Photos: Samsung Launches Folding Phone, Wireless Charging Ear Buds

Samsung on Wednesday February 20 unveiled its first folding handset as part of an effort to rev up demand in the slumping smartphone sector.

The South Korean giant’s Galaxy Fold, unveiled at a San Francisco event, services as a smartphone with a 4.6-inch display and unfolds to become a tablet of 7.3 inches. It also comes with 12 GB ram and 1TB Storage.

“We are giving you a device that doesn’t just define a new category, it defies category,” said Samsung’s Justin Denison at the event.

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Samsung senior vice president of product marketing Justin Denison speaks on stage about the new foldable phone during the Samsung Unpacked product launch event in San Francisco, California on February 20, 2019. (Photo by Josh Edelson / AFP)

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: Samsung product marketing manager Drew Blackard announces the new Samsung Galaxy S10 5G during the Samsung Unpacked event on February 20, 2019 in San Francisco, California. Samsung announced a new foldable smart phone, the Samsung Galaxy Fold, as well as a new Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Buds earphones. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP

Galaxy Buds charge wirelessly atop an S10 phone during the Samsung Unpacked product launch event in San Francisco, California on February 20, 2019. - Seeking to rev up demand in the slumping smartphone market, Samsung on Wednesday unveiled a folding handset, becoming the first major manufacturer to offer the feature. (Photo by Josh Edelson / AFP)

Samsung senior vice president of product marketing Justin Denison speaks on stage about the new foldable phone during the Samsung Unpacked product launch event in San Francisco, California on February 20, 2019. (Photo by Josh Edelson / AFP)

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 20: (L-R) The new Samsung Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10+ and the Galaxy S10 smartphones are displayed during the Samsung Unpacked event on February 20, 2019 in San Francisco, California. Samsung announced a new foldable smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Fold, as well as a new Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Buds earphones. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP

Samsung devices are seen on display during the Samsung Unpacked product launch event in San Francisco, California on February 20, 2019. - Seeking to rev up demand in the slumping smartphone market, Samsung on Wednesday unveiled a folding handset, becoming the first major manufacturer to offer the feature. (Photo by Josh Edelson / AFP)

The new device will be available April 26 starting at $1,980 (N716,205), the company said.

The move comes with the smartphone market in its worst-ever decline with consumers keeping devices longer and waiting for new innovations.

Samsung made the announcement on the home turf of rival Apple, with the two giants battling for the premium segment of the market.

Denison said the Fold is “a one of a kind luxury device with immersive visuals,” and offers “a truly next generation experience” that enables multitasking on its large screen.

**AFP