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Galaxy Fold: What you need to know about buying Samsung's foldable phone

Samsung is ready to try again with the Galaxy Fold, but it’s going to be limited.

Jason Cipriani Contributing Writer, ZDNet
Jason Cipriani is based out of beautiful Colorado and has been covering mobile technology news and reviewing the latest gadgets for the last six years. His work can also be found on sister site CNET in the How To section, as well as across several more online publications.
Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
Jason Cipriani
Jessica Dolcourt
3 min read
samsung-galaxy-fold-ifa-2019-product-photos-5

We got a sneak peek at the redesigned Fold, and it's looking good so far! 

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Samsung's first phone with a foldable display is ready to launch in the US. Those customers who've been patient enough to wait while Samsung fixed issues with the screen will be able to purchase the Fold starting Friday, Sept. 27. 

The Fold was originally slated to launch in April, when reviewers started experiencing issues with the screen. Some had debris under the screen, others peeled off a protective layer that wasn't meant to be removed. It was a less than ideal situation for a highly anticipated phone that costs nearly $2,000.

Samsung ultimately postponed the Fold's launch. Since then, it has been hard at work fixing the display's problems. We've now had a chance to go hands-on with the updated Galaxy Fold and discuss everything that's changed. Specifically, the hinges have new caps to prevent dust from getting under the screen, the screen protector has been extended, and the display has been reinforced. 

Galaxy Fold redesign: Here's how Samsung fixed its foldable phone

See all photos

What will Galaxy Fold preorders be like now?

There won't be any preorders. Instead, the phone will go on sale in "select" AT&T and Best Buy stores, and Samsung Experience Store retail stores. Samsung won't sell the Fold directly from its website, but it will help you find a store that carries the Fold. If you're not near a store that has the Fold available you can order online through AT&T and Best Buy . 

If you preordered the Fold the first time and didn't cancel, you'll need to order again. Samsung is currently canceling all existing preorders and offering a $250 Samsung store credit for the hassle. It's a smart move, considering the overall cost of the phone. 

Samsung also is giving Galaxy Fold users access to a new Premier Service this time around. Samsung experts will be on call, should Fold owners have any questions or issues with the device. 

Will it still be available on T-Mobile and AT&T?

Only AT&T will carry the Galaxy Fold. If you're on another carrier, such as T-Mobile, you can still purchase and use the unlocked version of the Fold from Best Buy or one of the Samsung Experience stores. 

How much will the new Galaxy Fold cost?

The Galaxy Fold isn't cheap, and it didn't get cheaper after the delay. Samsung kept the starting Fold's price at $1,980 (about £1,500 or AU$2,800). The 5G model, where available, will cost more. 

Can I still get it in Martian green and astro blue?

Originally, there were going to be four colors of the Fold. Now, you're going to be limited to black or silver. More specifically, space silver and cosmos black. Fans of the green or blue models, well, you're out of luck.

Will I be able to get the 5G version?

Not in the US. Samsung will only offer a 5G version in South Korea, and 4G or 5G models in the UK and Germany. In the UK, the 5G model launched launch alongside the 4G version on Sept. 18. It's unclear when the 5G model will debut in Germany.