Samsung responds to Galaxy Fold screen reports

User serviceable parts not included!

by Andy Bassett
With numerous reports indicating that they could well have a problem with their latest Galaxy Fold phone, and just days to go before it has its full US retail launch on April 26th, Samsung has responded.
The South Korean electronics giant learned the hard way with the Galaxy Note 7 debacle in 2016 how damaging bad press and a global recall can be for a product, and it takes a company with deep pockets and global influence to bounce back from such an event.

However, after several high profile reviewers drew attention to their Galaxy Fold review models succumbing to a range of screen related issues, Samsung could well be nervous about history repeating itself. In response to these problems, they have issued the following 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.”

Samsung responds to Galaxy Fold screen reports
Dieter Bohn from the The Verge reported a ‘bulge’ appearing under the screen, possibly from a faulty hinge or other debris, and CNBC’s Steve Kovach saw screen glitching which rendered the phone unusable after one day.

However, it appears there is some unexpected user interaction which may also have precipitated some of the screen problems. Some of the reviewers concluded that a protective layer on the screen was a typical, removable screen protector and proceeded to try and remove it. Marques Brownlee from MKBHD was one such reviewer and he noted that screen issues began once this film had been interfered with. Samsung has now confirmed that this polymer layer is actually a crucial element of the screen and should not be stripped off.
Samsung responds to Galaxy Fold screen reports
Their statement continued as follows:

"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.”

This must be especially disappointing for Samsung as it was clear from their launch presentation that the Galaxy Fold had been through a host of thorough testing regimes. Of course, no amount of factory-based, repeated tests can predict or emulate what a human being will do with an item once it’s in their hands and what withstood thousands of hours of rigorous testing in a controlled environment could only manage two days in the hands of an inquisitive reviewer.

Now that Samsung is aware that their customers will immediately play with the device in ways they had not expected, they will no doubt be sure to provide clear instructions about what is removable and what isn’t.

It’s also a shame because, £1,800 price aside, advanced word on the Fold was generally positive and the innovation on show here deserves to have a reasonable chance to fly or die on a level playing field. Let’s see if Samsung can put these early problems behind them.

Source: www.theverge.com, www.pocket-lint.com
Image Source: wccftech.com, pocket-lint.com
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