Some Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Users report that their phones cannot be opened completely and, in some cases, that their internal screens break; and ironically, the issue appears to be due to a possible flaw in Samsung's unique hinge design meant to protect the hinge mechanism.
from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2Samsung's foldable devices feature a coating of small brushes inside the hinge mechanism to sweep away dirt and debris when the phone is opened and closed to keep the mechanism free of obstructions.
However, the adhesive holding the brushes in place is believed to have broken on some phones. This, in turn, could cause bristles and loose adhesive to jam the internal folding mechanism, which could result in some users being unable to fully open their phones or, in extreme cases, the phones breaking when opened.
We've reached out to Samsung for comment on this story and will update it once we hear back.
Managed to open Fold 4 Flat: evidence against Samsung's warranty denial by r/GalaxyFold
However, one Reddit user who posted that his phone got stuck claims that Samsung rejected his request to repair his phone. They tried to repair the mechanism themselves. Their post includes images showing pieces of material claimed to be the brushes, with an explanation of how they were removed from the mechanism using improvised tools.
However, the Redditor recommends that other users experiencing similar issues contact Samsung first, as attempting to repair your phone yourself could damage the mechanism or screen and could void your warranty.
Users responded to the post, claiming to have had the same interference issues with their Galaxy Z Fold 4 and noted the tipster. Evan Blass weighed in and posted on X which he believes is a design flaw. He clarified that the problems were not caused by any rough treatment on his part and asked his followers if they had encountered the problem.
I experienced the same problem with a Z Fold4. and considering how well I treat and maintain my phones, I'm inclined to agree that it's, at the very least, a design flaw. Does anyone else's ZF4 exhibit this unfortunate phenomenon? https://t.co/62jp3kKzwKMarch 19, 2024
As for the cause of the adhesive peeling off and jamming the mechanism, it is believed to be due to the device becoming too hot, which can occur with intensive activities such as gaming.
A Redditor posted who is waiting for a fourth hinge replacement after his phone got stuck at 90 degrees and the hinge felt “mushy” after a brief gaming session. A hot environment could also cause adhesive failure according to another Galaxy Z Fold 4 user, who published in X that his phone would no longer open after being near a hot tub.
What phones are affected?
This developing issue may not be limited to the Galaxy Z Fold 4, as another Reddit user complained about the Same problem with your Galaxy Z Fold 3., claiming that its screen was broken. The Redditor said they could see bristles hanging off the phone and adhesive stuck on the hinge. Another user has removed what seems to be the whole brush in a single piece of your Galaxy Z Fold 3. This was thought to have happened after the adhesive holding the brush in place deteriorated and became trapped.
The last Galaxy Z Fold 5 could also be susceptible to similar problems, as some users of the Samsung Community Forum They are posting about hinge sticking issues, although they don't seem to mention brushes.
Based on these reports, it seems that there is a serious problem with some Galaxy Z Fold models that use this brush system. Hopefully, Samsung will recognize this issue and offer an extended warranty and repairs to those affected by this issue.
Folding manufacturers have worked to fix hinge issues for the first few generations, making improvements with each iteration, so we're surprised to see issues like this cropping up again. If this is a long-standing design flaw, Samsung may have to consider going back to the drawing board for the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 6.
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