Samsung says Galaxy Fold issues fixed, will launch in September
What's the story
Samsung has announced that it has fixed the issues on its Galaxy Fold and that it will be available for purchase from September.
Coincidentally or planned, Samsung's first-ever foldable phone will launch around the same time when arch-rival Huawei will release its maiden folding device, the $2,600-worth Mate X.
Here's more on this development.
The changes
What Samsung has improved on the Galaxy Fold
According to the Samsung press release, "The top protective layer of the Infinity Flex Display has been extended beyond the bezel, making it apparent that it is an integral part of the display structure and not meant to be removed."
The Galaxy Fold has also received some "additional reinforcements to better protect the device from external particles while maintaining its signature foldable experience."
Fortification
Samsung has also strengthened the hinge area
Further, Samsung has also strengthened the top and bottom of the hinge area "with newly added protection caps."
Moreover, "additional metal layers underneath the Infinity Flex Display have been included to reinforce the protection of the display" and the "space between the hinge and body of Galaxy Fold has been reduced" to protect against dust and debris.
Information
Galaxy Fold to launch in September in select markets
Samsung has said that it "is conducting final product tests to make Galaxy Fold available to consumers starting from September in select markets." The company has also confirmed that the price of the phone will remain the same as before: $1,980 or roughly Rs. 1,36,000.
Design & display
Meanwhile, here's recalling the Samsung Galaxy Fold
The Galaxy Fold comes with two displays: a 4.58-inch HD+ (1960x840 pixels) external screen with 21:9 aspect ratio, and a foldable 7.3-inch QHD+ (2152x1536 pixels) Infinity Flex internal display which offers a tablet-like experience.
The device features a hinge system that uses "multiple interlocking gears" to create a fold that is largely concealed and a side-mounted capacitive fingerprint scanner.
Seamless UX
Samsung Galaxy Fold also offers App Continuity, three-app multitasking
To leverage both the screens, Samsung offers an App Continuity feature which automatically opens the app in the main internal display when you switch to the tablet mode.
In the tablet mode, you can run three apps simultaneously for impressive multitasking experience.
Moreover, the company has said that it is optimizing more apps and services for the device's unique foldable UX.
Camera
Galaxy Fold packs a total of six cameras
In the folded state, the Galaxy Fold offers a 10MP camera which is housed above the external camera.
In the unfolded position, the notch above the internal display houses a 10MP+8MP dual camera setup.
Lastly, on the back, the device gets a triple camera setup comprising a 16MP ultra-wide sensor, a 12MP wide-angle sensor, and a 12MP telephoto sensor.
Internals
Under the hood
Samsung's Galaxy Fold is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 855 chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of UFS 3.0 storage.
It packs two batteries, one on each side of the hinge, for a combined capacity of 4,380mAh.
Lastly, the device runs Android Pie-based One UI, packs AKG-tuned stereo speakers, and supports two-way wireless charging as well.