Improved Samsung Galaxy Fold To Release On September With Reinforced Features

After a disastrous reveal in February where the only memorable points about it were its multitude of defects, the Samsung Galaxy Fold finally gets to hit markets worldwide in September. Hopefully, with its glitches fixed.

Samsung Electronics has confirmed on Thursday that its first foldable device, which it claims is the forerunner of an entirely new mobile category, has seen a lot of improvements over the past four months to ensure Galaxy Fold gives consumers the best possible experience.

The South Korean tech giant says it has improved the technology of the foldable mobile, reinforcing features that were faulty when it was first introduced. It has since evaluated the product design, making the necessary improvements and running rigorous tests to validate the changes it’s made.

These design and construction improvements include extending the top protective layer of the Infinity Flex Display beyond the bezel. This change will make it apparent to users the top protective layer is an integral part of the display structure and isn’t to be removed.

The improved Galaxy Fold also features additional reinforcements that better protect the device from external particle damage while maintaining its signature foldable experience. These involve strengthening the top and bottom of the hinge area with newly added protection caps.

There’s also additional metal layers beneath the Infinity Flex Display to strengthen display protection. The space between the hinge and body of Galaxy Fold has been reduced to prevent particle contamination.

As for the user experience (UX), Samsung has optimized more apps and services for this unique phone. Samsung says it’s presently conducting final product tests to make Galaxy Fold available to consumers starting September in select markets.

The Galaxy Fold elicited "oohhs and aahhs" when news of it first hit the media in 2018. The smartphone was capable of being folded open to expose a 7.3 inch tablet-sized flexible display. Folded, the phone’s front contains a smaller "cover" display allowing access to the phone without opening it.

The phone looked good -- but performed badly. Tests by media outlets and tech groups revealed serious flaws in the design of the Galaxy Fold.

Review units of the Galaxy Fold had an embarrassingly high rate of failure of the Infinity Flex Display. A teardown revealed the crease between both halves had noticeable gaps at the top and bottom. These gaps made the phone susceptible to damage from debris finding its way under the screen.

A number of reviewers also damaged the screen by mistakenly removing one of the clear laminate protective layers that cover it. These issues forced Samsung to recall all the Galaxy Folds sent to reviewers and postpone the phone’s release date of April 26.

Samsung then promised to "thoroughly inspect" the defective review units to investigate the issues.

Samsung confirms that the Galaxy Fold will go on sale at an unspecified date in September. Samsung confirms the price will remain the same pricey number it revealed in February: $1,980.

Availability details will be shared as the phone gets closer to the launch.