Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Galaxy Fold featuring a 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display, which folds into a compact device with a cover display.

Samsung said the Galaxy Fold is in a category of its own, delivering a new kind of mobile experience allowing users to do things they could not do with an ordinary smartphone. It said the Galaxy Fold brings together material, engineering and display innovations, developed over eight years following the debut of Samsung's first flexible display prototype in 2011.

Samsung said it invented a new polymer layer and created a display around 50% thinner than the typical smartphone display. The new material makes Galaxy Fold flexible and tough. Samsung also engineered a hinge with multiple interlocking gears that are housed in a hidden enclosure for a seamless look.

The user experience design built for the Galaxy Fold also provides new functionalities including multi-active window that allows up to three standalone apps to operate simultaneously, and app continuity that allows app to resume where the user left off when he/she folds the smartphone, the vendor said.

Samsung said it equipped the Galaxy Fold with a high-powered, next-generation AP chipset and 12GB of RAM with PC-like performance, and the dual battery system was engineered to give the handset a long usage time. The Galaxy Fold is also capable of charging itself and a second device simultaneously via Wireless PowerShare, while connected to a regular charger so users can leave their second charger at home.

The Galaxy Fold will be available in the US through AT&T and T-Mobile in the second quarter of 2019. Suggested retail price for the Galaxy Fold in the US starts at US$1,980.

Samsung also announced its new lineup of Galaxy wearables: the Galaxy Watch Active, the Galaxy Fit and the Galaxy Buds. The smartwatch, activity tracker and cord-free earbuds are made for a range of lifestyles.

The Galaxy Watch Active will be available in the US starting on March 8 for US$199.99, while the Galaxy Fit will be available in the second quarter of 2019. The Galaxy Buds will be available for US$129.99 starting March 8.