Samsung Fold could go on sale next month

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Samsung Fold could go on sale next month

Samsung Electronics remains vague about the official release date for its troubled Galaxy Fold, but the timing of recent tests suggest the smartphone could hit the Korean market as early as next month.

The electronics giant said Wednesday it is currently testing the network interworking of the new device, adding that the specific release date of the phone hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Network interworking is a test conducted to confirm the compatibility of a smart device with the telecommunications networks provided by mobile operators. It usually takes a month or two to complete.

“We will announce the official release date for the Galaxy Fold within the next few weeks,” said a spokesperson for Samsung.

According to the firm, the network interworking test could be repeated several times, meaning it could take several months for the phone to go on sale. The company refused to unveil how many times it has conducted the test so far.

Korea’s three mobile carriers - SK Telecom, KT and LG U+ - also said they’re unsure about the Galaxy Fold’s release date, although a spokesperson for SK Telecom said it may be too early for the Galaxy Fold to be released next month.

Last month, Samsung decided to push the release of its Galaxy Fold in the United States after it developed technical issues during pre-release trials. Several U.S. tech reviewers reported the device screen breaking after a few days of use. The complaints included bulges, flickering screens and blackouts.

Samsung initially argued the faults occurred because users peeled off a protective plastic layer that was stuck to the screen itself. The reviewers argued that they assumed the protective layer was a film that was supposed to be removed before use.

The electronics company was forced to change its stance as similar faults were spotted on phones that still had the protective plastic layer adhered to the screen.

“Like we noted last time, we are aware of the display issue and are internally discussing on how to improve [the issue],” said the Samsung spokesperson.


BY JIN MIN-JI, SONG KYOUNG-SON [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]
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