Samsung Galaxy Fold: Refined Design & Innovation

Samsung’s Evolution of the Foldable: A Refined Galaxy Experience

Samsung has not entirely abandoned the Galaxy Note line, despite speculation. Following this month’s Unpacked event, a company representative indicated that a definitive statement regarding the Note’s future is still pending.

The response wasn’t a firm answer, but rather a restatement of the previous announcement concerning the absence of a new Note model for 2021. When questioned about potential chip shortages influencing this decision, Samsung offered a similarly reserved reply.

The Fold 3: Heir to the Phablet Throne?

Determining whether the Galaxy Fold 3 will succeed the Note as the premier phablet is premature. However, the introduction of new features to both the Galaxy S series and the company’s foldable devices has diminished the need for the Note. Samsung appears to be adopting a wait-and-see strategy.

Strong sales of the Fold 3 would strongly support the idea that the Note is no longer essential. This remains a significant uncertainty, however.

Early Folds: Pioneering a New Form Factor

Samsung strategically presented the initial Fold models as innovative experiments. Being among the first to market with a novel technology, particularly at Samsung’s scale, presents inherent challenges.

The original Fold encountered significant issues regarding both reliability and consumer acceptance. The company revisited its design multiple times following initial feedback.

Despite these hurdles, Samsung reported selling one million Fold units in its first year—a surprisingly high number. While this figure doesn’t compare to the sales of the S and Note series, it demonstrated positive early adoption of a $2,000 device.

The Fold 2 and Fold 3: Addressing Initial Concerns

The Fold 2 directly addressed many of the problems encountered with its predecessor, resulting in a more robust and refined device. The Fold 3 builds upon these improvements with key updates and enhancements.

Here’s a summary of the new features:

• S-Pen support
• IPX8 water resistance
• Slightly larger external display
• Under-display camera
• Strengthened interior screen protector, frame and front glass

A New Flagship?

For Samsung, these advancements represent a new flagship device. The definition of “flagship” has become somewhat fluid in the mobile industry. Whether this signifies a replacement for the Note or the introduction of a third flagship line remains to be seen.

This development signals Samsung’s confidence that its high-end foldable is poised to enter the mainstream market.

Pricing and Accessibility

Lowering the price is crucial for mainstream adoption. The Fold 3, while still expensive, represents a step in the right direction at $1,800—a $200 reduction from the previous model.

Further price reductions are anticipated as Samsung scales its production and technology. Those seeking a more affordable foldable option should consider the new Flip model, which falls below the $1,000 price point.

Durability and Reliability: Lessons Learned

New form factors inevitably present challenges, even for a company with Samsung’s expertise. Early experiences with the original Fold required careful handling to avoid damage.

The initial Fold’s fragility necessitated design reinforcements before wider release. The company’s response was proactive and essential.

Enhancements to Durability

Key improvements included extending the protective film to the edges—avoiding the appearance of a removable screen protector—and incorporating a brush mechanism within the hinge to remove debris and prevent screen damage.

The second generation utilized more durable foldable glass, and the latest version further enhances these protections. This is the first Fold model without a lengthy list of usage restrictions upon unboxing—a positive indicator.

Users are still advised to exercise reasonable care and consider using a protective case.

Water Resistance and Materials

The inclusion of an IPX8 rating—providing water resistance up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes—is a significant addition. While Samsung’s foldables were initially slow to adopt waterproofing, the complex mechanisms involved justified the delay.

However, the “X” indicates a lack of dustproofing, as the hinge design allows for particle ingress.

The device’s front and back are now protected by Gorilla Glass Victus—Corning’s latest offering. The frame and hinge are constructed from “Armor aluminum,” which Samsung claims is the strongest aluminum used in modern smartphones.

S-Pen Integration

A stronger reinforced screen protector extends further to the sides, facilitating S-Pen functionality. Samsung now offers three product lines compatible with its stylus and associated productivity features.

A Fold-specific S Pen model is available for $50, featuring a retractable tip designed to minimize screen pressure. While the difference between the two styli is subtle, the Fold Edition is recommended for added caution.

Samsung stated that the 7.6-inch canvas is well-suited for S-Pen functionality. The visible crease in the center of the display may require adjustment for stylus users, but the functionality complements the device’s productivity tools.

Display and Camera Improvements

The primary display remains largely unchanged at 7.6 inches with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 2208 x 1768 resolution, supporting HDR10+. The 6.2-inch front screen now also features a 120Hz refresh rate, an upgrade from the previous 60Hz.

The most notable display improvement is the removal of the pinhole camera from the main screen, replaced by an under-display camera—a first for Samsung devices.

While previous implementations of this technology have suffered from image quality issues, Samsung’s approach offers a more seamless appearance, though the camera is still visible, particularly with white backgrounds.

Under-Display Camera Performance

Image quality from the under-display camera is currently subpar, exhibiting a haze or blur. Samsung acknowledges this limitation and positions the front-facing camera as the primary option for selfies.

The camera is suitable for teleconferencing but is not recommended for high-quality photography. Samsung intends to improve this technology in future iterations.

Main Camera System

The main camera system remains consistent with the previous version:

• 12MP Ultra Wide. F2.2, Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV: 123-degree
• 12MP Wide-angle. Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.8, Pixel size: 1.8μm, FOV: 83-degree
• 12MP Telephoto. PDAF, F2.4, OIS, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 45-degree

This setup delivers excellent photo quality, with the added versatility of switching between the 7.6 and 6.2-inch viewfinders.

Battery Life and Performance

The battery capacity has slightly decreased from 4,500mAh to 4,400mAh. While a minor reduction, it’s worth noting, as this is a power-hungry device.

Battery life should be sufficient for a full day of moderate use, particularly for users who remain primarily at home.

The Fold is powered by the latest Snapdragon 888 processor, coupled with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage (with a $1,900 option for 512GB).

Conclusion: A Step Towards Mainstream Foldables

Samsung’s progress in refining the Fold over two generations has been impressive. While the company is optimistic about the potential for mainstream adoption, achieving this goal remains a challenge.

The price is decreasing, but the device remains expensive for most consumers. The benefits of a larger screen are apparent, but the form factor can still be cumbersome.

If the Galaxy Note is becoming redundant, it’s largely due to the advancements in the Galaxy S series and the Fold. Samsung may find greater success in the mainstream market with the Galaxy Z Flip, which offers a more affordable, compact, and stylish foldable experience.