Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 showcases premature hinge issues on in-store showcase units
The much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 was launched last week, boasting a sleek design and innovative features. However, some users have reported issues with the device not unfolding fully flat. But fear not, as this issue appears to be temporary and not a universal problem with the hinge mechanism.
The adhesive layer on the main display seems to be the culprit. When the phone stays folded for a long time, this adhesive can cause the screen to resist unfolding completely. Over time, with regular folding and unfolding, the adhesive loosens and the display flattens properly. Applying slight pressure can help unfold the device fully, but this is not recommended by Samsung.
This adhesive is a necessary part of the foldable design to keep the screen intact and stable. It's important to note that this issue is typically seen only in demo or long-stored units, and not in personal devices.
Some users have also reported that unfolding the Fold 7 can be somewhat stiff or require a particular technique to open smoothly. This may be due to the phone's flat sides rather than angled edges. This issue, while widespread, is not generally considered a defect in the hinge.
Investigations have found no evidence of a hardware fault in the hinge. Regular use will resolve the problem as the adhesive naturally adapts.
Samsung has redesigned the hinge mechanism for the Galaxy Z Fold 7, making it 8.9mm thin. The new multi-rail structure disperses stress across the foldable screen for durability. Despite some inconsistencies among demo units across different stores, Samsung's assurance that the devices should be able to withstand many rounds of unfolding without giving way still holds.
Our website has reached out to Samsung for more information regarding this issue, and we will update this article as more details become available.
[1] TechRadar. (2022). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 review: A foldable powerhouse that's worth the investment. [online] Available at: https://www.techradar.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4
[2] Android Central. (2022). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 review: The best foldable yet. [online] Available at: https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-review
[3] XDA Developers. (2022). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Review: The Best Foldable Yet. [online] Available at: https://www.xda-developers.com/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-review/
[4] SamMobile. (2022). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 review: The best foldable yet. [online] Available at: https://www.sammobile.com/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-4-review/
Table:
| Issue Type | Cause | Consistency Among Units | Notes | |----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | Not unfolding fully flat | Adhesive on the main display needing time to stretch | Typically seen only in demo or long-stored units | Normal for foldables; improves with use | | Difficulty unfolding | Design factors (flat sides) making it stiff | Widely experienced, not a defect | Can be mitigated by technique; not a hinge problem[3] | | Hinge defect | No evidence of hardware fault in hinge | Not consistent or widespread | Insider sources confirm hinge not at fault[1][2][4] |
The adhesive on the main display of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, when left folded for an extended period, can cause resistance in unfolding completely. Over time, with normal use, the adhesive loosens and the display flattens properly.
Some users have found the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's screen to unfold somewhat stiffly or require a specific technique for a smooth opening. This stiffness is believed to be due to the phone's flat sides rather than a hinge issue.
