So we all know that folding phones are niche right? And they’re going to cost more than a good tablet and a good phone. But you would hope that after pulling their first release, Samsung’s second release was solid and reliable product.
Unfortunately it seems that’s not the case with reports that the second release of the Samsung Galaxy Fold are already seeing hardware failures similar to the first round.
First time around, many of the reviewers had VERY short timelines to take notes, photos and write reviews before the units were taken back by Samsung. It’s worth noting at this point, that’s unusual – units of high end devices are usually provided for long term review which suggests Samsung knew there were issues.
Editor at TechCrunch, Brian Heater has one of the new release devices and after just one day has suffered failure. After a very short time with the phone and no mistreatment, a bright spot of pixels has appeared in the center of the screen.
This could be caused by any number of issues, but the placement does bring into question again, the folding screen capability to stand up daily life. Brian notes that a device technology like this which has already had a troubling start to life really needs to be right.
Sadly the Galaxy Fold just doesn’t seem to be there yet:
It’s not a great look after about 27 hours with the device, considering that it wasn’t dropped on concrete, dunked in water or stepped on. And the placement smack dab in the center dampens the effect of a 7.3-inch screen.
It’s worth noting that Samsung has already collected it to take it apart and confirm the cause of the issue. Unfortunately, I can’t help but feel that the Galaxy Fold is going to cause more issues that it’s worth for users.
Even the instruction manual (which appears to be significant in size) has a huge list of warnings too.
- Don’t add your own screen protector – clearly due to the fact it will create pressures on the screen that it’s not designed for.
- Don’t put excessive pressure on the screen – it would be nice to know what is defined as excessive pressure
- No dust or water near the device – perhaps you need to live in a clean room if you want to own one and use it?
- Don’t keep it next to anything affected by magnetic fields like a credit card or “implanted medical devices – this makes me wonder what shielding and protection has been removed to create this technical wonder.
Further adding to the signs Samsung know that this first gen hardware is going to have issues is the fact that they’re offering a screen replacement service to all buyers. At USD$149 I’m not sure I’d be thrilled after paying huge sums of money for a device to know that if the screen break, I’d be up for more money. But honestly – buying first generation, bleeding edge hardware you’re probably prepared for these types of challenges.
Of course Heater and the TechCrunch team reached out to Samsung for comment, in their reply the biggest eye opener for me was the note around users reading the manual to ensure they’re using the device “within guidelines”.
Personally I won’t be looking to spend my money on gen 1 or 2 folding devices, but I’ll be watching with very keen interest.
What, if anything would encourage you to part with your hard earned dollars on a folding device from the first generation of hardware?
No mistreatment, haha. So many people have got their hands on their new folds and haven’t had any issues. The warnings on the phone are there for a reason. Although clearly shows this doesn’t matter, people will still break these devices and blame the company for their stupidity. The first fold had its issues and were fixed, now it’s all on the user to not prove a point that you can still break these phones. Ain’t no Samsung fan boy, just sick of people trying to tear down every company when they make mistakes, when they fix them and when… Read more »