Friday, March 29, 2024

Samsung says Galaxy Fold display problems won’t affect April 26 launch

Share

galaxy-fold-standing-bent-3.jpg?itok=t2w

Samsung’s $2,000 foldable phone has arrived.

It’s here. After literally years of rumors, leaks, and reports, Samsung’s announced its foldable smartphone. Samsung calls it the Galaxy Fold, and it looks pretty damn impressive.

Ready to learn more? Let’s dive right in.

The latest Galaxy Fold news

April 18, 2019 — Samsung says Galaxy Fold display problems won’t affect April 26 launch

Hot on the heels of T-Mobile’s little PSA, Samsung has issued its official response to the hysteria surrounding the Galaxy Fold’s breaking display. Here’s what the company said:

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 main display on the Galaxy Fold features a top protective layer, which is part of the display structure designed to protect the screen from unintented 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.

Perhaps even more important, Samsung also said that, “There are no changes to the plans – we are launching in the U.S. on April 26.”

April 17, 2019 — T-Mobile says not to remove the Galaxy Fold’s ‘protective layer’

Following reports of the Galaxy Fold’s display problems, Des from T-Mobile shared the following Tweet:

Dear future #GalaxyFold owners, I know I always say “No one ever read the instructions”… PLEASE READ THIS ONE!!! (This is the wrap over the screen of the Galaxy Fold) pic.twitter.com/LuQPRfDZIE

— Des (@askdes) April 17, 2019

In the Tweet, Des shows a picture of what appears to be part of the Galaxy Fold’s packaging with a warning that says:

ATTENTION

The main screen includes a special protective layer. Peeling off the protective layer using any adhesives on the main screen, such as screen protectors or stickers, may cause damage.

This is referring to the plastic wrap that’s on top of the Galaxy Fold’s tablet display. This warning did not appear on review units of the phone, but it appears to be present on the final retail version.

April 17, 2019 — The Galaxy Fold’s display is already broken for some people

galaxy-fold-verge-broken-screen.jpg?itok

Just a couple of days after journalists got their hands on the Galaxy Fold, multiple reports have come out from Dieter Bohn, Steve Kovach, Marques Brownlee and Mark Gurman showing the display on their Galaxy Fold being completely broken.

In the case of The Verge, some sort of debris got under the Fold’s display and is causing a distortion in the screen across the top and bottom-right side. Steve Kovach from CNBC had an even worse issue, showing one half of the Fold’s large display completely freaking out and then eventually causing the entire screen to die.

After one day of use… pic.twitter.com/VjDlJI45C9

— Steve Kovach (@stevekovach) April 17, 2019

Mark Gurman from Bloomberg appears to have had a similar issue, although in his case he removed a protective film over the display that’s not supposed to be removed.

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

The combination of reports points out two distinct problems. The Galaxy Fold’s display is covered with a plastic film that is not intended to be removed, and if it is removed (in the case of Gurman and Brownlee) the display will fail in short order. This is certainly a failing on Samsung’s part to not make it crystal clear in the box, on the packaging and in the software to remind people to not disturb this top layer.

But even with that top layer on the phone, the fragility of the Fold’s display is absolutely in question with these reports. If all that’s keeping the display running is a thin piece of flexible plastic, it doesn’t bode well for its longterm durability prospects. With very strong Gorilla Glass screen coverings, we’ve gotten used to being pretty rough on phones — and the Fold just isn’t going to be able to take that much abuse. Despite lots of engineering being put into keeping the folding portion of the display operational with thousands of folds, that doesn’t necessarily mean it can handle impacts and damage elsewhere.

April 17, 2019 — The Galaxy Fold is already out of stock at Samsung and shipping is delayed at AT&T

If all the coverage of the Samsung Galaxy Fold has gotten you excited to buy one, then you’re in for some disappointment. That extra $2000 you have lying around is going to have to stay in your pocket a little longer because Samsung has already sold out of the Fold online. Even those who pre-registered are receiving emails saying that the Galaxy Fold is currently out of stock “due to overwhelming demand.”

No worries though, you’re still on the list, you’re just going to have to wait until Samsung can re-stock before buying. There is no telling how many Fold devices Samsung made or sold in this first batch, but it only took hours for all colors to be sold out. Hopefully, Samsung is ramping up production to keep up with demand. However, if you’re looking to get your hands on one, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for when it’s back in stock, because the second batch will surely sell out just as quickly as the first one.

While pre-orders for the Galaxy Fold may have stopped at Samsung for the time being, you can still pre-order through AT&T. Unfortunately, even though you can still place a pre-order the shipping date has been pushed back from April 25 to June 3.

April 15, 2019 — Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy Fold have begun at AT&T

Good news for AT&T customers looking to get their hands on the new Samsung Galaxy Fold, pre-orders for Samsung’s first ever foldable phone have begun today. The Galaxy Fold is available in either Space Silver or Cosmos Black with an expected delivery date of April 25. While $2000 makes the Galaxy Fold a pretty pricey phone, AT&T customers can get it for $66 a month with eligible service by using AT&T Next.

In order to pre-order one for yourself, all you have to do is go to att.com/galaxyfold or visit an AT&T store. If you’d rather wait to get a look at it before purchasing, the Galaxy Fold is expected in stores beginning on April 26.

If you’re a T-Mobile customer or would rather buy from Samsung directly, then you might just be in luck. The pre-order page is currently live on Samsung’s site, but so far it’s been very glitchy with some color options completely breaking it. However, if you want to be among the first to get your hands on the phone, it may be worth a shot. It’s important to note, that you will only be able to complete the purchase if you pre-registered previously, because it checks for your email in the database upon checkout.

## April 12, 2019 — You can now reserve the Samsung Galaxy Fold for AT&T and T-Mobile

galaxy-fold-reservation-page.jpg?itok=CC

As expected, Samsung has officially opened up reservations for the Samsung Galaxy Fold.

Similar to when registrations opened for the Galaxy S10 earlier this year, you’re not actually putting any money down for the Galaxy Fold right now. Instead, you’re essentially reserving a spot in line to be among the first people to buy it when pre-orders open on April 25.

When you make your reservation, you’ll need to enter your name, email, ZIP code, and which carrier you want the phone on.

See at Samsung

April 11, 2019 — Samsung to open early reservations for the Galaxy Fold starting April 12

Samsung officially announced the Galaxy Fold, its first phone with a foldable OLED screen back in February right before MWC got underway. For those of you who have had $2000 burning a hole in your pocket waiting for it to be released, we now have a date. Starting tomorrow, the Galaxy Fold will be available for early reservations from Samsung, giving you the opportunity to be the first to get your hands on this new device.

T-Mobile also released a statement today that the Galaxy Fold is coming on April 25 at 9 PM online and April 26 in select stores. The Galaxy Fold will be available in Space Silver with 512GB of storage and comes with a free carbon fiber case as well as a set of wireless Galaxy Buds.

With a release date quickly approaching, there is little surprise that Samsung has recently ramped up production on its foldable OLED panels for the Galaxy Fold. Despite the new untested form factor and extremely high price, Samsung expects to sell over a million units. Those are pretty lofty goals with a new form factor and competition from the Huawei Mate X, although Samsung has the advantage of launching its device first.

March 27, 2019 —This test ensures the Galaxy Fold can be opened/closed 200,000 times

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McdgS3Popjk?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]

The Galaxy Fold is one of the very first phones of its kind, and with that folding mechanism, there’s a lot of warranted concern as to how it’ll hold up being folded and unfolded day in and day out.

Samsung’s already talked a big game for the hinge system it’s created, but now we have an inside look at just how much testing that hinge goes through to ensure it works for years to come.

In the video above, you’ll see a folding test Samsung puts the Galaxy Fold through to make sure its hinge works as designed. During this test, Samsung’s looking to confirm that the Galaxy Fold is able to withstand 200,00 folds and unfolds. That number translates to about five years of use if you’re folding and unfolding 100 times each day.

March 25, 2019 — Samsung’s Galaxy Fold will be sold at EE in the United Kingdom

We’re just about a month away from the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, and for our readers in the United Kingdom, we have new details on how you’ll be able to get your hands on the phone.

In addition to being able to purchase it on Samsung’s website and the company’s Experience Stores, the Galaxy Fold will also be offered as a carrier exclusive to EE.

Pre-orders for the Galaxy Fold will open on Friday, April 26 in the UK with official sales beginning a week later on May 3.

Register for updates at EE

March 19, 2019 — Hands-on video shows the Galaxy Fold in action

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otwW5e61nHQ?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]

Thanks to a new video that was recently uploaded to YouTube, we have our first real hands-on look at the Galaxy Fold. Samsung did share its own hands-on video back in February, but this is the first time we’ve seen a raw, uncut look at the device.

The thing that jumps out the most is the crease in the middle of the Galaxy Fold’s inner display. We expect to see creases with this first generation of foldable tech, and it really is highlighted in this video. It remains to be seen what sort of impact (if any) this has on day-to-day use, but it is a bit of an eyesore if you ask me.

Also shown in the video is the Galaxy Fold’s outer display, glass back, and the satisfying click that happens when it’s closed.

March 6, 2019 — Galaxy Fold will launch in India at some point this year

On the sidelines of the Galaxy S10 launch in India, Samsung’s mobile business head DJ Koh revealed that the Galaxy Fold would make its debut in the country. Reiterating Samsung’s commitment to India, Koh said that the foldable phone will launch in the country at some point. From Gadgets 360:

Indian market is, I clearly said, most important market – not only investment and everything, my long-term commitment is towards the market. In this market, why will I not deliver my newest technology innovation? Yes, I will do.

Samsung is set to roll out pre-orders for the Galaxy Fold from next month, and right now there’s no timeline for when the device will be available in India. But we should know more in the coming weeks once global availability kicks off.

February 26, 2019 — Samsung’s Galaxy Fold will come with some sort of concierge service

Among all of the MWC 2019 madness happening this week, The Verge had a chance to talk with Samsung UK’s Director of Product, Services, and Commercial Strategy, Kate Beaumont about the company’s upcoming Galaxy Fold.

Not only was the phone itself a pretty big bombshell, but so was its price of $1,980. Samsung knows that’s a lot of money, and as such, is doing things a bit differently for the launch of the Galaxy Fold.

First thing’s first, Samsung is creating a limited supply of Galaxy Folds units. According to Beaumont:

We’ll have less supply than we would of the S10 at launch, and also how it goes to market is really important to us. This is a super premium device, and we want to make sure it has a concierge-like service and experience, so it’s not going to be on display in all stores. You’re not going to see it on the stands, we want to make sure it’s a very personal experience. There will be quite intensive aftercare that goes with it as well.

The Galaxy Fold being offered in limited supply isn’t surprising, but what is interesting is the mention of aftercare support and the concierge service. Samsung already said it’s going to include premium packaging and free Galaxy Buds with the Galaxy Fold to make sure customers feel like they’re getting something truly premium, and when you add that together with what Beaumont is now saying, it sounds like buying and owning a Galaxy Fold will be an experience in itself.

Samsung’s yet to outline what retail availability will look like for the Galaxy Fold when it launches, but Beaumont did confirm that Samsung will hold another Unpacked event in early April to go into deeper detail about the Galaxy Fold leading up to its launch on April 26.

February 24, 2019 — Samsung offers our best look yet at the Galaxy Fold

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9z_mF4XL4s?modestbranding=0&html5=1&rel=0&autoplay=0&wmode=opaque&loop=0&controls=1&autohide=0&showinfo=0&theme=dark&color=red&enablejsapi=1]

We got a pretty extensive look at the Galaxy Fold at Samsung’s Unpacked launch event, but it was all from a distance — the company didn’t let anyone see the phone in person at the event. There’s now a nearly 5-minute video from Samsung showing every single angle of the device, in person and in use.

The video comes with no commentary or even background music, but the important part is the visuals. Not only do we get close-up shots of every single angle of the phone, in multiple colors, but we see it being used in live demonstrations that go well beyond what Samsung showed up to this point. We can see full views of how the interface will work, as well as apps and even the camera.

February 20, 2019 — The Galaxy Fold is official!

It finally happened! After years of anticipation, Samsung finally announced the Galaxy Fold.

There’s a lot to unpack with it, so be sure to check out our announcement article and keep reading below for all of the details.

Samsung announces the Galaxy Fold — its long-awaited foldable phone

All the big details

What’s the deal with the screen issues?

Chances are you’ve seen people on Twitter sharing pictures and videos of the Galaxy Fold’s display being completely broken. We won’t lie, the images are pretty gnarly.

The phone comes with this protective layer/film. Samsung says you are not supposed to remove it. I removed it, not knowing you’re not supposed to (consumers won’t know either). It appeared removable in the left corner, so I took it off. I believe this contributed to the problem. pic.twitter.com/fU646D2zpY

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) April 17, 2019

After one day of use… pic.twitter.com/VjDlJI45C9

— Steve Kovach (@stevekovach) April 17, 2019

Before you start petitioning for Samsung to recall the Galaxy Fold, let’s take a step back and understand why this is happening.

There’s a layer of protective plastic on top of the Galaxy Fold’s display, and at first glance, it looks an awful lot like a screen protector. However, it’s actually part of what keeps the Fold working and should not be removed under any circumstances. Some of the screen breakage we’ve seen has been a result of that layer being peeled of.

There have also been some instances where the Fold’s display goes wack even without the plastic film being removed, and the fact of the matter is that flexible plastic is simply not as durable as Gorilla Glass like we’re used to on phones. It’s one of those first-gen problems that really can’ be “fixed” right now.

For a much deeper dive into what’s going on, check out Andrew’s excellent explainer of the whole situation 👇

Here’s why Galaxy Fold displays are already failing

The Galaxy Fold has two displays

galaxy-fold-open-home-screen.jpg?itok=sUgalaxy-fold-closed-front-straight.jpg?it

The main highlight of the Galaxy Fold is that it has two displays — one on the outside and another that’s revealed when you open the phone up.

The outer display is a 4.6-inch HD+ Super AMOLED panel with a 21:9 aspect ratio. The inner/main display of the Galaxy Fold is a large 7.3-inch QXGA+ Dyanic AMOLED canvas with a form factor of 4.2:3.

You can use the outer display for anything you’d regularly use your phone for, including texting, making calls, spending endless hours on Twitter, you name it. However, the big draw to the Galaxy Fold is that you can open it up and get a tablet-like experience in a device you can easily fit in your pocket.

A powerful hinge mechanism keeps everything secure

galaxy-fold-announcement-8.jpg?itok=TFk4

In order for the Galaxy Fold to be opened and closed, Samsung’s using a powerful hinge mechanism. Here’s how the company describes it:

Galaxy Fold opens smoothly and naturally, like a book, and closes flat and compact with a satisfying click. To achieve this, Samsung engineered a sophisticated hinge with multiple interlocking gears. This system is housed in a hidden enclosure for a seamless and elegant look.

Samsung’s really put these hinges to the test to ensure they keep on working for a while to come. More specifically, the hinge has been tested to open and close 200,000 times. In real world use, that should translate to a five-year lifespan if you’re opening and closing the Galaxy Fold 100 times in a single day.

How many times can you fold the Galaxy Fold?

You can do a lot with the two screens

galaxyfoldmultitasking.gif?itok=S32WU7Wh

The potential of a device like the Galaxy Fold is really exciting, and based on what we’ve seen so far, Samsung’s doing everything it can to get the absolute most out of it.

For one thing, when you’re using the Galaxy Fold with its main 7.3-inch display, you can get up to three apps simultaneously at once. Even more exciting, Samsung’s using the Galaxy Fold to introduce a new feature called “App Continuity.”

Let’s say you’re using the Galaxy Fold with its 4.6-inch display to browse Twitter and come across a video you want to watch. If you open the Galaxy Fold to access its larger screen, Twitter will automatically open up right where you left off to tie the whole experience together. That’s pretty cool.

Samsung crammed in a total of 6 cameras

galaxy-fold-back-top.jpg?itok=qvPQk62-

When it comes to cameras, Samsung’s not cutting any corners with the Galaxy Fold.

On the phone, you’ll find a total of 6 cameras. Here’s what they’re packing:

  • Rear Camera 1 — 16MP Ultra Wide | f/2.2
  • Rear Camera 2 — 12MP Wide-Angle | f/1.5 – f/2.4
  • Rear Camera 3 — 12MP Telephoto | f/2.4
  • Front Camera 1 — 10MP Selfie | f/2.2
  • Front Camera 2 — 8MP Depth Sensor | f/1.9
  • Cover Camera — 10MP Selfie | f/2.2

It costs nearly $2,000 😳

galaxy-fold-box.jpg?itok=Q630_kvc

Yeeeeepppppp.

When Samsung launches the Galaxy Fold on April 26, it’s going to cost you a whopping, heart-stopping, $1,980.

While that’s undoubtedly a gob load of money, we should give credit where credit is due.

The Galaxy Fold is the first device of its kind to hit the market, and considering how much bleeding-edge technology it’s using and that the Galaxy S10+ already has a starting price of $1000, it could certainly be worse.

Along with that, Samsung’s also including premium packing with the Galaxy Fold and throwing in a free pair of its Galaxy Buds (a $130 value).

If you’re eager to get your hands on the Fold ASAP, AT&T is offering early pre-orders right now for $66/month with 30-month 0% APR financing. Alternatively, T-Mobile and Samsung will begin their pre-orders on April 25.

Where to buy the Samsung Galaxy Fold

Read more

More News