The butterfly phone
Samsung’s Galaxy Fold breaks the phablet mould by providing a phone and tablet as separate yet cohesive experiences on a single device.
IS it a phone? Is it a tablet? No, it’s the Samsung Galaxy Fold.
While most smartphone makers have tried to bring the two worlds together with massive phablets, Samsung took a step away from its winning Galaxy Note formula to try a new approach – merging a tablet and smartphone into one device.
The resulting foldable touchscreen is probably one of the most science fiction-esque things to be rolled out in the smart device market, that’s now become a fight over how many cameras one can stick onto a phone without triggering trypophobia.
Design philosophy
Hardware design aside, having a smaller 4.6in phone screen and larger 7.3in tablet screen raises the philosophical question – what’s the difference beyond screen size, if both are touch devices with data and cellular connectivity?
Samsung seems to have gone with the school of thought that phones are made for communicating while tablets are for consuming media.
When folded, the phone fits comfortably in the hand for taking calls and one-handed typing, especially if users have a keyboard with swipe-typing. The fingerprint scanner, located on the right side of the phone, is also easy to activate using one’s thumb, making the phone quick to unlock.
Meanwhile, reading ebooks and watching videos are definitely something to be done on the inner screen. Visual content like comics look incredibly sharp on the Fold’s inner screen thanks to the higher resolution and vivid colours.
The strip where the screen folds is not too apparent when the screen is dark, though those browsing on white screens might find it a mild annoyance.
A minor, though satisfying design cue is that folding the phone closed turns off the screen, much like closing a book.
Conversely, it’s not a great idea to text on tablet mode unless you want everyone to be privy to your conversations. Same with calls, as the tablet mode only allows for speakerphone. This is easily resolved though, as folding the screen turns off the speakerphone without cancelling the call.
Transitioning between the cover screen and the inner screen is seamless thanks to the App Continuity feature that automatically transfers the app to the inner screen when users fold open the phone.
While Samsung says it is integrated with Google’s suit of apps to ensure smooth transitions, this might not apply for all apps. The ebook reading app and some games I tested on this phone would either pause or be forced to close when switching between screens.
The App Continuity feature is most useful when taking photos in the phone mode then changing to tablet mode to review or edit the photos. The 12GB RAM makes editing photos and videos or multitasking up to three apps simultaneously a breeze.
Camera count
Speaking of cameras, the Fold sports six. Rather than a massive array all on its back, the cameras are neatly divided between the three parts of the phone.
The first camera users will see is the 10-megapixel camera on the outside screen, which handles selfies and facial recognition.
The second set features two cameras on the inside screen, with a 10-megapixel camera and 8-megapixel depth camera, that combined allow for more artistic selfies with a variety of bokeh effects. Having it with a larger screen also makes it easier to plan wefies or see comments while livestreaming.
The rear cameras have the same solid triple camera setup as seen on Samsung’s Galaxy S10 series, which includes a 16megapixel Ultra Wide Camera, 12-megapixel primary camera and 12-megapixel telephoto camera. The rear cameras are used whether the phone is folded or opened, though it is a lot easier to take photos while in the phone mode.
Flex that phone
Depending on the person, using a phone that costs nearly five figures could either be satisfying to show off or, in this reviewer’s case, quite stressful. Most of my friends quickly, and very carefully, handed it back when I told them the price tag.
When holding it on the street or placing it on the table at the food court, there’s a certain amount of worry that someone might snatch it or just accidentally knock it to the ground.
In hand, the phone does feel solid at a hefty 276g.
The spine that connects both screens is well-built and gives a good amount of resistance so the phone doesn’t feel like it would fold accidentally, while still being easy enough to open one handed.
The side with the spine is slightly taller at 17.1mm versus 15.7mm on the other end.
Due to the phone’s folding design, the battery is split into two units, which come up to a total of 4,380mah for all day usage.
Despite the bulk of the phone it surprisingly lacks a few features, accommodating only one SIM card, with no micro SD slot or 3.5mm jack. However, Samsung prepared solutions for all these issues, with ESIM compatibility, 512GB onboard memory and complimentary Galaxy Buds Bluetooth earphones.
Conclusion
The Fold is a powerhouse device that handles everything one throws at it with aplomb and ably justifies the RM8,388 price tag.
With 12GB RAM and 512GB onboard memory and a total of six cameras, along with the sheer bragging rights of a foldable phone, the Galaxy Fold’s nifty dual-screen design allows users to quickly and easily switch between phone and tablet mode.
Samsung is sparing no expense to reward its big spending customers, providing anyone who buys a unit with a dedicated specialist to explain how to use all the device’s features, a 24/7 Premium Careline, free on-site pick-up and delivery in case the smartphone needs to be sent back plus a one-time inner screen replacement valid for the first year.
The Galaxy Fold comes in Space Silver and Cosmos Black and is now available at Samsung Experience stores and authorised retailers nationwide.