The Galaxy Fold is officially back on track for launch, with Samsung having recently announced improvements made to the foldable smartphone at the IFA conference in Berlin. Samsung also shared details about the device in a press release.
Samsung revealed that its home market of South Korea would have access to the Galaxy Fold first, starting September 6. Markets including France, Germany, Singapore, and the U.K. are set to launch the device on September 18. Samsung has also announced its Galaxy Fold Premier Service, which will offer around the clock concierge-style phone and online support to Galaxy Fold owners. Users will get help setting up and learning the features of the Galaxy Fold to best utilize the device.
Samsung Galaxy Fold U.S. release details
The U.S. is expected to get the Galaxy Fold is expected on September 27, though Samsung has only detailed its stateside availability as “in the coming weeks.”
The price Galaxy Fold price is expected to remain just under $2,000, as Samsung originally announced its price as $1,980 when it was first unveiled in February. The device will be available in Cosmos Black and Space Silver color options, in the U.S. Some of the original, funky, green and blue models have been removed as options for this market at this time.
The Galaxy Fold 5G model is currently available in Korea and will also be available in other select markets; however, it is not set for release in the U.S.
Samsung Galaxy Fold improvements
Samsung has detailed one of the main improvements made to the Galaxy Fold includes extending its screen protector beneath its bezels so that it is not confused for a removable cover. The device also has plastic caps to the top and bottom areas of where the display bends to close of the space that was on the original version and to prevent dust and debris from being able to get under the display. Internally, Samsung has added a second layer of metal underneath the areas where the display bends as a protective cushion. This is expected to reduce the amount of creasing that is visible on the device when it folds.
Outside of these changes, the Galaxy Fold specs remain the same, which include a 4.6-inch HD+ display cover display in its closed state and a 7.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED Infinity Flex Display when it is open flat. The Galaxy Fold runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chip, 12GB of RAM, 512GB of UFS 3.0 storage, a 4,380mAh battery, and Android 9.0 Pie. The device includes six cameras, including a triple camera setup on its rear outer cover, a selfie camera on its front outer cover, and a dual-camera set up on its inner display.
Samsung cancels original U.S. preorders
As U.S. consumers await the return of the Galaxy Fold, Samsung has canceled the preorders that were placed through Samsung.com. Many who preordered the original version of the Galaxy Fold received emails from Samsung explaining its decision. As a consolation, the manufacturer offered customers a $250 credit.
Ultimately, old customers still interested in purchasing the Galaxy Fold in the U.S. will have to preorder again once U.S. availability is official. Currently, it is rumored for September 27; however, it is not clear whether that is a preorder date or the official market launch.
Samsung Galaxy Fold sold out in Korea
Reports have indicated that the Galaxy Fold quickly sold out in Korea after becoming available on September 6. Samsung made about, 1,000 units available to carriers including LG U+ and SKT, according to the Korea Herald. There is word that the latter network sold out of its stock in less than 15 minutes. However, preorders will open again on September 18 ahead of the September 26. Samsung is expected to make about 30,000 Galaxy Fold units available for the Korean market.
