Some Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 users are reporting that their phones cannot open fully and in some cases that their internal screens are cracking – and ironically the problem appears to be caused by a possible flaw in Samsung’s unique hinge design, intended to protect the hinge mechanism.
Since the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2Samsung’s foldable phones feature a lining of small brushes in the hinge mechanism to sweep away dirt and debris when the phone is opened and closed, keeping the mechanism free of obstructions.
However, it is believed that the adhesive that holds the brushes in place has broken in some phones. This in turn can cause the bristles and loose adhesive to block the internal folding mechanism, which could result in some users being unable to fully open their phones, or, in extreme cases, handsets breaking when opened.
We’ve reached out to Samsung for comment on this story and will update this once we receive a response.
Managed to open Fold 4 Flat – evidence against Samsung’s warranty denial by r/GalaxyFold
However, one Reddit user who posted that his phone is freezing claims that their request to have their phone repaired by Samsung was rejected. They tried to repair the mechanism themselves. Their post includes images of bits and pieces of material they claim are the brushes, with an explanation of how they extracted them from the mechanism using improvised tools.
However, the Redditor recommends that other users experiencing similar issues contact Samsung first as repairing your phone yourself could result in damage to the mechanism or screen and void the warranty.
Have users responded to the messagewho claimed to have had the same interference issues with their Galaxy Z Fold 4, and noted tipster Evan Blass weighed in, posting to X that he believes it is a design flaw. He clarified that the issues were not caused by rough treatment by him and asked his followers if they had encountered the problem.
I experienced the same problem with a Z Fold4. and given how well I treat and maintain my phones, I’m inclined to agree that it’s a design flaw at the very least. Does anyone else’s ZF4 have this unfortunate phenomenon? https://t.co/62jp3kKzwKMarch 19, 2024
As for what causes the adhesive to loosen and tighten the mechanism, it is believed that this is due to the device getting too hot, which can happen during intense activities like gaming.
One Redditor posted that he’s waiting for a fourth hinge replacement after his phone got stuck at 90 degrees, with the hinge feeling “mushy” after a short gaming session. According to another Galaxy Z Fold 4 user, a warm environment could also cause the glue problem posted on X that his phone stopped opening when he was near a hot tub.
Which phones are affected?
This unfolding problem may not be limited to the Galaxy Z Fold 4, as another Reddit user complained about it same problem with their Galaxy Z Fold 3, claiming their screen was cracked. The Redditor said they could see bristles hanging out of the phone and glue stuck in the hinge. Another user pulled some appears to be the entire brush one piece from their Galaxy Z Fold 3. It was thought this happened after the glue holding the brush deteriorated, causing it to get stuck.
The last Galaxy Z Fold 5 can also be prone to similar problems, as some users on the Samsung community forum posting about issues with the hinges sticking, although they don’t seem to mention the brushes.
Based on these reports, it appears that there is a serious problem with some Galaxy Z Fold models that use this brush system. Hopefully Samsung will acknowledge this issue and offer an extended warranty and repair to those affected by this problem.
Manufacturers of foldable products spent the first few generations working to solve hinge problems, making improvements with each iteration, so we’re surprised to see these types of issues popping up again. If this is indeed a long-standing design flaw, Samsung may need to consider going back to the drawing board on the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 6.