Samsung has been forced to postpone the launch of its planned flexible smartphone, the Galaxy Fold, after reports of preview devices having screen and hinge failures after just days of use.
Journalists from several US publications sent preview devices, including Bloomberg, The Verge, and CNBC, had reported problems with the review units including a broken screen.
Reviewers who had attempted to remove a thin layer of plastic on the screen thinking it was a standard screen protector found that their devices malfunctioned shortly afterwards. According to Samsung, this top protective layer is a part of the display structure and should not be removed.
Other seemingly unrelated problems include bulges on the back of the display, punctured screens, screen flickering and other issues.
In a statement, https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-to-postpone-the-launch-of-the-galaxy-fold Samsung said early reviewers have “showed us how the device needs further improvements that could ensure the best possible user experience.”
As a result, Samsung plans to delay the release of the device and run further internal tests.
“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,” the company said.
“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.”
The vendor notably did not provide a new launch date for the device.