Buzz about the Samsung Galaxy Fold has turned into nervous anticipation as the tech industry awaits more details on the device’s release. The manufacturer has begun to retrieve review models that were sent to media ahead of the device’s original April 26 launch date. Samsung has already postponed the market launch of the Galaxy Fold and is likely now asking for the return of review models to further investigate what has caused the device to fail.
Samsung started circulating handsets last week, but reviewers quickly began reporting a number of issues with the device’s display. The common consensus suggests that something about the Galaxy Fold’s hinge, which is the mechanism that allows the device to bend, is causing a malfunction of the display. Various complaints included short-circuiting and bleeding of inner foldable displays, screens malfunctioning after their protective films were removed, and debris collecting under the flexible displays. However, a source recently told Reuters that Samsung’s internal review of the component has found no defects.
Contradicting Samsung’s claims, the teardown source, iFixit, took apart a Galaxy Fold handset to inspect its internal parts and discovered several issues with the hinge set up. They noted the device is not reinforced with ingress (water and dust) protection due to the large gaps near its spine, and that dirt can in fact collect in between the hinge and display. Dirt under the display can ultimately cause damage to the screen as they become pressure points when the handset is open and closed. iFixit called the flex cables looped through the hinges “a serious reliability concern over the long haul,” and gave the Galaxy Fold a repairability score of 2/10.
Despite the handful of devices that had issues right away, several reviewers noted that their handsets were still functioning well. However, new reports have begun to pop up, detailing bumps and bulges under the Galaxy Fold display, likely due to debris.
Currently, there is no official word from Samsung as to when the Galaxy Fold will be ready for its market release, however, hints from AT&T suggest the device may be available starting June 13. Several AT&T customers received email updates and instructions to accept the new launch date if they wish to continue with their order. Many of those who received review models also preordered the device as the devices that were sent to media were always intended to be temporary loans.
Commentators have noted that if the Galaxy Fold isn’t released by this suggested date it may see an extended postponement until next year. Samsung may opt for a drastic change in its release schedule as to not take away from the Galaxy Note 10 launch, which traditionally takes place in August.
