It’s a divided world. No metaphors here, just a clear division with one group sticking to the idea of having multiple devices to get work done (read: smartphones for calling and photography; tablets for media consumption) while the other wants something all-in-one, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, which is an evolved version of the phone, approaching a tablet… or a shrunken version of a tablet that may look like a phone. However you look at it, the Fold3 last year was technology at its best because finally smartphones became interesting.

On August 10, Samsung will unveil its next important smartphone, which is widely believed to be the Galaxy Z Fold4 (besides the Galaxy Z Flip4). The timing is important. Sure, recession looms, inflation continues to soar and talks of Covid and what not remain in the air, perfectly setting up the stage where people will spend money on things that are important and can be useful in the long run. The folding phone from Samsung is not inexpensive but is it important?

Folded or unfolded?

What the company has achieved so far is free users from a form factor. The Fold can as much be a phone as it can be a tablet offering excellent performance. On unfolding, the Fold3 with its 7.6-inch display certainly doesn’t make you feel confined. A few examples. It’s infuriating to work on Excel sheets on a conventional phone; not on the Fold. PDFs can be read on a smartphone screen but can be enjoyed and appreciated on a bigger screen like the one on the Fold. And it’s now possible to work on something complicated with multiple windows open on an unfolded display. For example, bank-related tasks: Net banking can be open in one window while credit card details in another and the calculator can simply float on the large display. Plus, there is the option to keep a taskbar pinned to the side while forcing apps into a multitasking view.

The factor of boldness runs through the choice of screen size for the outside screen. Folded, the phone is slightly narrower than what we find on conventional phones. Not that it’s a small screen; it’s 6.2 inches of AMOLED glory, which means important tasks can be done without having to unfold. For example, using G-Pay while on the move.

Into a world of accessories

To take the Fold to its next level, there is a world of accessories, which I believe will grow with the arrival of Fold4 in a few days time. Since the Fold3 comes with one of the most powerful chipsets available on Android phones, you can push it for years. The big unfolded screen is great for gaming and helping all the movement can be the S Pen, which is Samsung’s stylus. Or connect the phone to a Bluetooth-enabled controller to match intensive gaming needs.

Those looking for a “laptop” effect can opt for a set of Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. You must be thinking how far a 7.6-inch screen can take you. A lot. Typing is a joy when connected to a Bluetooth keyboard. There are a few software quirks that should get ironed out in future editions of the phone; it involves how “windows” work when Samsung’s software forces apps to work like on a Windows computer. Most apps work fine and, with time, Google needs to encourage more developers to work on their apps to suit folding phones.

I know what’s on your mind — what about the crease? Sure, it’s there but after working for 10 minutes, the eyes get used to it. Can the crease be reduced? I think that’s where Samsung will deliver in a few days. What is more important is the level of durability the Fold3 achieved. Despite using the phone for long hours over months, I don’t see dust gathering around the fold and there are no scratches.

There are things I want to see on the new phone. First, I felt that that the S-Pen support on the Fold3 is somewhat of an afterthought. The stylus is sold separately, which can be a deterrent for some because it’s an expensive device that gets even more expensive. Second, there is no pouch for the stylus on the phone, so you have to carry it around or get a case for it.

The inside screen is ultra thin and is under a protective layer. Though the phone has survived a few drops, I would like to see Samsung make the ultra-thin layer appear stronger; just for peace of mind.

Pre-book your phone

Going by last year’s figures, Samsung did a fantastic job with both the Fold and the Flip (more lifestyle focussed). Pre-booking is already on and all you have to do is make a small deposit to ensure a phone is kept against your name. Since times are tough financially, a meaningful update will hopefully come in the way of a bigger battery.

Even on its foldable phone, Samsung has managed to deliver a top-notch camera

TM Roh, president and head of MX business, Samsung Electronics, recently said: “Three years ago, Samsung Galaxy foldables could be summed up in a single word — radical…. What was once a novelty three years ago, is now the preferred choice for millions.” He has good reasons to say that since last year, almost 10 million foldable smartphones shipped worldwide. Let’s see how that figure unfolds this year. After having established folding phones as a category, Samsung’s next step will involve making the folding phone a norm rather than an exception.

At a glance

Editing photos becomes easier when the phone is used unfolded

What and when: Samsung’s next folding phones — probably called Galaxy Z Fold4 5G and Flip4 5G — will debut on August 10.

Pre-book: The next Galaxy smartphones can be pre-booked by paying a token amount of Rs 1,999 on Samsung.com and Samsung exclusive stores. Customers who pre-reserve will get additional benefit worth Rs 5,000 after delivery of the devices.

Watch it: The event will be live-streamed at 6.30 pm IST on August 10.