In an email Samsung sent to consumers who pre-ordered the Galaxy Fold, the South Korean tech giant promised its customers that more information about the availability of its first foldable handset, likely including the smartphone’s new release date(s), will become available within the next two weeks.
Initial statements from Samsung only noted that additional information would come in the coming weeks, so the new email provides users with a detailed timeline on when they will hear back from the handset maker.
In the email that Samsung pushed to its customers, the South Korean tech giant attributed the delays in its efforts to improve the handset and fix any potential issues based on feedback provided by reviewers before it ships to customers.
People who already pre-ordered the handset are guaranteed to receive the device once it starts shipping, although they will not be charged for the smartphone until the order begins shipping. However, consumers who may want to cancel their orders before the handsets start shipping may do so through Samsung’s official website.
Samsung originally intended to launch its first foldable handset offering on April 23rd and April 24th in events that will take place in Hong Kong and Shanghai respectively. However, reports emerged from reviewers about the failing displays of the Galaxy Fold within 48 hours after they got a hold of the device, and according to an official statement released by the device maker, these reports prompted the South Korean tech giant to delay the launch of the handset temporarily.
One of the critical issues regarding the screen of the Galaxy Fold is the easy removal of the polyimide film, which serves as the protective glass of the device but users could easily mistake as a screen protector. However, other reviewers also experienced screen problems even though the polyimide film of the smartphone remained intact, with the flexible displays either showing lines or flickering before it eventually dies. Moreover, Samsung also noted the presence of substances inside the device that could further negatively impact the performance of the handset’s display.
To resolve some of the issues confronting the Galaxy Fold, Samsung Electronics seeks to improve the overall degree of protection of the AMOLED display, which should likely include improvements to the protective film. Among the enhancements that Samsung may incorporate with the Galaxy Fold include alterations and rearrangements to the polyimide film. There is also a possibility that Samsung may add warnings that remind the user not to remove the cover film of the flexible display.
The Galaxy Fold is the first foldable smartphone from the South Korean tech giant, and it features a flexible inner display with a size of 7.3-inches and a narrow external display with a size of 4.6-inches. Aside from sporting flexible displays, the Galaxy Fold also comes with premium hardware internals, which includes the Snapdragon 855 SoC and 12GB of RAM. Apart from Samsung, the Chinese tech giant Huawei will also start shipping its foldable handset soon. Unlike the Galaxy Fold, the Huawei Mate X folds outwards, which should make the device better protected against dirt and dust.