UPDATED 20:57 EDT / FEBRUARY 18 2020

APPS

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold durability questioned as some users report broken phones

Some users of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s Galaxy Z Flip phone are reporting that their phones are breaking in what could turn out to be a case of history repeating itself, given that the Samsung Galaxy Fold experienced similar problems last year.

The Galaxy Z Flip was launched at Samsung’s Unpacked event Feb. 11 and promised improved durability. It included a flexible glass screen that Samsung said will let the Z Flip better handle regular use by allowing it to withstand up to 200,000 folds. The phone went on sale Feb. 14 and that’s when the fun started.

One user took to Twitter saying that his Galaxy Z Flip broke the screen out of the box, showing a picture of the end result as well.

Quinn Nelson from the Snazzy Labs YouTube channel reported that his Galaxy Z Fold had started squeaking from the plastic case coming loose after only a single day of use.

Questions have also been raised as to the durability of the “Ultra Thin Glass” screen as well. Zack Nelson of the JerryRigEverything YouTube channel submitted the screen to durability tests and found that the screen had the same resistance as plastic. The screen started showing damage at a Mohs hardness test of two, whereas a glass phone would usually show scratches at six and damage at seven. Given that there is no sound of glass fracturing, he even questioned whether the screen is really glass.

The durability of the phone was also questioned by CNET, which subjected the Galaxy Z Flip to a drop test, finding that the phone shattered after being dropped from three feet while closed.

Samsung said that it was investigating reports of damage. In terms of the glass screen, it said in a statement sent to The Verge that “Galaxy Z Flip features an Infinity Flex Display with Samsung’s Ultra Thin Glass to deliver a sleek, premium look and offer an immersive viewing experience.”

It added, “Samsung’s first-of-its-kind UTG technology is different from other Galaxy flagship devices. While the display does bend, it should be handled with care. Also, Galaxy Z Flip has a protective layer on top of the UTG similar to Galaxy Fold.”

Photo: Samsung

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