Samsung delays launch of folding Galaxy smartphone

After some reviewers who got their hands on the Galaxy Fold early reported problems with screens breaking Samsung on Monday said it is delaying the launch of its folding smartphone after trouble with handsets sent to reviewers. The South Korean consumer electronics giant planned to announce a new release date for the Galaxy Fold in the coming weeks.

Samsung said it decided to put off this week's planned release of the Fold after some reviews "showed us how the device needs further improvements."

"The screen on my Galaxy Fold review unit is completely broken and unusable just two days in," Bloomberg's Mark Gunman tweeted. And Dieter Bohn of The Verge said: "Something happened to my Galaxy Fold screen and caused a bulge... It's broken."

Initial analysis of reported problems with Galaxy Fold screens showed they could be "associated with impact on the top and bottom exposed areas of the hinge," Samsung said.

There was also an instance where unspecified "substances" were found inside a Galaxy Fold smartphone with a troubled display, according to the company.

"We will take measures to strengthen the display protection," Samsung said.

"We will also enhance the guidance on care and use of the display including the protective layer."

A handful of US-based reporters were given the flagship Galaxy Fold phones, priced at USD 1,980, ahead of the model's official release, and they reported screen issues within days of using the devices.

Samsung spent nearly eight years developing the Galaxy Fold, which is part of the leading smartphone maker's strategy to propel growth with ground breaking gadgets.

The launch was scheduled to come as the smartphone market experiences its worst-ever decline with consumers keeping devices longer and waiting for new innovations.

Samsung made the announcement on the home turf of rival Apple, with the two giants battling in the premium segment of the market.

Denison touted the Fold as "a one of a kind luxury device" and boasted that it lets three apps operate simultaneously on its large screen.

"You can watch a YouTube video of Hawaii; text your friend about it, and browse travel options all at the same time," Denison said while showing off the device.