Samsung’s new foldable Galaxy phone has been delayed due to multiple reviewers reporting broken screens.
The Samsung Galaxy Fold was supposed to be the first foldable smartphone to hit the market. Featuring a small smartphone-like display while folded and a 7.3-inch square display while unfolded, its clamshell design is intended to give users the functionality of both a phone and a tablet with a single device. Here’s a (slightly unnerving) trailer that shows off the phone’s intended functionality:
Unfortunately for Samsung, many reviewers who received the device reported problems with the screen, including flickering and outright breaking. Multiple sources, including Bloomberg and CNBC, reported their test unit breaking within a few days. A commonality was that many testers removed what they thought was a “protective film” near the top of the screen, assuming it was some sort of standard screen protector. Screen problems then followed, though how such a vital component is able to be cleanly peeled off is baffling. Moving forward, it is essential that Samsung redesigns the phone to make this film difficult/impossible to remove. Furthermore, it was disastrous on Samsung’s part not to include instructions on how to handle the phone, especially with it being an innovative piece of tech. It should also be noted that even reviewers who didn’t remove the film encountered broken screens.
Retailing for a whopping $1,980, the Galaxy Fold nonetheless received a lot of attention when it was revealed. The device is treated as a luxury item by Samsung and was planned for a limited, low-stock release on April 26. The release date is now up in the air, and Samsung plans to announce the new release date within a few weeks. According to Samsung, the preorders were flying in, but it remains to be seen if that number will drop following the news of the recent defects.
Samsung released the following statement regarding the faulty screens:
“We recently unveiled a completely new mobile category: a smartphone using multiple new technologies and materials to create a display that is flexible enough to fold. We are encouraged by the excitement around the Galaxy Fold.
While many reviewers shared with us the vast potential they see, some also showed us how the device needs further improvements that could ensure the best possible user experience.
To fully evaluate this feedback and run further internal tests, we have decided to delay the release of the Galaxy Fold. We plan to announce the release date in the coming weeks.
Initial findings from the inspection of reported issues on the display showed that they could be associated with impact on the top and bottom exposed areas of the hinge. There was also an instance where substances found inside the device affected the display performance.
We will take measures to strengthen the display protection. We will also enhance the guidance on care and use of the display including the protective layer so that our customers get the most out of their Galaxy Fold.
We value the trust of our customers’ place in us and they are always our top priority. Samsung is committed to working closely with customers and partners to move the industry forward. We want to thank them for their patience and understanding.”
Delaying a hyped up brand new product a mere week before release is embarrassing for Samsung, a company that is no stranger to recalls and controversy. Hopefully, by the time the Galaxy Fold comes out, we won’t have to worry about it exploding in our pockets.
