Samsung Galaxy Fold smartphone

Photo: KKPCW via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Fold

September 6, 2019 7/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The Samsung Galaxy Fold was a groundbreaking Android-based foldable smartphone that pioneered the category. It features a unique design that unfolds to reveal a large tablet-sized display while offering a smaller cover screen for quick interactions when closed.
Display7.3-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display and 4.6-inch Super AMOLED cover display.
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 855 for robust performance.
Main CameraTriple camera setup with 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultrawide lenses.
Battery4380 mAh battery with 15W fast charging and wireless charging.
Starting from $800

💰 Samsung Galaxy Fold Price

The Samsung Galaxy Fold lowest price is $800, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

Main Display TypeFoldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, HDR10+
Main Display Size7.3 inches
Main Display Resolution1536 x 2152 pixels (~362 ppi density)
Cover Display TypeSuper AMOLED
Cover Display Size4.6 inches
Cover Display Resolution720 x 1680 pixels (~420 ppi density)

Platform

OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1.1
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
GPUAdreno 640

Memory

RAM12GB
Internal Storage512GB UFS 3.0
Card SlotNo

Main Camera

Triple12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS; 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom; 16 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, Super Steady video
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps (gyro-EIS), HDR10+

Selfie Camera

Dual (Main Display)10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm; 8 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm, depth sensor
Single (Cover Display)10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm
FeaturesHDR
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps

Battery

TypeLi-Po 4380 mAh, non-removable (4235 mAh for 5G model)
ChargingFast charging 15W, Fast wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W

Body

Dimensions (Unfolded)160.9 x 117.9 x 6.9 mm
Dimensions (Folded)160.9 x 62.8 x 15.7-17.1 mm
Weight263 g (9.28 oz)
BuildGlass front (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back, aluminum frame
SIMNano-SIM and eSIM

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
GPSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
NFCYes
RadioNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.1

Launch

AnnouncedFebruary 20, 2019
StatusReleased September 2019

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Innovative and unique foldable form factor
  • Large, immersive main display for multitasking and media consumption
  • Compact and portable when folded
  • High-end performance for its time
  • Premium build quality

Cons

  • High initial price point
  • Durability concerns with the early foldable display
  • Thick and heavy compared to traditional smartphones
  • Limited app optimization for the foldable screen at launch
  • Battery life could be better for two screens
★ Our Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Fold receives a 7/10 for its groundbreaking innovation and ambitious design, despite initial durability concerns and a high price that limited its mainstream appeal.

The original Samsung Galaxy Fold is a landmark device, representing the first generation of foldable smartphones. If you're considering purchasing one today, understand that you're buying a piece of mobile history rather than a cutting-edge daily driver. Expect a unique user experience with its large internal display, ideal for media consumption and light multitasking. However, be mindful of its older processor, potentially shorter software support compared to newer models, and the inherent durability considerations of early foldable technology. Look for well-maintained units, ideally with any screen protectors still intact, and factor in the possibility of higher repair costs due to its specialized design. It's best suited for enthusiasts or those seeking a secondary device for its novelty and large screen. For a more refined and durable foldable experience, consider newer generations like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or 8.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Samsung Galaxy Fold smartphone
  • USB-C to C Cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • SIM Ejector Pin
  • Galaxy Buds (in some regions/promotions)
  • Two-piece Kevlar case (in some regions/promotions)

The standard warranty typically covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

What is the release date of the Samsung Galaxy Fold?

The Samsung Galaxy Fold was officially released globally on September 6, 2019.

What are the main display specifications of the Galaxy Fold?

The main internal display of the Samsung Galaxy Fold is a 7.3-inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a resolution of 1536 x 2152 pixels.

Does the Samsung Galaxy Fold have 5G connectivity?

Yes, a 5G-capable variant of the Samsung Galaxy Fold was available.

What processor powers the Samsung Galaxy Fold?

The Samsung Galaxy Fold is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor.

What comes in the box with the Samsung Galaxy Fold?

The box typically includes the Samsung Galaxy Fold smartphone, a USB-C to C cable, a Quick Start Guide, a SIM ejector pin, and in some regions or promotions, Galaxy Buds and a two-piece Kevlar case.

What are the primary cameras on the Samsung Galaxy Fold?

The Samsung Galaxy Fold features a triple main camera system, including a 12 MP wide lens, a 12 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 16 MP ultrawide lens.