The folding display screens of some review units being used by testers have been failing, so Samsung is delaying the launch of the phones.
Three weeks after Samsung distributed an undisclosed number of its new Samsung Galaxy Fold $1,980 folding smartphones for testing and reviews by journalists, the company has now announced a delay in the launch of the handsets after multiple reports of cracked screens, flickering and other operational problems involving the innovative new phones.
The company announced the delay on April 22 in an email to journalists, saying that by putting off the launch, Samsung will be able to further investigate the problems.
«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,» Samsung said in its statement. «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,» the statement continued. «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.»
The company said that initial findings from the inspection of reported issues on the displays of affected phones showed that they could be associated with impacts on the top and bottom exposed areas of the hinge, according to Samsung. «There was also an instance where substances found inside the device affected the display performance.»
In light of the issues that have surfaced so far, Samsung said the company will «take measures to strengthen the display protection» while also enhancing the guidance on care and use of the display including an included protective layer on the screen that some testers removed because they thought it was there only to protect the device in shipping.
«We value the trust our customers place in us and they are always our top priority,» the statement continued. «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.»
The Galaxy Fold, unveiled in February by Samsung, is the company’s long-rumored folding smartphone, with a 4.6-inch HD+ Super AMOLED display (21:9 aspect ratio) on its front and a large interior display that unfolds into a tablet-like 7.
