an app on the cover display and then switch to the bigger screen when they unfold the device.
The Galaxy Fold has six cameras in total. On the front it has a 10-megapixel camera for selfies; and on the inside it has another 10-megapixel selfie camera and an 8-megapixel depth camera for Bokeh effects.
On the back, it has three cameras – a 16-megapixel ultra-wide camera, a 12-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with up to 2x optical and 10x digital zoom.
The cameras feature a scene optimiser that detects what’s in a frame and adjusts the settings accordingly to capture better photos. There is also flaw detection which will warn you if, say, somebody closed their eyes in a shot
The Galaxy Fold, which runs on Android 9, has a 4,380mah battery that supports fast wired and wireless charging, and can also power up other Qi-compatible devices such as the Galaxy Buds wireless earphones.
The Galaxy Fold will be available in two colours – Space Silver and Cosmos Black – and costs RM8,388.
It comes with Galaxy Buds and Aramid fibre cover, as well as access to a specialised customer care service which offers one-onone access to product experts, and 24/7 support via online and toll-free number. The larger 7.3in screen on the inside is great for watching movies on the go.