Three of the most important words for any owners of Samsung’s brand new $2,000 fold smartphone would most likely have to be: Handle with care.
The launch of the new Galaxy Fold was delayed for months and caused frustration for those waiting. Gadget bloggers reported that their review units were malfunctioning. So now the new phone comes with a list of rules to follow so users will not break the phone. One of those rules is not touching it with your fingernail.
“Do not press the screen with a hard or sharp object, such as a pen or fingernail, or apply excessive pressure,” instructions on the $1,980 phone’s packaging advise, according to a reviewer from CNBC.
Samsung reinforces this advice by informing the user to “tap lightly to keep it safe.”
Users are further warned to keep “any objects such as cards, coins, or keys” well away from the screen.”
The original problem was that a thin protective layer, meant to keep the phone’s screen together when folded or unfolded, had only gone up to the screen’s edge. Several of those who were reviewing the phone tried to peel it off because they thought it was a screen protector.
It is not until the phone is booted up that it shows a warning screen, which informs users of the protective layer in a bold font.
It also reiterates that the phone is not dust or water resistant, and that users should not attach screen protectors to its 7-inch display.
Samsung offers a concierge service to replace the Fold’s screen for $149 if it breaks once.
Any future breaks — or a break once the phone is out of warranty — will cost $600 to repair, according to Samsung.
What do you think all these rules are going to do in the sales of Samsung’s newest foldable phone? Would you still purchase it? We look forward to seeing your comments.