Samsung’s beleaguered foldable phone, the Galaxy Fold, is finally ready for release. After a weird flex – and some sneaky debris – the phone is now ok, at least according to Samsung.
The company has released a statement saying that they’ve re-evaluated the device, made some necessary improvements and run more rigorous tests. All of that’s great, but we were assured that the original Fold had been put through rigorous tests as well.
The improvements made as a result of these tests include:
- Extending the protective layer (which many reviewers thought was a screen-protector) beyond the bezel, which Samsung says makes it “apparent that it is an integral part of the display structure and not meant to be removed.”
- Additional reinforcements to protect the device from external particles (like dust or sand) while maintaining its signature foldable experience:
- ⚬ The top and bottom of the hinge area have been strengthened with newly added protection caps.
- ⚬ Additional metal layers underneath the Infinity Flex Display have been included to reinforce the protection of the display.
- ⚬ The space between the hinge and body of Galaxy Fold has been reduced.
Samsung’s also worked on some software improvements including optimising more apps and services for the foldable UX.
All this talk of change is great but it’s pretty difficult to see the differences between the original Fold and the redesigned one.
Original Galaxy Fold 
Redesigned Galaxy Fold
The company says that the device will be available in September, in select markets, after it’s conducted final product tests. The final release date hasn’t been shared, but according to The Verge, the price remains the same at $1 980, which was originally expected to retail around the R45 000 pricepoint in South Africa.
The foldable phone revolution that so many handset manufacturers have wanted us to buy into was dealt huge blows when both Samsung and Huawei delayed the release of the Fold and the Mate X.
With both devices expected to go on sale sometime in Septemeber, it remains to be seen whether anyone would still buy these devices.
