BackSamsung Galaxy Z Flip’s durability test raises questions about glass folding screen
Samsung boasts about the Galaxy Z Flip being the first device with a folding glass screenThe damage the phone endured during the test is similar to how the Galaxy Fold reacted to it
PremiumSamsung launched the Galaxy Z Flip last week and the world was impressed after the company claimed that it used glass instead of plastic for the folding screen. This will be the South Korean company’s second attempt at a folding screen after the Galaxy Fold. However, it had only used plastic on the Fold device and ended up replacing a lot of units in the first few months of the launch. Now, the new Galaxy Z Flip is also under the scanner for similar flaws.
During the launch event and even on the official website of the device, Samsung boasted about the Galaxy Z Flip being the first device with a folding glass. The website claims, “meet the first-ever folding glass screen on a Galaxy. Yeah, we said folding glass. Made of Samsung Ultra Thin Glass, it sets you up for an epic view with a smooth flat screen."
The “folding glass" was put to a test by popular YouTuber, Zach Nelson on his channel JerryRigEverything. The content creator is popular for durability tests of smartphones which includes, sharp pointy objects, fire and even gravel (as in the case of Galaxy Z Flip). The usual tests begin with sharp objects applied with varying degrees of intensity. Later, the screens are tested for bends and fire.
The test with sharp objects is done with different materials and increasing pressure. While the usual smartphones endure impact without damage till level 6 or 7, the Galaxy Z Flip showed noticeable damage on level 2. In Samsung’s defense, the device does ask the user to be careful about the screen.
The damage is similar to how the Galaxy Fold reacted to the test. However, Samsung never claimed the Fold to have a glass screen.
According to a report by The Verge, Samsung reacted to the entire Galaxy Z Flip test by claiming that the phone will need care and that the new device also comes with a protective layer similar to the Galaxy Fold. The company’s response states, “Samsung’s first-of-its-kind UTG technology is different from other Galaxy flagship devices. While the display does bend, it should be handled with care. Also, Galaxy Z Flip has a protective layer on top of the UTG similar to Galaxy Fold."
The report also claims that Samsung will be considering a screen replacement option for buyers but it won’t be for free. However, the company will be providing a one-time screen protector for free for which the buyer will have to send the phone to a Samsung professional. These two provisions haven’t been confirmed for the Indian market.
In India, Samsung has started receiving pre-registrations for the Galaxy Z Flip. However, there’s no specific date for the launch. Samsung has priced the device at $1,380 (approximately ₹98,500) for the U.S. market and is expected to launch it in India at a similar price.
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