The US$1,980 (AED7,300) was originally slated to hit store shelves in April but was delayed after review units stopped working after minimal use. Samsung later recalled the device.
According to Kim Seong-Cheol, vice president of Samsung Display, “Most of the display problems have been ironed out, and the Galaxy Fold is ready to hit the market.”
However, Samsung has yet to commit to a proper launch date. However, Samsung Mobile has said that a launch date is just ‘weeks away’.
The smart money is on Samsung releasing the fold later in July, ensuring that it hits the market before the Galaxy Note 10 launch which is slated in September.
There’s no word on the exact fixes. However it’s rumoured that Samsung has addressed the protective layer on the device’s screen.
Early models featured a thin layer on top of the screen, which resembled that of a third-party screen protector. When reviewers removed the thin film, it caused issues with the screen. Samsung also could have made changes to the phone’s hinge design, so that it would no longer be at risk of trapping dust or debris.
According to Samsung when the recall was announced, “’we will take measures to strengthen the display protection, we will also enhance the guidance on care and use for the display including the protective layer so that our customers get the most out of their Galaxy Fold.”
If the foldable smartphone does hit store shelves next month, we don’t expect the price to have changed.
Expect to pay upwards of US$2,000 (AED 7,300) for the privilege of Samsung’s first foldable.
