Updated April 18th, 2019 at 12:05 IST

Samsung folds in fresh trouble as reviewers complain about Galaxy Fold cracking up at the fold

Samsung finds itself in some fresh trouble as we are hearing multiple reports from reviewers across the internet about Galaxy Fold units suffering from unexpected cracks and problems after just days of use

Reported by: Tanmay Patange
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Samsung finds itself in some fresh trouble as we are hearing multiple reports from reviewers across the internet about Galaxy Fold units suffering from unexpected cracks and problems after just days of use. However, these are not retail units. Ahead of commercial availability of Galaxy Fold, Samsung provided review units of its upcoming device to select Media and YouTubers. However, many reviewers have complained that their test units cracked and became unusable.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the screen on his test unit is broken and unusable after just two days of use. He also posted pictures of his broken Galaxy Fold test unit.

"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," Gurman said.

Gurman further described that the screen on his test unit left a permanent indent when tapped with the top of the finger or hit with the fingernail. Apparently, Galaxy Fold units come with some kind of a protective layer that is not supposed to be removed.

Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee also warned against removing the protective layer, which apparently looks like a screen protector. 

"I got this far peeling it off before the display spazzed and blacked out. Started over with a replacement," Brownlee said.

The Verge's Dieter Bohn said that his Galaxy Fold test unit had a "weird bump" under display at the hinge and it eventually led to broken screen.

READ | Samsung sends Galaxy Fold to celebs, reaction video surfaces: Check out how they felt with the foldable

Although Samsung agreed to replace faulty test units, the problem is not limited to physical damage to screen or the design. In fact, many reviewers are also reporting issues such as a flickering screen. We take a look:

Samsung issued a statement addressing the issues reported by reviewers and said they will probe into the matter with individual inspection of each device affected. Here's the full Samsung statement:

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

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Published April 18th, 2019 at 12:05 IST