Some Users Report Cracking Issues with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3
It turns out Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 isn't as indestructible as one might think. PhoneArena recently shared an email from a disgruntled user who reported that their Z Fold 3 had developed unsightly damage along the interior panel's crease, right where the 7.6-inch display folds. Sadly, this happened after the device's one-year warranty expired.
This isn't an isolated incident. If you take a peek at the Galaxy Fold's Reddit community, you'll find numerous recent reports of users complaining about cracked screens on their foldables. A similar trend emerges in Samsung's online forums.
The affected user contacted Samsung, who in turn referred them to UBreakiFix, a global technology repair shop backed by an insurance company. However, the estimated repair cost of $800 was quite the shock, given that the Galaxy Z Fold 3 retailed for $1,800 at launch—not a small sum for most wallets.
Unfortunately, these screen cracks tend to occur after the warranty period comes to an end. In fact, some users have even admitted on Reddit that they opted to trade in their previous generation's Fold specifically to avoid the risk of out-of-warranty repairs.
I've been using the Galaxy Z Fold 4 for six months now, and thankfully, there have been no issues. But I did express concerns about the device's long-term durability in my initial review. The interior screen is quite fragile and has already borne a few scratches from my clumsy encounters with sharp objects. I concur with PhoneArena, suggesting that if you're faced with a similar situation, reaching out to customer service might be a good idea, especially if your device is no longer under warranty. If you visit Samsung's dedicated contact page, you can even email the CEO directly—a move that might strengthen your case if there's a paper trail.
If you're nervous about the potential for screen damage with your foldable device, consider investing in Samsung Care+. With this service, in-warranty screen repairs cost around $30 for the Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, while out-of-warranty repairs can set you back anywhere between $350 and $500. You can opt for a monthly subscription or pay upfront when purchasing your device. Granted, forking over additional cash to protect yourself against a faulty product isn't ideal, but it could save you a significant amount in the long run.
As a fair warning, we've reached out to Samsung for comment and will update this article if they respond.
The advancement in technology and the evolution of 'tech' in the future might lead to more durable foldable devices, mitigating concerns about screen damage. Despite the high cost of repair for out-of-warranty screen cracks on the Galaxy Z Fold 3, investing in Samsung Care+ could provide financial protection.
