Samsung Galaxy Fold: First test devices already broken

A few days ago, Samsung started distributing the foldable smartphone to various influencers. While these opinions are mostly bought, the first technology YouTubers now had the device in their hands. The first test devices of the Samsung Galaxy Fold are already broken.

That should soon Samsung Galaxy Fold for just under 2000 euros. This is a good time for Samsung to start advertising the foldable smartphone. In the last few days, the Galaxy Fold has been distributed to a few influencers. Their opinions were - of course - outstanding. However, if you test the Galaxy Fold for a longer period of time, there could still be serious problems.

First devices of the Samsung Galaxy Fold already broken

If you look at the first reactions from various technology YouTubers and bloggers, the left display is usually broken. This flickers or in some cases even turns completely white and no longer shows anything. This makes the device unusable, as the left side can also be seen when it is closed. For some it looks like this:

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

Here the display just flickers:

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

- Steve Kovach (@stevekovach) April 17, 2019

Technology YouTuber Marques Brownlee also speaks of problems with his test device. He thought that there was a protective film over the display and that it came off. But that is not the case - it is apparently a film that holds the display together(?), or at least it must not be removed. In his case, part of the display has already come off and is now completely black - again: unusable.

PSA: There's a layer that appears to be a screen protector on the Galaxy Fold's display. It's NOT a screen protector. Do NOT remove it.

I got this far peeling it off before the display brushed and blacked out. Started over with a replacement. pic.twitter.com/ZhEG2Bqulr

- Brownlee Brands (@MKBHD) April 17, 2019

What can the Samsung Galaxy Fold withstand?

The professional in destroying, bending and scratching smartphones “JerryRigEverything” has already on twitter reported to speak. He has not received a test device himself and comments on the current situation regarding the Galaxy Fold with humor: "Samsung doesn't send me a Fold ... then they all break anyway"

Would the Samsung Galaxy Fold even withstand such a load by bending in the other direction or other experiments? What can you do with everyday life? You will probably only see that after the start of the market.

Samsung is reviewing affected devices

Samsung has now also heard of these incidents - it is announced today that affected devices will be checked. In the future, one would also like to clearly communicate to buyers that the apparent protective film must not be removed. Without this film, the display will no longer hold up.

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 proprotective layer, which is part of the display structure designed to protect the screen from unintended scratches. Removing the proprotective layer or adding adhesives to the main display may cause damage. We will ensure this information is clearly delivered to our customers.

It remains exciting to see how Samsung will solve the problems and whether there will be more such cases in the near future. But this is certainly not good “advertising” just before the market launch.