Samsung's Care Guide Shows How Fragile The Galaxy Fold Is

The Galaxy Fold is not the first foldable phone we have on the market, but it is arguably the biggest and will surely set the standard for the whole industry when it comes to this particular kind of design. However, a newly-released care guide from Samsung might prove how fragile the phone can be, and if you own one, you will have to be extremely careful with it.

Over the last few years, smartphones have become more rugged and especially more durable, with things like Gorilla Glass that can stay intact even after a drop. However, the screen of Samsung’s foldable phone is a different story. Look what happened when some reviewers accidentally peel the protective film of the original device, not knowing that it would break the display.

After a few months of delaying the launch of the Galaxy Fold, Samsung claimed that the problem had been fixed. The film is now under the bezels, making it almost impossible to remove by users. Recently, the company released a care guide video that can double as an advertisement. In the guide, Samsung provides future users with instructions on how to best handle the device, with some of them appear to be absurd.

The first thing the video tells you is that the Galaxy Fold has a protector, meaning it should not be removed. They do not tell you exactly that and what they said is “no extra films needed.”

The second thing they instruct is that users should only tap on the screen with a light touch. The problem here is the definition of “light” is not elaborated. And the phrase “do not apply excessive pressure to it” do not make thing any easier for users either.

While we all understand what Samsung intends to tell people here, but it also means that we must be extremely careful when handling the foldable screen. This might force some people to change their habit as some gamers might apply a quite strong force on the device when they play something intense.

Another issue with the early reviewing devices besides the fragile screen is that debris and dust can make their way to the inside of the device through the gap in the hinge. The company said that it had fixed this problem. However, the company still gives instruction for users to keep the device away from water and dust. While water is understandable as with most current phones, we need to keep them dry for them to work properly, but how can someone keep a phone from dust?

The magnet that keeps the phone close when you do not use it also has its share of care instruction. And Samsung has to make a medical disclaimer for those who want to purchase a Galaxy Fold.

Another warning is that users should not keep any magnetic objects in the pocket with the device. This one is easy to understand if dust can damage the device, placing the device with your keys in a bag or pocket might not be wise, given the price of the phone.

That care instruction and the price of the device are two indicators proving that the Galaxy Fold is not for any typical user. It is not something you can stuff inside your pocket and go on with your daily tasks, but a device that requires a high level of care.