Samsung had a rough week, with a number of journalists reporting serious issues with the internal display of the company’s upcoming foldable smartphone. Maybe being the first to market isn’t as important as putting out a device that, you know, works.
After review units started presenting display failures of varying degrees, Samsung yesterday confirmed that it is postponing the release of the Galaxy Fold until further notice. Many have questioned the market-readiness of the device, as it was set to officially launch in the US this week, with a South African launch event planned for today (and the first local device set to go out on 9 May).
Is the Fold a flop?
Following the damning reports by the tech industry, Samsung issued a statement, saying that it wants the device to offer “the best possible user experience” and that it will still release the Galaxy Fold “in the coming weeks”. But we think the company should take its time to work out all the kinks before selling the almost-$2,000 device to anyone.
Samsung has delayed the launch of the #GalaxyFold 😌 pic.twitter.com/5tk05ui1Ez
— Tecuila (@tecuilaco) April 22, 2019
“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,” the company says.
While we’re sad we won’t be getting proper hands-on time with the Fold this week, we’re pleased Samsung’s acted swiftly. Better to halt the release than hope the problem only affects a limited number of units… which was the approach the company took with the Note 7 and its infamous combusting-batteries problem.
According to The Verge, people who placed pre-orders have received communication from Samsung, saying that their orders will be filled as soon as the company has addressed the display issues. We don’t have any indication when the rescheduled South African launch event will take place, but we’ll let you know when we do.
Source: The Verge