The Samsung Galaxy Fold launch has been postponed officially and the Korean smartphone maker has just issued a new statement on the matter. The Malaysian launch was scheduled to take place next week, on the 3rd of May 2019 and this would also mean that it will be pushed to a later date.
In case you missed it, Samsung had released a limited number of Galaxy Fold units to selected media and influencers. According to Samsung, the reviewers have shared with them the potential of what the device could do and they also showed them what needs to be improved further. Just days after the initial seeding, some have reported issues with the display which are caused by several factors.
The first issue is the removal of the protective layer on the display which several people had assumed was just a harmless factory fitted screen protection. This, in fact, was a crucial component of the Infinity Flex display and Samsung has acknowledged that they have to improve the guidance on the care and use of the display.
There are those that had problems even without removing the protective layer. This includes The Verge where they have reported signs of bulge on the display particularly where the hinge is located.
According to Samsung, its initial findings from the inspection showed that they could be associated with an impact on the top and bottom exposed areas of the hinge. They also added that there are also substances found inside the device which also affects the display. It is worth pointing out that unlike other Samsung flagship smartphones, the Galaxy Fold does not come with IP rated dust and water resistance.
Samsung has decided to delay the release of the Galaxy Fold to fully evaluate the feedback and to run further internal tests. No tentative dates were shared at the moment and Samsung plans to announce the new release date in the coming weeks. In a way, it is good that Samsung has found out these issues before the device gets into the hand of consumers. This would spare them from another painful recall exercise. In short, you can expect an improved product when it gets released and hopefully, there won’t be any further issues with the display.
Below is Samsung’s statement in full:
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.
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