Samsung may launch Galaxy Fold in Australia ‘imminently’ after hardware failures, delays

It’s been delayed, redesigned, and rebuilt but there are finally hints that Samsung is ready to launch its folding phone and it could be coming to Australia.

This was supposed to be the year of the folding, flexible, headline-grabbing phone.

With two screens, six cameras, and a promise you could simply open your smartphone like a book to reveal a tablet computer hidden inside, the Samsung Galaxy Fold captured worldwide attention.

But 104 days after it was supposed to arrive in stores, Samsung barely mentioned the device at its flashy New York event, praising its new Note smartphones instead.

But there are finally hints that an Australian launch for the device may be “imminent” after the boss of Samsung’s mobile division told News Corp it would be a “crime” not to release it in Australia shortly.

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Samsung barely mentioned its foldable phone at its annual ‘Unpacked’ event. The device is expected to soon hit stores after issues delayed its release. Picture: AFP

While there is clearly widespread interest in the unorthodox smartphone, analysts warn consumers could “hesitate” before investing in a folding handset after the hardware and launch failures of Samsung and Huawei, and some may question whether the technology would be ready for release this year.

Samsung promised big things from its first folding phone when it was unveiled in San Francisco this February.

Mobile communications president DJ Koh called the device “the next chapter in mobile innovation history,” and a breakthrough in smartphone technology.

“Galaxy Fold introduces a completely new category that unlocks new capabilities never seen before without Infinity Flex Display,” he said.

The device promised a 4.6-inch screen upfront, but a 7.3-inch screen that appeared when users folded its two sides out like a book.

Apps, supported by updated Google Android software, would transfer from the outer screen to the inside screen seamlessly.

The Galaxy Fold also promised to show three active apps at once, a total of six cameras, 12GB RAM, and a substantial battery.

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CEO of Samsung Electronics, DJ Koh, called the Galaxy Fold “the next chapter in mobile innovation history,” and a breakthrough in smartphone technology. Picture: AFP

Its launch was scheduled for April in countries including the US and UK but, sadly, it never made it.

A select group of US journalists and influencers tasked with reviewing the device uncovered major problems with the device.

Some peeled protective plastic from the screen only to find that ruined the display. Others reported issues with the hinge, and with dust ruining the screen.

Samsung announced it would delay the launch to run “further internal tests” and make improvements.

A new version of the device, with hardware changes, is now due to launch in the US next month, though there is still no word on an Australian release.

Samsung Electronics Australia mobile vice-president Garry McGregor hinted that a local launch could be closer than many expect, however.

Talking to News Corp, Mr McGregor revealed there had been huge interest in the folding smartphone from Australian consumers, telcos, and even its rivals.

“I can only gauge the disappointment from consumers in Australia but our partners and even our competitors were all quite upset the product didn’t quite make it to market and I’ve never seen that reaction before,” he said.

“I think it would crime if we weren’t to launch it in Australia imminently.”

Mr McGregor predicted the high-end smartphone would “do very well” in the Australian market as it was an unusual device that would attract plenty of attention.

“It’s not going to be a product for everyone,” he said. “It is Note next level. It’s a status symbol. It’s an incredible piece of kit.”

Telsyte managing director Foad Fadaghi said Samsung handled the Galaxy Fold’s delay well, catching the problems before its wider release, but warned that it could make some buyers question its reliability.

“The folding phone definitely captured a lot of imagination and market attention, but some of it has been for the wrong reasons,” he said.

“The componentry announced wasn’t ready for release. Hopefully the extra time and consideration will make it ready.”

Changes to the Samsung Galaxy Fold include “additional metal layers” to reinforce its screen, new caps for the top and bottom of the phone’s hinge, and an extension to the protective layer over the screen, so users know not to remove it.

Many American stores cancelled pre-orders of the smartphone after its delay, and consumers will now have to consider whether to join the queue for another run at owning a folding phone.

But Mr Fadaghi said there would be demand for the unique smartphone in Australia, even though some potential buyers were likely to see if the hardware was stable before investing.

“For the consumers with the ultimate technology fetish, it’s going to be high on their shopping list,” he said.

“But there might be more hesitation as well. The demand will be similar (to its original release) after some apprehension at the start.”

The Galaxy Fold’s launch was scheduled for April in countries including the US and UK but, sadly, it never made it. Picture: AFP

Buyers will also have to bet a large sum of cash on its durability, with early indications showing the Galaxy Fold could command more than $3000 in Australia, breaking all smartphone price records.

And its Huawei competitor is likely to cost even more, with a price close to the $4000 mark.

The controversial Chinese firm delayed its folding phone too, however, saying it would not be ready until September.

The delays are likely to put a significant dent in Canalys forecasts that phone makers would sell just under two million folding phones this year.

Apple had also been tipped to produce an iPhone with a flexible screen after filing patents for the technology, though the company is not expected to announce a new folding design at its event next month.

The folding phone may still represent the next generation of mobile technology, but that generation may take some time to make its mark.

Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson travelled to New York as a guest of Samsung.