Samsung Galaxy Fold hands on: Giving me butterflies 

Spending some time with Samsung Galaxy Fold has given me butterflies – re, I said it. Quick thoughts – Samsung Galaxy Fold isn’t surreal like Huawei Mate X, I tried out in March, but close. As weird as Samsung Galaxy Fold is, in design and functionality, I like that it’s a lot more grounded at heart. It’s very practical. Samsung Galaxy Fold is also a device that’s ready to ship to consumers – unlike Huawei Mate X that currently seems to be in some sort of sabbatical following a recent US trade clampdown. 

That’s t to say that Samsung Galaxy Fold has had a smooth ride. That’s also t to say that, just because it’s w shipping, you should go and buy it. 

Background check 

Galaxy Fold was first teased by Samsung at its annual developer conference in vember last year. Back in day, it was sealed in a case and it did t have a name. It was Samsung marking its territory – it would be first ‘mainstream’ company in world to come out with a fully functional foldable in days to come. By foldable I mean, a smartphone-tablet hybrid, that folds and unfolds to let you access two separate form factors in one device. It was next step in smartphone evolution. It is next step in smartphone evolution. 

And concept Samsung Galaxy Fold was indeed brought to life, six months later, at Unpacked 2019. Samsung would be ready to sell Samsung Galaxy Fold, come April 26. 

Until, things took a downturn. Samsung Galaxy Fold was pulled off shelves ahead of its scheduled April 26 launch after many review units of foldable started breaking – eir because of debris that made its way inside from under exposed areas of hinge, or when top protective layer of main display (which looked like it was a screen protector) was peeled off. Samsung recalled all review units and started an internal investigation to find out root cause(s) of problem(s). Samsung Galaxy Fold was delayed – indefinitely. 

What is (seemingly) dead may never die 

Samsung did t give up on Galaxy Fold dream, however. It got back to drawing board, once again, to make amends. It has seemingly fixed Galaxy Fold since n. top protective layer of display has been extended beyond bezel, so it’s apparent it’s an “integral” part of display – and isn’t meant to be removed. Samsung is also a lot clearer in letting users kw, y must handle Galaxy Fold with care. It has also strengned top and bottom of hinge area by adding protection caps and reduced between hinge and body to prevent debris from entering. 

And, Galaxy Fold, as mentioned earlier, is ready to ship again. 

Getting to kw Samsung Galaxy Fold 

While structurally it would remind you of kia Communicator of yore, Samsung Galaxy Fold is a whole new breed of foldable. One where Samsung has been able to fully bend display, rar than stapling two in middle. That’s walk in park – even for a company like Samsung that’s kwn for its curved AMOLED screens. 

Samsung, in fact, had to build a whole new kind of display for Galaxy Fold – called Infinity Flex. idea seems simple on paper – Galaxy Fold has been designed to give users access to two categories of devices - a 7.3-inch primary tablet kind and a smaller 4.6-inch phone form factor – all in one device. But it’s ar thing to build it. And to ship it. 

Like a book, Galaxy Fold has a spine or hinge in middle, only re is partition on inside since Samsung’s signature curved OLED or Infinity Flex simply passes through – hence name, Galaxy Fold. re’s a secondary cover display on or (outer) side, that allows you to continue using device as a makeshift smartphone for when it is folded. 

Building a device is one thing, building an experience is ar. You can make as many foldable devices as you want but one’s going to buy m, if user experience is lacking. Samsung says it has worked extensively on software side so users will be able to seamlessly transition between smartphone and tablet mode on Galaxy Fold – Samsung is particularly touting app continuity and ability to run as many as three individual apps simultaneously.  

Being a high-end Galaxy device means Samsung hasn’t cut any corners with Galaxy Fold – except that it does t have a headphone jack, stor expansion and IP rating. 

Galaxy Fold is powered by an Exys 9825 in India, has 12GB RAM and 512GB internal stor, and a total of six cameras (triple rear cameras consisting of one 12MP wide (77-degree field of view) sensor with f/1.5 aperture and dual pixel OIS, a 16MP ultra-wide (123-degree field of view) sensor with f/2.2 aperture and fixed focus, and a 12MP telephoto sensor with OIS, dual front cameras consisting of one 10MP sensor with f/2.2 aperture and a secondary 8MP sensor with f/1.9 aperture, and ar 10MP camera on cover). Galaxy Fold furr packs two batteries which entail in a total battery capacity of 4,380mAh. re’s LTE and support for Samsung Dex as well. 

Hands on and first impressions 

I have spent some time with new and hopefully “improved” Samsung Galaxy Fold but while that’s t eugh to give you a full judgement, here’s what I can say with full conviction -  

Samsung Galaxy Fold is future of all smartphones. Or at least, this is what all smartphones should aspire to be in days to come. I have absolutely doubts about that. 

Galaxy Fold isn’t re yet, and I will t recommend all of you to invest Rs 1.65 lakh on it, but if you do, chances are you won’t even care about whole back story. You’ll be in it for experience. That experience, for lack of a better word, will be magical. 

Somehow, re’s something very satisfying about unfolding Galaxy Fold – and n folding it back as it snaps toger. It's a very confident snap too. Very solid. t everybody will be able to put it in ir pocket, but if you do have deep pockets – you should, you just bought Galaxy Fold after all (pun intended) - sliding Galaxy Fold all way in, n taking it out – feeling, that’s priceless.  

Galaxy Fold exudes luxury from get-go – wonder, Samsung will be offering deliveries through a concierge. 

As for usability, well let’s just say, I have mixed feelings – but mostly y are positive. inner screen is obviously plastic – one's been able to bend glass that way yet – and re’s a distinct crease at center where thing folds. You may be able to t see it while watching content but it’s definitely re all time – and you will definitely see it when screen is off. That’s what you’ll have to get used to, way you get used to display cutouts.  

Speaking of which, re’s a thick tch at top left, that you can’t also igre. Especially while watching content. 

Coming to outer screen, it’s sharper, but it’s largely unusable because of size and aspect ratio. At best, you can use it to view time, and check on quick tifications – that's about it.  

Samsung’s app continuity feature works as advertised. This means if you have an application open on  outer screen, it will be right re on  inner screen when you unfold it, and it will be re fully resized for that form factor. Running three apps toger on that inner screen also works like a charm – those looking for more, can of course, use Samsung’s floating multi-windows. 

Flagship-grade hardware ensures everything works seamlessly and without any visible lag – at least, that was case during my brief us. 

But should it all hold up toger beyond that first magical stint, is something that only time will tell. same is true about durability of Galaxy Fold. I can’t vouch for it, one can. And that’s what makes it a tougher sell. 

Still, if that insanely new form factor entices you, you can buy Samsung Galaxy Fold in India, or rar pre-order it, starting October 4 online on Samsung’s official online store, Samsung Shop, and offline in 35 cities across select 315 outlets, including Samsung Opera House in Bengaluru. Shipping will commence from October 20.     

(Photos by Saurabh Singh)

Also Read:  Is It Phone, Is It Tablet? Closer Look At Samsung’s Galaxy Fold