Samsung's Galaxy Fold is the most ambitious cell phone since the original iPhone.

With its innovative hinge and Infinity Flex display, the Galaxy Fold is the first foldable phone to be sold in the United States. The unique hinge features an articulated spine design that features multiple hidden interlocking gears, allowing it to open and close like a book.

As a result, the device unfolds to reveal a massive 7.3-inch display, which is the largest screen on a smartphone. Furthermore, the Galaxy Fold's Multi-Active Window feature allows for serious multitasking, with up to three apps running at the same time. While by no means a perfect phone, the Galaxy Fold as a whole deserves the Tom's Guide 2020 Innovation Award.

According to Samsung, they tested thousands of prototypes before arriving at the final design of the Galaxy Fold. They then invented a new polymer layer to create a display that is about 50% thinner than the average smartphone screen.

The Galaxy Fold's most useful feature is app continuity. Let's say you are looking at a map on the front 4.6" display. Simply open the screen and the same app will open in a larger panel, allowing you to resume right where you left off. In addition, Samsung has formed close partnerships with Google, Amazon Prime Video, Facebook, Spotify, and others to create an ecosystem of apps suitable for foldable phones.

Samsung faces some challenges with the Galaxy Fold, and it's not just its relatively high $1,980 price tag. Some early Galaxy Fold reviewers revealed durability issues with the design before launch. As a result, the company made several improvements to the Galaxy Fold, preventing debris from entering the device and reinforcing the display. Samsung also stated that its study of the Fold's hinge was integral to the development of the Hideaway hinge for the clamshell Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.

And that was the point of the original Galaxy Fold. It was not just to make a statement, but to revolutionize and build a new category of cell phone. And since the rumored Samsung Galaxy Fold 2, along with a 5G version of the Galaxy Z Flip, will build on this very exciting foundation, expect to see several more foldables from Samsung.