Samsung announced the Galaxy Z Flip at its Unpacked event earlier this month. The company’s second folding phone was a great deal because the original Galaxy Fold was off to a rough start, and the firm boasted about the Z Flip’s durability thanks to the ‘Ultra Thin Glass (UTG)’ that is used on the foldable. However, the very technology was called into question when a durability test by JerryRigEverything showed that the glass layer could be scratched easily, just like a plastic film would.
The company was quick to point out that the covering glass uses a protective layer on top – similar to the one employed by the Galaxy Fold. Now, internal documents show the differences between the two devices in terms of the display technology, revealing a dedicated shock absorption layer underneath the UTG layer. This layer reportedly helps improve the reliability of the device by providing impact resistance.
Such a layer makes sense since glass is a brittle substance and a thin layer is susceptible to damage when subjected to forces – especially one that is thin enough to bend. The report also suggests that the layer is “capable of reducing the effect of defects such as cracks and bubbles”. The UTG used in the Z Flip replaces the polyimide layer that was used in the Galaxy Fold.
While the Z Flip is not an established form factor yet and customers opting to purchase one should be wary of the risks that come with it, such efforts to improve reliability go a long way in increasing customer confidence. Apart from these safeguards, the company is also providing customers with a one-time screen replacement for $199 and a specialized screen protector for the device for free.
With the Galaxy Fold 2 rumored to be launching with an under-display camera, in July, it will be interesting to see what improvements that device will bring over the Z Flip.
Source: SamMobile