Samsung's latest foldable flagship, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, is off to a rocky start, facing both disappointing sales figures and unexpected quality issues.
Sluggish Sales
According to industry insider Ice Universe, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 has seen a lukewarm reception in its initial launch period. The tech giant reportedly sold only 270,000 units of the new foldable globally in its first two weeks of availability. This marks a significant downturn compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, which enjoyed stronger pre-order numbers.
The sales slump isn't limited to the Fold 6 alone. Its smaller sibling, the Galaxy Z Flip 6, managed to move 420,000 units in the same timeframe. Combined, the two new foldables accounted for 690,000 sales – a figure that falls short of last year's models, which surpassed 1 million pre-orders.
Paint Peeling Problems
Adding to Samsung's woes, some Galaxy Z Fold 6 users are reporting an unusual defect: premature paint peeling. This issue exposes the metal beneath the device's finish, an alarming development for a premium smartphone with a price tag north of $1,800.
Samsung has acknowledged the problem, attributing it to the use of third-party chargers with poor grounding. The company claims that low-quality chargers can cause leakage current, potentially damaging the phone's anodic coating and weakening paint adhesion.
Samsung's Response
To address the paint peeling issue, Samsung recommends:
- Using only genuine Samsung chargers or Qi-certified wireless chargers
- Avoiding low-quality or counterfeit charging accessories
- Charging the device in a specific orientation to minimize risk
Interestingly, Samsung also warns that using an EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) massager near the device could lead to similar paint problems, hinting at potential issues with the phone's power management system.
Looking Ahead
Despite these setbacks, Samsung isn't backing down from the foldable market. Rumors suggest the company is preparing to launch a Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition later this year. This new variant is said to be slimmer than the current Fold 6 and may feature an upgraded 200MP main camera borrowed from the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
As the foldable smartphone market continues to evolve, it's clear that Samsung faces challenges in both innovation and quality control. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the company can overcome these hurdles and maintain its leadership position in the foldable device segment.
