Yesterday we reported that Samsung had delayed the launch of the Galaxy Fold in China. Today Samsung have released a statement on a worldwide delay spelling out why they are doing so.
Although the Galaxy Fold was set to hit US shelves this week, after reports from reviewers about the display Samsung have decided to push the release date back to “next month”. Reviewers have fed back to Samsung various issues they have had with the device including impact to the top of bottom of the hinge causing issues and “substances” underneath the display caused issues with it.
Samsung are delaying the release of the new product line to investigate and correct these issues. You would also expect them to increase the number and size of warnings on the consequences of removing the plastic covering from the display. The entire statement from Samsung is seen below:
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. 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.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.
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.
We value the trust our customers place in us and they are always our top priority. 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.
Samsung have not set a new release date but with the phone expected to cost north of AU$2500 you would hope that they get these issue out before customers drop that amount of money on one. At this stage no Australian launch date has been released but whatever they had in mind will most likely be pushed back as well as they fill demand from other regions first.
Hopefully Samsung can fix the display issues as this new product category seems to have a lot of potential but in its infancy it seems a very expensive way to get a tablet experience in a phone.
This has tragedy written all over it when released to the public. How do they “fix” the problems in such a short span of time. Surely they have a shitload of these boxed up already, so they would have to unpack them I gather to add new warning stickers and do whatever else. If reasonably tech savy reviewers don’t heed warnings over screen protectors, what chance is there that the general public willl do so.