Tag: samsung

  • New Samsung Galaxy 10 Details Leaked Only Hours Before Launch

    New Samsung Galaxy 10 Details Leaked Only Hours Before Launch

    Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10 is said to be one of the best and most powerful phones of 2019. The Note 10 is launching today, August 7, but that hasn’t stopped the leaks and videos – here’s everything we know.

    To announce the launch of the new Galaxy Note 10 today, August 7, Samsung is hosting a live press conference in the Big Apple, Brooklyn to be exact. The launch event kicks off at 1PM PST / 4PM EDT (9PM BST). Rumor has it that with all the leaks over the past few months combined, it is doubtful that Samsung will have very many surprises in store for us. Here’s what we know.

    Galaxy Note 10 Leaks

    Assuming the combined Galaxy Note 10 leaks are legitimate, Samsung will be announcing two versions of the new Galaxy Note today – The Note 10 and the Note 10 Plus. Equipped with 6.3-inch and 6.8-inch screens, the new smartphones will certainly not disappoint. According to the leaks, they will both be sporting an all new S-Pen, which will basically serve as your personal magic wand with air gestures for your new smartphone. But wait, there’s more!

    Alongside a rumored “Superfast Charge” that will feed the Note 10 hours of battery juice in just a matter of a few minutes, a Verizon ad campaign has gone live to promote the new smartphone, confirming it to include a 5G option when purchasing. This brings the total number of new Galaxy Note 10 to four options! What does 5G mean?

    5G Speeds

    5G is the latest and fastest version of cellphone technology, made to download and upload at lightning speed! So, whatever you are currently doing on your smartphone, you’ll be able to do it faster and better with the new Galaxy Note 10 5G option. But we know the real question you’re wondering – How much will this cost you?

    Cost

    Well, there is no getting around the fact that with every new smartphone that comes out, the higher the price tag that comes with it. When we look at the Note 9, there is no doubt that it is a very, very expensive phone, and we are not expecting the Note 10 to be any less pricey. While the price has not yet been officially confirmed, we have the scoop.

    According to Droid-Life, we should see the Galaxy Note 10 start off around $950 and the Galaxy Note 10+ to start off at $1,100. On the contrary, a leak from Russia indicated that the Note 10 will at a price point between $1,100 – $1,200. Is it worth it?

    Features

    While the Galaxy Note 9 was jam-packed with worthwhile features, in many ways it felt like only a small upgrade from the Note 8, released just the year before. We have high hopes from the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 to justify the hefty price tag that comes with it.

    While all recent Samsung smartphones have included water resistance, the Galaxy Note 10 is equipped with protection that is expected to have a significantly stronger defense against high-pressure and high-temperature water. That’ll come in handy the next time you drop your phone in some water.

    Video Leak

    In the leaked clip, it appears that the Galaxy Note 10+ comes with a small punch-hole cut out for the front camera. While the top smartphones that are currently in the market have the capability to record with HDR video, the Galaxy Note 9 does not. This is a very weak point to an otherwise great camera.

    We are hopeful that the Galaxy Note 10’s high price point will include not only HDR recording, but like many competitors a 4K HDR recording feature. Could the imminent release of the new smartphone race to the top of the best Android Phones? There is not a long wait to find out.


  • Galaxy Watch Active 2: True Apple Watch Competition?

    Galaxy Watch Active 2: True Apple Watch Competition?

    Samsung’s forays into wearable tech have been met with scattered success. However, until now, they’ve been playing second-fiddle to the Apple Watch on some features, like ECG and fitness tracking. Samsung looks to correct that with the Galaxy Watch Active 2, their second smartwatch this year. Let’s take a look at the newest wearable from the Korean manufacturer.

    Galaxy Watch Active 2

    Design

    When you’re wearing a piece of technology as a part of your wardrobe, it’s important that it has a strong design and looks fashionable. Thankfully, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a smart and stylish little watch, sporting a few appearance options and an attractive, round face. The watch comes in a few colors, ranging from silver, black, gold and “lily gold,” as well as with options for either aluminum frame or stainless-steel frame.

    Also, the choice of frame dictates which type of band you get. The aluminum frame sports rubber straps for the band, while the stainless-steel frame has a leather band. The face can be purchased in either 40mm or 44mm, depending on your preference and wrist size. The 40mm watch face retails for $280, while the 44mm goes for $300.

    Health Features

    One of the biggest draws for the Apple Watch Series 4 last year was its medically-certified ECG that can detect arrythmia of the heart. Samsung promises that the Active 2 sports ECG technology as well, though it has yet to be officially certified like Apple’s. This does mean that the ECG won’t be online right away, but it could likely be activated later after the feature is reviewed by medical professionals.

    Another health upgrade comes in the form of the heart rate-sensing LEDs. While the previous Active sported only 4 LEDs for detecting your heart rate, the Active 2 will be sporting a full 8. This means that it will likely detect heart rate more accurately, and will be able to pick up finer gradations of rate change. This is great for those who want to track their activity and keep up with their fitness.

    Software

    Instead of Wear OS, Google’s open operating system for wearable tech, the Active 2 runs on Tizen, which is Samsung’s proprietary watch operating system. A number of new software features will be on display with the Active 2. For instance, Google Translate will be baked into the watch, which is a welcome addition. Similarly, apps like Spotify won’t require you to sign in again if you’re already signed in on a paired smartphone.

    A fun and unique software addition called “My Style” offers a unique new way to find great watch faces. This feature allows you to take a picture of your clothing and have the watch create a custom face to match. This is great for style-conscious users who want to make sure their tie and watch match! We love the round face and stylish appearance of the Active 2, and “My Style” gives it yet another wonderful fashion application.

    Other New Features

    Another new feature that we love is the return of the spinning outer bezel for accessing apps and controlling the watch. This was present on the older line of Galaxy watches but disappeared on the Active. The one present on the Active 2 isn’t actually a physical spinning bezel, but is instead a haptic feedback response that feels great.

    An LTE model will be made available, though we don’t yet know what the pricing info on that model will be. The LTE model will allow you to make phone calls, send messages, stream music and even watch YouTube videos all from your wrist without needing your phone nearby. All in all, we’re excited to see the Active 2 hit the market, as it will likely prove an excellent competitor for Apple’s Watch line.


  • Should Samsung Fans Get the Galaxy Fold or the Note 10?

    Should Samsung Fans Get the Galaxy Fold or the Note 10?

    Samsung fans have a busy end-of-year ahead of them. If you love your Samsung phones and you’re looking to keep up with the hottest new technology, there are two phones vying for your attention. The first is the Note 10, the newest iteration of the popular phablet line of Android smartphones. The second is the revolutionary folding Samsung Galaxy Fold. Which should you buy?

    Galaxy Fold vs Note 10

    Price Point

    It’s important to start with the price point, as these phones are dramatically different in base price. The Note line of smartphones typically retails for around $1,000, while the Samsung Galaxy Fold will retail starting just under $2,000. This means that fans looking for a more traditional phablet may stick with the Note 10, while those looking for the most cutting-edge offering from Samsung will look to the Galaxy Fold.

    Galaxy Fold Issues

    If you remember hearing about the Fold a while back, there’s a reason for that. It was meant to launch in April, and even went up for pre-order then. The Galaxy Fold was delayed to address some issues with the screen and hinge that cropped up with review devices. A few issues like screen failures, bulges from debris working under the screen and an odd issue with a film that could be removed from the screen, have been directly addressed by Samsung.

    Now, the device is set to launch by the end of September, putting its launch date right alongside the Note 10’s likely launch. It’ll also be going head-to-head with Apple’s newest offerings, meaning that competition in the already-crowded premium smartphone market will be intense.

    Note’s Odd Position

    When the first Galaxy Note was released in 2011, its 5.3-inch screen was massive compared to the competition. However, most smartphone manufacturers now make “plus” or “max” versions of their phones that sport screens as large as 7.2 inches for the Huawei Mate 20 X. Ironically, even the Galaxy S10 has a Plus model with a screen roughly the same size as the recent Note handsets.

    When Samsung unveils more details about the Note 10 on Wednesday, we’ll find out where the screen size falls on this spectrum. However, for those truly invested in having a huge screen for all their entertainment and browsing, the Note isn’t exactly the king anymore. That title goes to the absolutely massive screen on the Galaxy Fold.

    Folding Innovation

    The entire purpose of the Note when it was first unveiled was to bridge the gap between tablets and smartphones by offering a compromise. A tablet small enough to fit into your pocket, or a phone big enough to compete with tablets; whichever way you want to look at it, this was the market purpose of the Note. However, new technology makes a much more interesting compromise possible.

    The Fold’s screen is made of a unique plastic that folds up and bends when you close the device. This allows it to have a massive, tablet-like screen when you’re using it, but then folds down to a manageable smartphone size when you’re not using it. This means it’s literally a tablet that will fit in your pocket. However, will this convenience be worth $2,000 for Samsung fans?

    Bottom Line

    If you want to stick with the tried-and-true Note style, complete with S Pen functionality and the same form factor you know and love, the Note 10 will be a good pick for you. It’ll likely retail for around $1,000, which isn’t cheap, but it’s a far cry from the Fold’s $2,000 asking price. Meanwhile, if you want to be on the cutting edge of Samsung’s newest tech, the Galaxy Fold offers an exciting new form factor and could be a glimpse into the future of smartphones.


  • Samsung Still Makes Tablets? Galaxy Tab S6 Review

    Samsung Still Makes Tablets? Galaxy Tab S6 Review

    Believe it or not, Samsung still makes tablets. The newest Galaxy tablet, the Tab S6, offers a number of exciting new features to differentiate itself from the pack. While general interest in tablets may be down, Samsung seems to want to change that.

    While tablets were all the rage in 2013, the interest in them has cooled notably in the past few years. More and more phones are getting huge screens, while laptops are getting smaller, lighter and more affordable. Tablets are just being squeezed from too many directions. However, the Galaxy Tab S6 is here to prove that there’s still innovation to be found in the world of tablets.

    Under the Hood

    As you’d expect from any premium tablet, this thing is a beast in terms of processing power and overall strength. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 powers the device, allowing it some serious chops when it comes to rendering graphics, multitasking and playing games. In general, if you’re looking for the strongest Android tablet on the market, the Tab S6 has you covered.

    The screen is a huge, gorgeous AMOLED, coming in at 10.5 inches and sporting bright, vibrant colors. Much like the Galaxy S10, the screen is so crisp and clear that it gives you plenty of real estate to appreciate just how good the excellent camera on the device is. Quad speakers on the Tab S6 offer a ton of sound quality, creating a sonic landscape that is encompassing and deep without even needing headphones.

    New Features

    The S Pen that works with the tablet is great, as usual. It’s tremendously useful for productivity tasks, taking notes and thumbing through presentation slides. It’s also useful as a long-range camera shutter, allowing you to take pictures from your tablet even if you’re across the room from it. The strong magnets in the back of the Tab S6 allow you to slap the S Pen on there to get a charge. About ten minutes of charge should get you through a day of use, according to Samsung.

    The Book Cover Keyboard accessory makes the Tab S6 feel almost like an Android-powered laptop. It’s stellar for productivity, allowing you to use your tablet like a powerful, small computer for tasks like composing emails or writing essays. Combined with the excelled DeX desktop interface that comes with this version of Android, and you’ve got a very powerful, versatile device.

    DeX has mouse support, and, as such, the new Book Cover Keyboard has a trackpad. This allows you to use the Tab S6 essentially just like a laptop. Unlike most two-in-ones, which are laptops pretending to be tablets, the Tab S6 is actually a tablet doing a good laptop impersonation. While it won’t be replacing your MacBook for editing videos, it’s a great device for people who need to tackle everyday tasks.

    Other Goodies

    Thanks to the super-powerful processor running under the hood, the Tab S6 seems positioned to be a strong mobile gaming platform. Thanks to a partnership with Discord, Android promises you’ll be able to use the Game Launcher overlay to chat with your friends even while you’re gaming. The high resolution display and powerful processor have the Tab S6 well-suited to even the most demanding of Android games on the App Store. Simply put, this thing could crush some Fortnite.

    The on-screen fingerprint scanner and USB-C compatibility are just icing on the cake. The tablet comes in a variety of colors, including gray and blue, and will retail starting at $650. It comes with the S Pen, but the Book Cover Keyboard is an extra $180. Later this year, Samsung promises to launch a version of the Tab S6 with LTE built-in.


  • Samsung Galaxy Fold Release Date Announced (Again)

    Samsung Galaxy Fold Release Date Announced (Again)

    Earlier this year, one of the biggest exciting developments for smartphones was exected to be the advent of folding phones with central displays. However, after the flagship Samsung Galaxy Fold experienced numerous hardware failures during testing, the phone’s April 26th release date was delayed indefinitely. For a time, it was unclear whether Samsung would be shelving the folding phone concept altogether.

    Now, we have confirmation of a new release window for the hotly-anticipated phone. Samsung has now promised that the folding phone will be on sale by the end of September. This is a far cry from the predictions we made: earlier, we had predicted that it seemed as though Samsung would discontinue the original Fold altogether and start from scratch. It seems they have faith in their original design, and they claim to have corrected the issues that had plagued test models back in April.

    Samsung Course Corrects

    Following the announcement of the delay, many tech industry analysts were convinced that the time just wasn’t right for foldable displays. Clearly, if Samsung couldn’t figure it out, how could we expect this tech to take off for anyone? After all, the price point hovers around $2,000, twice as much as the price of the flagship Galaxy 10.

    According to Samsung, the issues that were present in the test models have been addressed. Reviewers founds their screens bending and bowing from debris that had worked between the screen and the phone’s backing. Additionally, some people removed a thin film layer, thinking it was a screen protector, only to find it was actually an integral part of the phone and resulting in full screen failure.

    Addressing the Issues

    So, what has Samsung done to help make the phone ready for a mass release? Firstly, the protective layer has been extended beyond the bezel to make it appear as though it is not something that could be simply removed like a dust cover. Secondly, there are also now reinforcements worked into the phone’s structure to keep debris from wiggling down in there.

    Thirdly, there are now metal reinforcements beneath the plastic screen in order to bolster the otherwise-flexible display. Finally, Samsung introduced protective caps to the top and bottom of the hinge mechanism, making it that much sturdier. This also includes reducing the gap between the hinge and the body of the phone, making it that much harder for debris to slip between.

    Significance

    If they had been unable to resolve the issues with the Galaxy Fold, it would have resulted in a major embarrassment for Samsung. Tech industry analysts had assumed that foldable displays were going to be the next big thing in smartphone design, so Samsung’s inability to stick the landing came as a shock. Had they been unable to deliver, it would have allowed room for another company, like Motorola, to swoop in and steal their thunder.

    With the newly-announced release window, confidence in the brand and the folding display experiment has been renewed. This is a big step for Samsung, and will likely be the biggest move for the company since they first unveiled their Galaxy line over a decade ago. The question remains whether the public will be eager to embrace a $2,000 phone that now has a reputation for being easy to break.

    Release Details

    At the time of this writing, there’s no definitive release date for the Samsung Galaxy Fold. However, we would expect to see it sometime in mid-September to compete with Apple’s new offerings this year. The phone will retail for $1,980, making it far and away the most expensive smartphone in Samsung’s lineup and nearly double the cost of most premium flagship phones. Time will tell if the phone is the seismic shift that analysts expect.


  • Huawei Ban: What This Could Mean

    Huawei Ban: What This Could Mean

    Huawei, the world’s second-biggest smartphone manufacturer, has been having a rough couple of months. Most recently, the Trump Administration issued an executive order that cuts the Chinese company off from American resources such as Google’s Android platform.

    Trump’s order, called “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain,” effectively bans Huawei from doing business in America, or with American companies. What does this mean for the Android brand and for Huawei?

    Huawei Ban

    What Does This Entail?

    The Department of Commerce released a statement on the ban in order to explain what it means.

    “The executive order prohibits transactions that involve information and communications technology or services designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a foreign adversary whenever the secretary of commerce determines that a transaction would pose a threat to national security,” reads the statement.

    This means, in effect, that Huawei, as a Chinese communications company that is known to have close ties to the Chinese government, is being viewed as a “foreign adversary”.

    Why Did This Happen?

    This ban reflects years of tense relations between Chinese and American companies in the tech sector. In 2012, the federal government warned carriers in the US of carrying Huawei’s handsets. There has been a fear that Huawei would use its devices to spy on American corporations and steal secrets.

    In fact, there has long been speculation that Huawei’s meteoric rise and unparalleled technological advancement in the last decade was largely a result of stealing intellectual property from tech companies in other countries. Huawei, for their part, has repeatedly denied any claims that it has stolen IP or engaged in any form of corporate espionage.

    What Will This Mean?

    In the short term, this ban might not amount to any real damage. Without wading too deep into foreign policy, the Trump Administration is in the midst of a very tense trade standoff with China. It’s likely that this Huawei play will be used as a bargaining chip in future trade talks between the two massive economies.

    In the long term, if the ban stays in effect, it’s likely it will slow the US rollout of 5G communications tech. Many telecom companies rely on technology imported from China, much of it made by Huawei. Unlike Samsung or Apple, Huawei is as much a telecom company as a smartphone manufacturer.

    Global Scale

    While Huawei remains a major player in China, their decoupling from Google could prove disastrous for their bottom line. Google has announced they’ll be honoring the executive order, pulling support for their Android operating system from Huawei. That means that Huawei devices won’t be getting updates for their OS, or critical security updates from Google.

    Huawei has stated it will support its own devices with regular security updates, though this is a bold claim. It’s unclear if the company has the programming staff to undertake such a massive job. Meanwhile, the lack of support from Google means that Huawei will have to rely on an open-source version of Android. This will have them several months behind the competition in terms of updates and features.

    Samsung Ascendant

    Huawei was on track to dethrone Samsung as the de facto king of Android. Recent advances in Huawei’s tech had them nipping at Samsung’s heels. For their own part, the Korean smartphone manufacturer has been lagging behind on innovation, with their recent slate of phones being more iterative than revolutionary.

    The ban from Washington DC could prove to be a huge windfall for the Korean company, however. Samsung stands to gain a lot from their chief rival being halted in their tracks and cut off from Google’s support. Samsung, meanwhile, continues to enjoy its partnership with Google, getting early test builds of Android OS to make sure their phones run smoothly.

  • Is Samsung’s Newest Phone Worth the Price? Galaxy S10+ Review

    Is Samsung’s Newest Phone Worth the Price? Galaxy S10+ Review

    Samsung is the big dog in the world of Android phones. Their Galaxy line is a juggernaut, largely defining each era of Android smartphones. Their newest phone, the massive Galaxy S10+ with its unusual hole-punch design in the front is upon us. Is the newest Galaxy phone worth the $1000 price of entry?

    Galaxy S10+ Review

    Galaxy-S10
    Photo Credit: CNET

    Specs

    Under the hood, the Galaxy S10 and S10+ both sport all the bells and whistles you expect from a modern flagship phone. This includes the Eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 CPU, 12 MP main camera, 4100mAh battery in the Plus model and flashy specs like an in-screen fingerprint scanner and wireless charging.

    The most noticeable feature about the phone, however, is that weird hole-punch in the top corner. It’s incredibly eye-catching, and you’ll often find your eye drawn to it during normal use of the phone. This isn’t a case like the iPhone X’s notch, which fades from your notice shortly after using it.

    The Issues

    If you’ve used a Galaxy phone in the last three years, you know that they’re great. The phones are fast, responsive and sport beautiful screens and great cameras. However, the Galaxy S10 has some noteworthy issues we want to discuss.

    The first is that in-screen fingerprint scanner. It’s a 3D scanner, mounted under the screen and impossible to see unless you shine a flashlight at the screen. However, it’s tiny, much smaller than a fingertip and hard to use. It often misses the finger, takes several seconds to unlock, and makes using the phone awkward and cumbersome.

    The phone also comes pre-loaded with shovelware, even if you buy it unlocked directly from Samsung. Within, you’ll find McAfee antivirus cooked into the OS, Facebook (which can’t be uninstalled), your photos will want to share your location with FourSquare, and both FlipBoard and Spotify are on the phone when you open it.

    Bottom Line

    The Galaxy S10 is $900, while the S10+ is $1,000. For those prices, you could opt instead for an iPhone XR, a much more user-friendly and well-designed phone. If you want to keep your phone in Android’s ecosystem, you could opt for any number of more affordable options from Huawei, OnePlus or even one of Samsung’s own older Galaxy phones.

    For the huge price tag, it’s not much worth getting a Samsung Galaxy S10 or S10+. Opt instead for the S9 if you’re dying to own a modern Galaxy phone.

  • Samsung Delays Galaxy Fold Launch Events

    Samsung Delays Galaxy Fold Launch Events

    The Galaxy Fold is hitting some snags. It’s been reported that the first-of-its-kind foldable smartphone is having some serious issues with its early review models. Flickering, dying screens, bulges in the hinges and even full internal screen failures have been common with early review models.

    In a reportedly unrelated move, Samsung has delayed two Galaxy Fold launch events. Now its unclear if the Fold will be hitting its shipping dates on time. However, Samsung holds that the delay in the April 23rd and 24th events were delayed due to issues with the venue, not the phone.

    Galaxy Fold Launch Events Delayed

    Casting Doubt

    When the Galaxy Fold was first announced, it was greeted with cautious optimism by smartphone enthusiasts. However, there are now a number of questions being asked about the incredibly expensive folding handset.

    The Galaxy Fold will retail for around $2,000, making it one of the most expensive smartphones ever released. On top of being incredibly pricey and sporting an unusual design, early issues with review models have some people wondering whether the phone will even be worth that price tag.

    Folding Phones

    Some have even gone so far as to question whether folding smartphones are going to work out. The apparent fragility of the phone and its supposed lack of difference from existing Galaxy phones has many enthusiasts worried. Will general consumers even be willing to drop thousands of dollars on a phone that could break so easily?

    Official Word

    The official word from Samsung is that the Galaxy Fold is still on track for its April 26th launch date. While Samsung assures the public that the phones will be moving along at a good clip, many are drawing parallels to the disastrous Galaxy Note 7 launch. During that launch, many people noted their Note 7’s batteries overheating and even catching fire in some cases.

    Time will tell if the tremendously expensive foldable phone, which sports double the screen size in the same space as a normal smartphone, proves popular enough to overcome these early hurdles. Samsung certainly has their work cut out for them convincing the public that the Fold is worth the expense.

  • Which Smartwatch Should You Buy? Samsung vs Apple

    Which Smartwatch Should You Buy? Samsung vs Apple

    The Apple Watch Series 4 finally has a true competitor in the form of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active. The two tech giants are each pitting their best wearable tech against the other. If you’re wondering which of these two excellent smart watches is right for you, read on.

    Apple Watch vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Active

    Price Point

    The first, and most notable, aspect of the two watches when paired head-to-head is the price point. Where the Galaxy Watch only costs $200, the Apple Watch Series 4 is double that price. That’s a pretty stark difference out of the gate. Does Apple do anything different enough to merit that huge uptick in price?

    Appearance

    The next most obvious difference between the two watches is the shape and appearance. The Apple Watch has the distinct square shape and rounded bezels that make it look like a baby iPhone X strapped to your wrist.

    The Galaxy watch, meanwhile, sports a round face that looks more reminiscent of a traditional watch face. Both are stylish, with large screens and bright colors.

    Fitness Features

    The main show with both of these smart watches is the fitness features. Both watches track your fitness activity an let you set daily goals. The Apple Watch can automatically detect swims, while the Galaxy can auto-detect cycling. Both are water-resistant, so they can both function as swim trackers.

    Both offer breathing exercises, GPS solutions and fun visuals to track your various fitness activities. The Apple Watch is a bit faster to note heartrate changes and keeps up quickly with what you’re doing.

    Bottom Line

    Both watches feature ample smartwatch features, such as getting texts and notifications on your wrist and even answering calls through your watch. While the Apple Watch is the significantly pricier option, it’s sufficiently different to be its own thing.

    Which one is right for you? Well, if you like Apple’s iOS and general feel, you’ll love the super-premium Apple Watch. If you like Samsung’s simple, straightforward and third-party forward design style, you’ll love the Galaxy Active.

  • Early Galaxy Fold Models Experiencing Critical Failures

    Early Galaxy Fold Models Experiencing Critical Failures

    Samsung’s taking a huge gamble with their foldable smartphone. The Galaxy Fold is the first foldable smartphone with a plastic display hitting the market. However, within a few hours of each other, several prominent reviewers had their Fold review models begin experiencing critical screen failures and issues.

    Galaxy Fold Early Woes

    The Errors

    The errors on display have varied by reviewer, but they almost all include issues with the inner screen. The fold has a normal, Gorilla Glass display on the outside. The inside of the phone sports a huge 10-inch screen that folds in the middle, and this is the one experiencing issues.

    Primarily, the issues appear to be related to parts of the screen flickering, blacking out or breaking. One reviewer has a strange bulge under their screen. Another reviewer has one half of their screen blacked out entirely. Yet another has one side of the screen flickering and washing out in strange patterns.

    Crucial Points

    This is a critical point for Samsung. As the first company to hit the market with a foldable phone, all eyes are on them to deliver a top-quality product. With so many reviewers experiencing issues with their early production models, concerns are growing that Samsung’s ambitious phone might be dead on arrival.

    Samsung has stated that they’re aware of the issues the reviewers are having and are sending technicians out in person to review the damage.

    Causes

    It’s unclear what, exactly, is causing the damage to the screens. There is a thin layer of protective film on the inner screen that has is to not be removed. Some of the reviewers removed this film, resulting in the issues. Others, however, didn’t remove it and are still experiencing strange problems with their screens.

    Hopefully Samsung will be able to address the problem with the screens before the first mass production models hit store shelves. For Samsung, if the Galaxy Fold goes down as a buggy, easily-broken mess, then foldable displays might be perceived as an unrealizable fad.