Thanks several gadget reviewers, Samsung has confirmed reports from earlier today that it is pushing the release of its most expensive smartphone yet due to display issues. The Galaxy Fold foldable phone’s cancellation only comes days before it was originally scheduled to go on sale. “We want our customers to have the best experience possible which is why, after initial feedback, we have decided to delay the release of the category-changing Galaxy Fold to make sure it measures up to the high standards we know you expect from us,” the company said. “We plan to announce the [new] release date in the coming weeks.”
Several Galaxy fold review units failed one by one due to issues with their displays. Some units broke after the confusing “protective layer” was mistakenly pulled off the screen. But in other cases , the Fold catastrophically failed after just a day or two of normal use. The worrying this is that bris seemingly made its way into the hinge and underneath the inside display. Some reviewer’s devices also failed for no obvious reason.
We will take measures to strengthen the display protection
“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,” Samsung said on Monday. Samsung further added that “will take measures to strengthen the display protection,” which seems to indicate that they will have to do some re-engineering of the hardware itself.
The company has not given any exact date when it will release the troubled device. The company also used this opportunity to also addressed the other point of controversy in its statement on Monday: that weird protective layer. “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,” the company said. Samsung had previously confirmed it would include written warnings to consumers urging them not to remove the layer, which resembles a traditional screen protector
Samsung’s full statement on the Galaxy Fold delay is below:
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 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.
