Samsung to give Galaxy Fold owners a one-time break on a screen replacement

by Alan Friedman / Sep 24, 2019, 8:22 PM

Samsung to give Galaxy Fold owners a one-time break on a screen replacement

The Samsung Galaxy Fold is being relaunched in the U.S. on September 27th. That is roughly five months after the foldable handset's original April 26th launch date. You probably know the whole story by now. Several influencers failed to heed warnings that Samsung included with their review units not to peel off the plastic film on the large internal display. The manufacturer noted that doing so could damage the device. So why did the influencers do this? Most new smartphones have a protective film on the display that is designed to be peeled off before the device is booted up for the first time (it makes that satisfying new phone sound that many love). But the Galaxy Fold was different. In addition, debris entered the Galaxy Fold through openings on the top and bottom of the hinge. Some of this debris produced bulges on the internal screen. Other review units just stopped working.

So Samsung put the kibosh on the April 26th launch, U.S. carriers refunded and canceled pre-orders, and the company went back to the drawing board. Samsung Electronics CEO DJ Koh admitted that the company tried to push out the Galaxy Fold before it was ready. Samsung tucked in the protective film under the bezels so that users couldn't remove it, and the top and bottom of the hinges were capped to prevent dirt and debris from entering the device through the opening. Additionally, metal layers were added to reinforce the Infinity Flex display.

Samsung will charge Galaxy Fold users $149 to replace the internal screen-but just once

Even with all of these improvements, the Galaxy Fold is a fragile device. Samsung itself made that clear with a video it released last week pointing out that those with the foldable device need to use a light touch on the internal display. It also mentioned that because of the magnets used to keep the screens folded when closed, those using the device need to be "mindful of objects that might be affected." But let's say that you are as careful as you can be but still damage the display. According to The Verge, Samsung will allow Galaxy Fold owners to replace the screen for just $149 on out of warranty repairs. However, that price will be available just one time, and only during the first year of ownership for those who purchase the foldable on or before December 31st, 2019. Samsung hasn't said how much it will cost to repair the screen a second time.

Samsung gives out instructions to Galaxy Fold users

Samsung is giving helpful hints to those who shell out $1,980 U.S. Dollars to own the first foldable Android made by a major manufacturer. The manufacturer says:

Do not use hard or sharp objects on the screen such as a pen and fingernail.
Don't place coins, keys or cards on the phone's internal display.
Since the Galaxy Fold is not dust or water-resistant, keep it away from smart particles and liquids.
Don't remove the protective film on top of the internal display and do not attach stickers or protective films to the screen.
Keep your Galaxy Fold away from credit cards and implanted medical devices because of the magnets used on the phone. In fact, if you have an implantable medical device, Samsung suggests that you check with your doctor before using the device.

"To give you peace of mind with this exciting new screen technology, we are offering a one-time out of warranty screen replacement within one year of purchase for the special price of $149 (+taxes) if you purchased your Galaxy Fold before December 31, 2019"-Samsung

The bottom line is that if you don't treat your Galaxy Fold with kid gloves, Samsung will give you just one opportunity to replace the screen for what they consider to be a bargain price. But should you need to replace the screen a second time, you'll be digging deeper into your pockets to have the screen replaced.

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16 Comments

1. chris2k5

Posts: 282; Member since: Nov 17, 2012

$149 cost is considered a favor? Samsung has lost their minds! It should be free especially for the price $1980...

posted on Sep 24, 2019, 8:59 PM 5

11. MEeee

Posts: 438; Member since: Oct 19, 2011

Wait until others make Foldables and they are not going to be cheaper than $2000. 512GB normal phones are already cost $1450. At least for the Fold, Galaxy buds included. Can't wait to get mine this Friday.

posted on Sep 25, 2019, 9:27 AM 1

2. TheOracle1

Posts: 2336; Member since: May 04, 2015

That external fold on the Huawei makes more sense when you look at the Jerryrigeverything video. The Mix Alpha now makes it look pedestrian.

posted on Sep 24, 2019, 9:01 PM 0

3. AngelicusMaximus

Posts: 730; Member since: Dec 20, 2017

Judging by the durability videos I've seen, most people will be lucky if they only have to replace the screen once...in the first month.

posted on Sep 24, 2019, 9:48 PM 1

8. Mike88

Posts: 435; Member since: Mar 05, 2019

How difficult is it to get that these devices need care while handling. I think people who use their current devices without cases and screen protectors already know how to keep their devices safe and can easily take care of a fold device. My smartphone has the world’s most durable glass on front and back but I still protect it from dust, water and accidental drops. It may not break but I don’t want even a scratch on my $1400 phone so taking care of the Fold is something similar. People should stop the fragility crap now. The Fold is delicate and that’s it.

posted on Sep 25, 2019, 2:22 AM 0

9. Vancetastic

Posts: 1569; Member since: May 17, 2017

People with all glass phones shouldn't throw stones.

posted on Sep 25, 2019, 7:21 AM 0

12. MEeee

Stop hating. It's not going to break in the 1st month. Nobody going to use a razor or fingernails to dig into the screen.

posted on Sep 25, 2019, 9:29 AM 0

16. oldskool50 unregistered

Really? Well I saw a video where Samsung opened and closed the device over 200,000 times with zero issues. So that makes what you said, totally wrong and make sit look like you're trolling pretty hard. The redone device is solid. As long as you treat it with care, it will last as long as any other phone. And $149 is cheap for such a delicate display when you consider Apple charges $500 for the same on the iPhone X. You reaching bruh. Really hard!

posted on Sep 25, 2019, 3:38 PM 0

4. Dr.Phil

Posts: 2448; Member since: Feb 14, 2011

There were two things that worried me in the Jerryrigeverything video: the way that even a fingernail can cause damage to the internal screen and that with some exposure to dust/dirt it is pretty much useless. It's a great device if you can say you can avoid putting the Fold in a pocket that might have dust or dirt, or if you can ensure your fingernails are trimmed short all the time to avoid poking the screen. I'll wait for when the durability gets better.

posted on Sep 24, 2019, 9:54 PM 4

5. Tigger691975

Posts: 3; Member since: Sep 18, 2019

Well, I'm getting one! It's a good thing Apple wasn't counting on you when the first iPhone came out! Or TV, or phone, or DVD player, or VHS, or automobile, or well almost anything! Someone has to try it! Besides, Samsung will offer their Premium Care. It's $11.99 per month for my $1500 S10+ so I doubt it'll be much more, if at all, for the Galaxy Fold. We'll see. I'll be enjoying mine while you all consider...

posted on Sep 24, 2019, 10:12 PM 1

7. mackan84

Posts: 553; Member since: Feb 13, 2014

Well great for you. I think iPhone would’ve been dead if it had a new article or video on how easy it breaks back in 2007.

posted on Sep 24, 2019, 11:03 PM 1

13. Tigger691975

Oh, like the iPhone 6? Or iPad?

posted on Sep 25, 2019, 12:34 PM 0

10. MEeee

Hope I can get the Fold this Friday. I don't think I will purposely dig my fingernail into the screen when using it. My nails never touch the screen when using the phone. So it should be fine. The Koreans were abusing the Folds for a few weeks now and so far nothing happened. So just a guess from all the haters that hope the Fold will failed within a month. Such loosers. $1100 for a 64GB 2019 phone and called it Pro. Besides the Fold has 512GB and free buds.

posted on Sep 25, 2019, 9:16 AM 0

14. oldskool50 unregistered

$149? Wow. That really makes what Apple charges to do the same thing, really look even more insane and greedy. Good on Samsung to offer this. See the difference is, Samsung cares and Apple doesn't GARA!!