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Update of April 17, 2019 (8:35 pm): We have updated our article to include Samsung's answer.
Original article of April 17, 2019 (3:35 pm PST): After what seems to be years of collapsible prototypes on shows such as CES and MWC, we finally have the first foldable device widely available: the Samsung Galaxy Fold. The Galaxy Fold is Samsung's first business in the form factor likely to shape the sector over the next ten years, but it remains unclear how consumers will receive a first-generation product of this nature. By getting away from our briefing with the device, one thing is certain: the folding phones are really, really cool.
First and foremost, leave the specifications aside. The Samsung Galaxy Fold contains the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 mobile processor, 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This is a crazy list of specifications, but if you plan to deposit nearly two thousand dollars on a smartphone, you probably hope it is worth it. This list of specifications makes the device almost equivalent to a full-fledged notebook. The 7.3-inch screen that you will get from this unfolded phone could easily be used to replace an iPad Mini.
Other specifications include a 4,380mAh battery (or rather two smaller batteries) to power the internal tablet-type display as well as the much smaller 4.6-inch display on the front of the device. Speaking of the smallest screen, it's a bit … weird. The usable screen / body ratio is so small that the screen seems almost boxed in a set of large frames. During my time with the device, it left me wanting to use the unfolded phone. Although this style of use is suitable for things like making phone calls, it is not as good for content consumption.
Samsung has also integrated six cameras into the Galaxy Fold. There is a standard 10MP camera at the front of the camera in folded mode, an ultra wide 16MP sensor, a 12MP main lens and a 12MP telephoto lens on the back of the camera , as well as a 10MP lens accompanied by an 8MP depth sensor camera housed inside a rather undisciplined notch on the inside. Samsung wants users to be able to take photos in the orientation of use of the chosen device. With six cameras, you have great flexibility.
With six cameras, you have a little flexibility
To fold back, the Galaxy Fold uses a specialized locking hinge mechanism. Samsung said it had gone through hundreds of iterations of this mechanism before it was developed, and there is an audible signal break both when you unfold the device and when you fold it again. This is the kind of thing I would probably be shaking with for hours if I had one. So it's probably a good thing that Samsung says the mechanism is valued for hundreds of thousands of times.
Due to the two-part design, the closed Galaxy Fold is about twice as thick as a traditional smartphone and a little bigger. If you have standard pockets in your jeans, this should not be a problem, but there are certainly pants in which you can not insert this device. The phone has even passed a little my standard Uniqlo jeans. but it was not enough that I thought it was a problem.
In folded mode, the Galaxy Fold is a little tedious to use because of the small screen, but I really enjoyed keeping it in my hand because of its narrower design. That being said, the camera almost shouting to use in tablet mode, because that's where the magic actually operates with this phone.
In tablet mode, the Fold is nothing less than a pleasure to use. It's really nice to watch YouTube videos in such a large format, although there are big black bars at the top and bottom of the display when you watch standard 16: 9 content. When you play, this device becomes even more amazing. We played Asphalt 8 on the Galaxy Fold during our hands-on experience and it was one of the best racing experiences I had on a mobile device. The large notch of the camera did not feel particularly intrusive during these experiments and you can expect it to build during the consumption of content.
The big screen-like tablet is fantastic for games.
The Samsung Galaxy Fold uses something called Screen Continuity. This means that the content with which you interact on the main screen will also appear on the big screen once you unfold the device, and on the Galaxy Fold, it will work really, really well. If you have an application such as Google Maps or YouTube open on the small front screen, the unfolding of the device will also bring up the same application on a larger screen. The transition between the displays was almost instant during our briefing, making the experience as transparent as possible for consumers.
Unfolded, there was a visible crease in the display, but that did not seem to be a problem as serious as you might think. When you look at the display head, you can not really see it, and that's only when you look at an angle such that the crease materializes. It's also something you can feel slightly when using the display, but again, I did not think it was a major problem while using the device. Although the visible fold clearly indicates that it is a first generation product, it would not really bother me on a daily basis.
Overall, I left my presentation today with a rather positive feeling about the future of foldable devices. Although the plastic screens are clearly not ideal and the small front screen is not great to use, the magic of unfolding a narrow camera to reveal a huge tablet has left a huge smile. Unfortunately, once I left my briefing and picked up social media, a flood of tweets and articles challenged the integrity of a device I had been using for two hours.
Do not miss: The Samsung Galaxy Fold screen is already ready
At the time of publication, at least four units of the Samsung Galaxy Fold distributed to reviewers just two days ago have encountered significant display issues. There are two distinct reasons for these display problems, but both should cause some concern to potential customers.
The first problem could technically be called a user error, but it is clearly a mistake. On the Galaxy Fold's internal display, there is a plastic adhesive that allows the screen to bend. Nowadays, almost all smartphones shipped have a screen protector or at least a protective adhesive film that must be removed as soon as the customer receives the device. It is therefore natural that people are trying to remove this adhesive after they have released their Galaxy Fold. box. Unfortunately, this film is necessary for the Samsung Galaxy Fold to retain the structural integrity of its screen. If you delete it, the device will not work properly.
Samsung has a problem on the arm.
Apparently, the retail model of the Galaxy Fold has a layer of film in the package that explicitly states not to remove the film from the device, but the replay units sent to reporters do not include this warning . Nevertheless, something so easily removed probably should not affect the structural integrity of the device. The fact that it makes us tired.
The second problem is something that could do not be described as an error of the user. At the time of publication, at least two review units had their displays completely shut down. On to The edge, Dieter Bohn had his curved screen before becoming completely unusable, while CNBC Steve Kovach saw his screen develop a black line in the center while half shone in white. Considering that very few Galaxy Folds have been made available to reviewers in the last two days, this is not very appealing for Samsung.
If you want to know more about the problems that have arisen so far, we have a dedicated article that tracks it.
A Samsung spokesperson responded to the problems with an initial message, as follows:
A limited number of old samples of Galaxy Fold have been provided to the media for review. We have received some reports regarding the main display on the samples provided. We will thoroughly inspect these units in person to determine the cause of the case.
Separately, some reviewers reported removing the top layer of the display, which damaged the screen. The main screen of the Galaxy Fold is equipped with a top protective layer, which is part of the display structure designed to protect the screen from unwanted scratches. The removal of the protective layer or the addition of adhesives on the main screen can be damaged. We will ensure that this information is clearly communicated to our customers.
Although I really enjoyed my experience with Galaxy Fold and that it really looked like the future of mobile devices. However, it would be a euphemism to say that these problems are a bit of a concern. Groups of people have already pre-ordered the launch of the device on April 26, and we are eager to know if these problems become widespread before we can recommend the device.
We will be sure to keep you up to date with all the news regarding the Galaxy Fold and stay tuned for our review in the near future.
What do you think of the device? Samsung is the pioneer of the future of smartphones? Was it too early to market?
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