Samsung has officially delayed the launch of its new foldable phone, the Galaxy Fold, after a number of bad reviews showed the new device to be faulty.
"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," the smartphone maker said in a statement supplied to ITWeb.
Samsung said the Galaxy Fold is "a completely new mobile category" and uses "multiple new technologies and materials to create a display that is flexible enough to fold".
The device, which will cost $1 980 (R28 100), was set to be released in the US this Friday but the company now says it has decided to delay the release of the Galaxy Fold "to fully evaluate this feedback and run further internal tests".
"We plan to announce the release date in the coming weeks," the group said.
Samsung previously said the Galaxy Fold would be available in SA when it is released globally.
"Initial findings from the inspection of reported issues on the display showed 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," Samsung said.
Last week, a number of US-based journalists who had received test units reported issues with bulging screens on the fold, as well as portions of the screen not working at all after only a few days of use.
The Galaxy Fold's display folds onto itself from 0- to 180-degrees and when folded, the device has a 4.6-inch display and opens to become a 7.3-inch display tablet.
Samsung was the first phone maker to launch a foldable phone in February but Huawei followed soon after with the launch of the Mate X, a 5G-enabled foldable phone that opens from a 6.6-inch screen to an 8-inch tablet. The Mate X will be available later this year for roughly EUR2 299 (R36 700).
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