iFixit named possible reasons for Galaxy Fold display problems [Updated]

Recently, Samsung announced the postponement of the release of its flexible smartphone Galaxy Fold. The reason for this delay is that several reviewers who were given the new device for testing found that the smartphone's screen failed within just a couple of days of use. Now, some of the most well-known specialists in gadget repair and disassembly, the company iFixit, shared their thoughts on the issues surrounding the Galaxy Fold. It's important to note that all the information presented below is speculative, based on over a decade of experience studying the 'innards' of various devices.

First of all, OLED displays are inherently fragile. Panels of this type are significantly thinner than traditional LCD screens and are more prone to complete failure rather than localized damage. Even a minor crack in the protective layer can lead to damage of the organic materials inside. Therefore, OLED displays require special protective measures. Moreover, iFixit points out that it is very difficult to avoid damaging OLED displays during the disassembly of devices, and successfully separating the display from the smartphone’s touchscreen is nearly impossible.

Dust poses a significant threat to OLED displays. As seen in photographs from The Verge taken before their Galaxy Fold sample broke, there are quite large gaps around the hinges of the smartphone where dust can enter. Some reviewers noted that after some time, a bulge appeared under the display near the fold (as shown in the photo below), and in some cases, there were more than one. They become visible when the display is fully unfolded. Interestingly, in one case, the 'bulge' disappeared after a while—apparently, dust or debris fell out from under the display. Certainly, the presence of dust or other debris under the display exerts pressure on it from the inside, potentially leading to its failure.

Another reason for the Galaxy Fold's breakdown could be the removal of the protective polymer layer. To protect the display, Samsung applied a special protective film, but some reviewers thought it was meant to protect the screen during transport and decided to remove it. In the process of removing this film, one might press too hard on the screen, resulting in damage. As Samsung itself noted, using the Galaxy Fold does not imply removing the protective layer. From our perspective, Samsung should make this layer less noticeable so that it fits under the display's frame rather than appearing as a typical protective film.

Samsung tested the reliability of the Galaxy Fold using special robots that bent and straightened the smartphones 200,000 times. However, the machine folds and unfolds the smartphone perfectly, applying even pressure across the entire frame and bending line. A person, on the other hand, tends to fold the smartphone by applying pressure at one specific point on the bending line or on each side separately. This means that Samsung's tests do not consider how people will actually fold the smartphone, and they are conducted in a clean environment, without the presence of dust or debris under the hinge. If a user presses specifically where dirt has accumulated, they have a significant chance of damaging the smartphone. But to be fair, it is worth noting that so far no Galaxy Fold has malfunctioned simply from bending and straightening.

Finally, it is worth noting that the Galaxy Fold display does not have a clearly defined bending line. Essentially, it can bend along multiple lines, depending on how the user folds it and where they apply force. This again means uneven pressure distribution, which can lead to cracks forming in the bending area, causing the display to fail.

Lastly, we note that Samsung has already recalled early samples of the Galaxy Fold and promised to find outwhat went wrong with its first foldable smartphone. Of course, the company will try to fix everything so that consumers do not have to worry about the reliability of their device for nearly $2000.

Updated: Earlier this evening, iFixit also showcased the disassembly process of the Galaxy Fold smartphone. The "autopsy" revealed that the main issue with the Galaxy Fold, as previously suspected, is the complete lack of any protection against dust and small foreign objects entering the display area around the hinge. Samsung focused on the reliability of the mechanism itself, allowing the smartphone to be folded and unfolded numerous times, but did not ensure the hinge was isolated from dust and debris.

It is also worth noting that the disassembly process of the Galaxy Fold turned out to be quite complex as expected. Although the flexible display is only glued to the body along the outer edge, which makes it easier to remove. A thin metal plate is glued to the inside of each half of the screen, adding rigidity. There is a fairly wide bending area in the center. Experts also noted that the upper polymer layer on the display indeed looks like a regular protective film, and Samsung should extend it to the edges. Overall, the repairability of the Galaxy Fold was rated by iFixit at two out of ten.

Source: 3dnews.ru