Nearly every person from the 90s and before would remember the launch of the flip phone, which was one of the first small hand-held electronic phones. Samsung has been promising the release of a foldable phone, which unlike the flip phone, transforms into a tablet-like device when unfolded, since 2013. The company on February 20 finally revealed the Samsung Galaxy Fold, a $1980 smartphone which folds outwards to display a 7.3-inch screen, enhancing the experience of reading, gaming, and general browsing.

Tech expert Alex Kidman described the phone as “a foldable device that could fill the needs of people wanting big screens, but also those who want small, easy-to-hold devices.” The Galaxy Fold, that looks like a conventional smartphone when folded and supports the 5G network, will be launched in April in the US. Experts suggest that it will take Apple another year to produce a device that will match the features of the foldable phone.

Specifications of Samsung Galaxy Fold –

• 7.3-inch QXGA + display on the inside (4:2:3 aspect ratio)
• 4.6-inch HD + display on the outside (21:9 aspect ratio)
• Two batteries add up to 4380 mAh of capacity
• Unnamed 7 nm processor
• 512GB storage, 12GB RAM
• Wireless PowerShare
• Three cameras on the outside (16MP+12MP+12MP) and another three (10MP+8MP+10MP) on the inside
• Samsung OneUI interface

Meanwhile, Xiaomi is preparing to test its own foldable device, which will reportedly have two folds. The phone might go by the name ‘Xiaomi Mix Flex.’ The company added, “Xiaomi is first in the world to present a double folding smartphone and has conquered the technical challenges posed in its three different form factors - double folded, single folded, and tablet form. Prior to finding the best solution, Xiaomi has conducted extensive research and experiments to develop a robust folding mechanism that will allow the flexible screen to withstand mechanical stress.”