News + Trends
Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G: commercial launch and first hands on
by Luca Fontana
Samsung Galaxy Fold: a second launch that fell through?
27.9.2019
Translation: machine translated
While the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Fold in Europe continues to be delayed for unknown reasons, new reports of a screen malfunction are surfacing in the US. A manual explains how to use the foldable phone correctly.
The Galaxy Fold has recently become available in the US, but not in Europe, despite Samsung's official announcement of the release date on 18 September at IFA 2019 in Berlin.
The South Koreans remain mum on the reasons. A new report from US magazine Techcrunch reveals unexplained screen malfunctions. Are these linked to the launch delay? This is pure speculation, but here's something that could fuel the scepticism of some towards this phone and the Korean firm.
Commercial failures and display malfunctions
The commercial launch of the Samsung Galaxy Fold, placed under a bad star, should have taken place in April 2019. But due to serious malfunctions reported by technical journalists, it had to be postponed. The new release date, September 18, was officially announced at IFA 2019 in Berlin. It's unclear why Samsung has postponed the release yet again, and without any explanation to boot. Furthermore, our product management team has not received any further information from Samsung.
It was around the time of the US launch that Techcrunch reported further problems with the foldable phone's screen. According to the report - the magazine had received an early version for testing - an anomaly had already been detected after just one day, namely on the fold in the middle of the screen.
Source: Techcrunch.com
The origin of the problem remains unknown. The phone, which was in use for around 27 hours at the time of the test, has already been returned to Samsung. According to Techcrunch, too much pressure was exerted on the fold when the phone was closed, which is what caused the problem. However, Techcrunch admits it's not entirely innocent in this story: Samsung usually includes a user manual with every Galaxy Fold explaining to the purchaser how to use the phone correctly. Here are the manufacturer's explicit warnings:
- avoid applying too much pressure to the screen with sharp objects (e.g. pens or fingernails);
- avoid placing objects on the screen before folding it (e.g. keys);
- avoid getting water and dust on the screen;
- avoid sticking your own protective film (in addition to the existing film);
- avoid magnetic cards (credit cards or medical implants).
These instructions recommend consulting a doctor before using the phone if the purchaser has a medical implant, a recommendation likely to come too late once the phone has been purchased, no?
In order to make the purchase of this $2,000 phone with hypersensitive screen more attractive to potential customers, Samsung wants to offer a one-off screen swap for $149 in the event of the aforementioned damage. However, it is unclear whether such an exchange will be offered in Europe.
No controversy
Although the requirements for proper use of a phone in this price range seem high, the screen issue noted by Techcrunch is unlikely to be controversial.
The magazine itself points out that it's not uncommon to have problems with phones distributed in advance to journalists. Most of these problems have already disappeared in the final sales version. Apart from that, manufacturing faults - another possible cause of the screen defect mentioned - are covered by the warranty. We will only be able to give more precise information once more Galaxy Fold smartphones have been sold and similar problems have been encountered.
Samsung Switzerland has commented on the matter:
In recent weeks, we have received a positive response to the launch of the Galaxy Fold in several markets. As the first device of its kind, the Galaxy Fold incorporates novel materials and technologies into its construction, allowing the device to be opened and closed like a book.
And to add:
We recommend that Galaxy Fold owners follow the care instructions on the packaging and in the product's online manual. Products used within these guidelines are covered by the manufacturer's warranty. If Galaxy Fold owners have any questions, they can contact the Galaxy Fold Premier service for advice from Samsung product specialists at any time.
To conclude:
The Galaxy Fold 5G will be available in Switzerland in the fourth quarter.
Luca Fontana
Senior Editor
Luca.Fontana@digitecgalaxus.chI'm an outdoorsy guy and enjoy sports that push me to the limit – now that’s what I call comfort zone! But I'm also about curling up in an armchair with books about ugly intrigue and sinister kingkillers. Being an avid cinema-goer, I’ve been known to rave about film scores for hours on end. I’ve always wanted to say: «I am Groot.»
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