Samsung’s new foldable phones seemed like a good idea — but if the early-release units are anything to judge by Samsung might want to go back to the drawing board.
The Galaxy Fold devices, which go on sale April 25 and retail for $1,980, are reportedly breaking after just several days of being used.
via NYDN:
Journalists who received the phones to review before the public launch said the Galaxy Fold screen started flickering before petering out.
Two reporters claimed to have pulled off a protective layer from the screens they assumed was meant to be removed but was supposed to stay on, reported CBS News.
“Samsung needs to look into these cases quickly and be clear with the public, particularly those with preorders, about the cause of the issues, how they will be fixed and how they will be prevented moving forwards, explained ABI Research analyst Stephanie Tomsett. “Consumers are likely to be concerned about this news, and their concerns need to be addressed to ensure that this new device is as popular as previously expected.”
But journalists from The Verge and CNBC claimed their screens still broke despite leaving the thin screen film on.
A CNBC video indicates the left side of the inside screen flashing while the right side does nothing. The device was “completely unusable” after two days, CNBC reporter Todd Haselton wrote.
The foldable phone is roughly the size of a standard smartphone when folded, but can expand to the size of a tablet with its 7.3-inch by 4.6-inch screen, reported CNN Business.
Whether open or closed, the phone was created to work and Samsung vows the screen can be opened and closed 200,000 times without risk of damage.
Samsung acknowledged it was aware of screen-breaking reports and would “thoroughly inspect these units in person to determine the cause of the matter.”
This just goes to show you that being the first isn’t always best.
https://twitter.com/robotodd/status/1118574478009626624
https://twitter.com/stevekovach/status/1118571414934753280
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
