Just as we thought that smartphone innovation has reached its peak, Samsung unveils a foldable one, writes Izwan Ismail
A new era of smartphones has just been unfolded by Samsung with the launch of Galaxy Fold at its Unpacked event in San Francisco, US today.
The new revolutionary device marks a decade of innovation by the South Korea tech giant.
During his keynote address, Samsung Electronics' President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, DJ Koh, says the era of smartphone innovation, as many think is over, is not.
"For those who say everything possible has already been done,' I say open your mind, and get ready for the dawn of a new mobile era. Buckle your seat belt. The future is about to begin," says Koh as he takes out the new Galaxy Fold device from inside his blazer.
The Galaxy Fold features a 4.6 inch display when folded, and it turns into a full 7.3 inch "Infinity Flex" display when unfolded.
Basically it's a smartphone and a tablet in one device.
Foldable trend
Samsung has been talking about the foldable phones for quite some time, and even when Koh visited Malaysia last October, he mentioned about the coming of this new device.
The Galaxy Fold comes with state-of-the-art 7nm processor with 12GB of RAM and batteries on each side of the foldable phone. The device also has the most cameras in a phone to date with six cameras altogether - three on the back, one on the front and two inside.
What's reveolutionary about the the Galaxy Fold is the "App Continuity" feature where it allows the app you're looking on the phone to be seamlessly opened on the bigger screen as you open the device to its tabet size.
Users can also run three apps simultaneously on one screen. Basically, users can watch YouTube, update Facebook and chat on WhatsApp all on one screen.
Samsung assures users that the foldable phone is made to last with a new hinge system that can't be seen from the outside.
The device uses multiple interlocking gears and the screen should hold up to foldings "hundreds of thousands of times".
The phone will be available starting April 26, 2019 at a starting price of US$1,980, and it will come in four colours - Cosmo Black, Space Silver, Martian Green and Astro Blue.
New lines of S10 phones
While the Galaxy Fold is the show-stealer of the event, Samsung also unveils a new line of its premium S series phones - the Galaxy S10.
While normally, the company would have two S devices at a launch, this time Samsung brings out 4 Galaxy S variants - Galaxy S, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10e and Galaxy S10 5G.
“Since its launch ten years ago, the Galaxy S series has stood for premium innovation – offering consumers an incredible experience, and the ability to find the device that’s right for them,” says Koh.
“Galaxy S10 builds on that incredible legacy, and delivers breakthrough display, camera, and performance innovations. With four premium devices, each built for a unique consumer in mind, Samsung is leveraging a decade of industry leadership to usher in a new era of smartphone technology,” he says.
A decade of innovations
The Galaxy S10 is designed for those who want a premium smartphone with powerful performance and sets the stage for the next generation of mobile experiences.
For consumers looking for a supercharged device, Galaxy S10+ takes every specification – from display, to camera, to performance – to the next level.
Galaxy S10e is built for those who want all the premium essentials in a compact package on a flat screen.
Finally, Galaxy S10 5G is created for those who want more of everything and are ready for the fastest available speeds and the most powerful features.
Featuring the all-new Dynamic AMOLED display, next-generation camera, and intelligent performance, the Galaxy S10 line offers consumers more choices and sets a new standard for the smartphone.
Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+ and Galaxy S10e will be available in Prism White, Prism Black, and Prism Green. Galaxy S10+ will also be available in two, all-new, premium Ceramic models: Ceramic Black and Ceramic White.
Availability
The Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ (128GB) are priced at RM2,699, RM3,299 and RM3,699 respectively. The Galaxy S10+ (512GB) retails at RM4,599.
The Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+ and Galaxy S10e will be available for preorders beginning from Feb 22, 2019, 10am until Feb 28, 2019 (or while stocks last).