Samsung’s new device showing some cracks
Problems reported with Samsung screens
Reviewers report display issues with embattled company’s Galaxy Fold
Samsung is back on the hot seat. Less than three years after a scandal involving the thrice-recalled, and eventually discontinued, Galaxy Note 7 and its exploding batteries, Samsung is playing defense yet again.
The issue this time around surrounds the near-$2,000 Galaxy Fold hybrid smartphone/tablet that goes on sale next week. The “foldable” design allows you to transform the device from a chunky 4.6-inch candy bar smartphone into a 7.3-inch tablet.
However, reviewers from The Verge, CNBC and Bloomberg, as well as notable YouTuber Marques Brownlee, all of whom received early review units, reported major display issues on the tablet screen only a couple of days into testing. In some cases, their review units were rendered useless.
The Verge said its unit developed “a bulge that appeared to be the result of something in between the screen and the hinge.”
Some problems were caused when testers removed what appeared to be a protective film on the screen, that was in fact not meant to be removed, though Samsung didn’t do a good enough job of communicating this point in its packaging.
My colleague Eli Blumenthal and I – both of us are reviewing the device – did not remove the film on our evaluation unit and, at least so far, have not encountered the issues some others have reported. We’re still in the process of testing the device.
The Fold is meant to be opened and closed much like an old flip phone (except you open and close it sideways) with the internal 7.3-inch display bending without any damage, at least when working properly.
Samsung went to great lengths to explain the dual-axis hinge mechanism and flexible polymer display that makes this possible.
Depending on the angle you are viewing the internal display or what’s on the screen, a divider line on the display is visible, though like the notch on the iPhone we suspect those who buy the device will quickly get used to it.
A Samsung spokesperson 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.”
“Separately, a few reviewers reported having removed the top layer of the display causing damage to the screen,” the statement continued. “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.”
Our unit, a European model, did not display any labeling that the layer should not be removed. Desmond Smith, T-Mobile’s director of creative content, shared an image of the protective wrapping on Twitter that suggests Samsung will include text telling U.S. users not to remove the film.
Given the stratospheric price tag, Samsung always would have had a tall challenge selling the Fold, as it would appeal mostly to affluent early adopters. Getting buyers into the fold now will be that much more difficult.
The Galaxy Note 7 fiasco cost Samsung billions of dollars and enormous embarrassment. The company can only hope that since this newest device has only been in the hands of select reviewers so far, that it can correct the problem before it unfolds into a much bigger mess.