Statement: Samsung delays Samsung Galaxy Fold release indefinitely to "strengthen the display protection"

The Samsung Galaxy Fold was meant to augur in a new era of smartphone innovation, after the black slab became boring, leading to flagging handset sales.

Unfortunately the launch of the ambitious device has been plagued by issues, ranging from an essential screen protector being easy to remove (and also coming off spontaneously), the screen malfunctioning for multiple reviewers and most damning the hinge allowing the easy ingress of particles which was then able to damage the screen.

After a very rough week of disastrous PR, Samsung has decided to delay the release of the Samsung Galaxy Fold indefinitely.

In a statement they write:

Samsung to Postpone the Launch of the Galaxy Fold

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.

The handset will likely need a significant reworking, leaving the way open for the Huawei Mate X, which has been felt by many to have a more robust design, to be the first major folding smartphone. That device has an equally vague release date however, set for some time in the second half of 2019. Hopefully Huawei will use this time to robustly test the handset in the real world, something Samsung clearly neglected to do.

Via: The Verge