Samsung unveils groundbreaking £1,500 foldable smartphone

Samsung has unveiled its first foldable smartphone, revealing that it will cost more than £1,500.

Called the Galaxy Fold, the phone contains a second flexible display that opens out from within the device to offer a tablet-sized display.

The phone screen itself is 4.6 inches but it can then be opened to reveal a 7.3 inch Infinity Flex display that can show up to three apps at one time.

The $1,980 (£1,516) device will also enable users to switch between screens while using the same app and houses six cameras.

The new phone will also be able to be turned into a tablet-sized device. Credit: AP

The announcement marks the first major smartphone manufacturer to enter the foldable phone market, with Samsung confirming the device would go on sale in the UK on May 3.

Samsung's Justin Denison said the Galaxy Fold is "unlike any device that has come before it" and the company has worked on creating "meaningful breakthroughs" in the smartphone industry.

The firm also unveiled a trio of new flagship phones, including one with enough storage to hold more than 300,000 photos.

The Korean company's new Galaxy S10 and S10+ both also come with a triple camera system on the rear of the phone.

  • Everything you need to know about Samsung Galaxy Fold

The foldable phone will cost around $1,900. Credit: AP

Two Screens

As well as a traditional 4.6-inch smartphone screen, the Galaxy Fold houses a second, larger display inside its body.

When unfolded and open, users can take advantage of a flexible 7.3-inch AMOLED Infinity Flex display.

The fold is powered by a new hinging mechanism engineered by the tech giant which uses multiple interlocking gears housed in a hidden enclosure.

HardwareThe Fold contains features common in most flagship smartphones - including a fingerprint scanner in the side of the device.

It also includes six cameras - three on the rear, two on the inside and one on the front of the device.

The UK price has not yet been set. Credit: AP

App Continuity

The larger screen of the Fold is able to display up to three apps at once for multi-tasking purposes.

The device also supports what Samsung calls App Continuity, which allows users to transition between the two screens seamlessly - as the Fold opens and closes, apps will automatically show up where you left off.

Price and availability

The UK price has not yet been confirmed but the Galaxy Fold will go on sale in Europe - including the UK - on May 3, costing 2,000 euro.