Break it like Samsung? Its $2000 foldable phone breaks randomly
What's the story
Samsung's Galaxy Fold, the premium $2,000 worth foldable phone, has some serious durability concerns. Several tech reviewers have reported major issues with their devices. The problems range from flashing panels to bulges under the screen and huge dead spots. In some cases, removing a plastic film did the damage while in others, the display broke and went blank. Here's all about the heart-breaking news.
Problem #1
For some reviewers, removing the plastic film damaged the screen
Some reviewers reported that removing a plastic film damaged the screen of the folding phone. Turns out, they didn't realize that the film plastered across the phone screen wasn't supposed to be removed. In the user manual, Samsung says, "Peeling off the protective layer or using any adhesives on the main screen, such as screen protectors or stickers, may cause damage."
Twitter Post
Removing the film damaged the display on Gurman's review unit
The screen on my Galaxy Fold review unit is completely broken and unusable just two days in. Hard to know if this is widespread or not. pic.twitter.com/G0OHj3DQHw
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) April 17, 2019
Twitter Post
MKBHD also damaged his screen by peeling of the film
PSA: There's a layer that appears to be a screen protector on the Galaxy Fold's display. It's NOT a screen protector. Do NOT remove it.
— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) April 17, 2019
I got this far peeling it off before the display spazzed and blacked out. Started over with a replacement. pic.twitter.com/ZhEG2Bqulr
Problem #2
But, for some, display broke even without removing the film
While removing the protective film damaged the screen for some, other reviewers reported that the screen appears to be flickering in just one day of usage. CNBC's Steve Kovach reported that the left side of the screen kept flashing sporadically and it eventually went black. In this case, Kovach did not remove the protective film. Perhaps, this problem is related to the hinge system.
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Kovach's Galaxy Fold screen broke after one day of use
After one day of use... pic.twitter.com/VjDlJI45C9
— Steve Kovach (@stevekovach) April 17, 2019
Problem #3
Screen bulging has also come to light
Dieter Bohn from The Verge said that his Galaxy Fold screen broke just after a day's use. In his case, a small bulge appeared right on the crease of the display. "It's just enough to slightly distort the screen, and I can feel it under my finger. There's something pressing up against the screen at the hinge, right there in the crease," reported Bohn.
Official word
Samsung has issued a statement in this matter
Samsung has released a statement addressing the current issues. Referring to the devices that broke without an obvious cause, like removal of the protective film, Samsung said it "will thoroughly inspect these units in person to determine the cause of the matter." For the other case (removal of the film), the company said it would "ensure this information is clearly delivered to our customers."