Samsung: Out with the old, in with the fold

San Francisco/Seoul/Bengaluru: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd has wowed the smartphone industry with the first foldable screen, burnishing its innovation credentials, banishing “fast follower” criticism and, at nearly $2,000, setting a new standard in premium pricing.

The South Korean tech giant’s Galaxy Fold resembles a conventional smartphone, but opens like a book to reveal a second display the size of a small tablet at 7.3 inches (18.5cm). It will go on sale from 26 April.

At its launch event in San Francisco on Wednesday, Samsung upped the surprise factor by briefing analysts and journalists on widely anticipated aspects ahead of time, such as 5G versions of its existing top-end Galaxy S phones.