Announced in February 2019, Galaxy Fold, Samsung’s latest innovation that defined a new form of mobile phone experience, will finally become available in the Philippines thru Smart.
Galaxy Fold offers a multitude of user experiences. View the essentials on its 4.6″ Super AMOLED cover display, and when opened, enjoy next-level multi-tasking, watching videos, playing games, and more, all on its 7.3″ Infinity Flex Display.
It also transforms the way you capture, share, and edit mobile content. With App Continuity, you can shoot a video when its closed, and then simply open it to watch what you’ve captured on a larger screen. Multi-Active Window on the other hand, allows you to run multiple apps at the same time and seamlessly multitask.
The new Galaxy Fold now has rubber protection hidden in the foldable part to prevent dust and other particles from getting into the mechanism. Along with this, the layer on top that protects the digitizer from scratches now goes beyond the edges to prevent accidental peeling.
Galaxy Fold will be available in Smart’s Device Plan L at PhP4,099 per month for 24 months with a one-time cashout of PhP20,700. Plan L, for this particular smartphone bundle, has 15GB data, Unli AnyNet Texts, Unlo On-Net Calls, and 150 minutes of AnyNet calls.
Since Plan L is PhP1,999 per month, the additional PhP2,100 is basically the consumer’s amortization for the phone. This means that if you add the cashout of PhP20,700 and the sum of phone amortization of PhP2,100 for 24 months, you’re technically paying the phone at a subsidized rate of PhP71,100.
Another option is to avail the Smart Infinity Limitless or Traveler Plan 5000 for 30 months. Inclusive to the features tucked in the Plan 5000 are unlimited data (non-stop surf), unlimited calls to all networks, unlimited texts to all networks and unlimited landline calls. Apart from the Galaxy Fold that comes with it, you’re getting your personal account manager for your membership related concerns, 24/7 dedicated hotline, priority stores, worldwide concierge, etc.
If your pocket is deeper than usual, you can subscribe to Plan 8000, which grants you additional PhP2,400 consumable amount plus a Galaxy Note 10+ (on top of your free Galaxy Fold).
In a statement by Oscar A. Reyes Jr., PLDT SVP and Head of Consumer Business – Indivual Group, “Samsung Galaxy Fold reimagines the smartphone experience with its many breakthrough features, including a foldable display that gives you greater productivity on the go and a more immersive binge- watching session for your favorite series, and a versatile pro-grade camera that lets you capture more stunning photos and videos of your precious moments with family and friends.”
What’s our recommendation? If you’re going to sum up your investment and payment for the services you get on either of the two plans, you’ll definitely be paying more on Smart Infinity/Travel Plan 5000 (PhP150,000). This, however, includes the phone plus unlimited network services. If you directly compare this with Device Plan L, your total investment is PhP119,076 for 24 months plus the Galaxy Fold. This is a cheaper alternative, albeit limited in terms of network services.
You can pre-order the Galaxy Fold starting today until December 1, 2019.
What’s its SRP anyway? Should you consider ditching Smart’s offer, you’ll have to shell out PhP109,990 to get yourself a new Galaxy Fold. This is the best alternative if you already have a plan, or you just simply wish to use a prepaid SIM on your brand spanking new folding phone.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
