The tech world is waiting with bated breath to see whether the Samsung Galaxy Fold will be a repeat of the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7 or if the new form factor is simply going through some major growing pains. Or folding pains, if you will.
The foldable smartphone is scheduled to release to the public on April 26, with preorders having already sold out. But several tech reviewers who received models ahead of the global launch have reported, with photo and video evidence, various malfunctions that have rendered Galaxy Fold handsets unusable. Some of the earliest reports include Galaxy Fold screens cracked in half and spazzing out. Other reviewers noted that there is a protective film on the Galaxy Fold screen, which should not be removed or else the screen could become damaged. Even more reports detail of debris getting underneath the screen of Galaxy Fold handsets, causing bumps and bubbling of the flexible display.
Samsung has addressed these preliminary reports, hinting that the issues may be specific to the Galaxy Fold review units. T-Mobile, a Galaxy Fold launch partner, is also reiterating how the Galaxy Fold should be handled, detailing that consumer packaging includes a warning stating that the protective film should not be removed.
The Wall Street Journal’s, Joanna Stern shared on Twitter that Samsung PR has confirmed the April 26 launch of the Galaxy Fold will move forward as planned. Samsung said in an official statement:
A limited number of early Galaxy Fold samples were provided to media for review. We have received a few reports regarding the main display on the samples provided. We will thoroughly inspect these units in person to determine the cause of the matter.
Separately, a few reviewers reported having removed the top layer of the display causing damage to the screen. The main display on the Galaxy Fold features a top protective layer, which is part of the display structure designed to protect the screen from unintended scratches. Removing the protective layer or adding adhesives to the main display may cause damage. We will ensure this information is clearly delivered to our customers.
Before reports of mishaps began rolling in, many reviewers were more than ready to give the Galaxy Fold their full stamp of approval. The concept of foldable devices has been seen as a breath of fresh air in a long-stagnant mobile space. The Samsung Galaxy Fold, in particular, is the first foldable handset to be readily available in the U.S. market.
The Galaxy Fold has already been the subject of scrutiny, with its eye watering $1,980 price tag and Samsung evangelizing the device as a luxury product that is not meant for everyone. In response to concerns about the crease that appears in the middle of the Galaxy Fold display, Samsung released a video showing handsets being opened and closed in a machine test for durability. The manufacturer has also stated that its flexible display was built to withstand over 200,000 folds, which could equate to about five years of use at 100 folds per day. Additionally, there have been reports that Samsung may offer Galaxy Fold owners free screen replacements and maintenance without having to sign up for insurance. This remains unconfirmed but Samsung may have to be more transparent with future and prospective Galaxy Fold owners as its release date approached.
Still, there are reviewers who have reported no issues with the Galaxy Fold so far and are still pleased with the performance of the device. Many others remain mysteriously quiet. One thing is certain, what some are already dubbed “foldgate” is likely far from over, especially if the Galaxy Fold will continue on to the market.
There is a legitimate chance that the issues that have arisen are specific to review models that have circulated early. As CNET’s Jessica Delacourt explained, companies typically send out pre-production models to the press that may be different than the final versions of the device that go to the general public. Manufacturers typically give a general warning that unpredictable mishaps can arise with models that are not the official version of a device, but Delacourt noted that her review model came with no special instructions to not tamper with any aspect of the display. It is not surprising that many earlier users did not realize this, as most smartphones do come with a protective cover that is supposed to be removed after unboxing.
Early opinions of the Galaxy Fold encouraged the public to “make peace with the crease,” because of the device’s vast potential. Reviewers have noted that the Galaxy Fold in tablet mode is, in fact, amazing for multitasking up to three apps, as well as for setting up ideal images in an ultra-wide viewfinder.
There has been praise and for the overall comfortable use in the device’s folded phone mode. There have been accolades about the device’s capacitive fingerprint scanner and its battery life. Reviewers have also had fun opening and closing the Galaxy Fold and are mesmerized by the vibrant color schemes.
The Galaxy Fold could potentially have a chance if its issues are in fact relegated only to minor a prerelease flub. So far issues have not posed a physical threat to users to be a cause of major concern for Samsung. Some journalists have updated that they have been issued, new review models.
Many also note that Samsung has likely already shipped its first round of devices to its launch partners, which include AT&T, T-Mobile, Best Buy, and its own Samsung Experience Stores. All that can be done at this point is to wait and see how the device fares once it is available to the public.
