News
In less than a year of normal use, our Galaxy Z Fold 3 protective film pulled itself
As usual, I’ve recently unfolded my Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 to get an important task done, and I heard a crack. At first, it worried me a lot and I started thinking that the cover display has been broken due to rough handling or that any internal part got damaged.
Meanwhile, I noticed that a vertical line is gradually extending downside covering the crease of my Galaxy Z Fold 3 smartphone. Then, I got that the crack sound was from protective film and it got automatically pulled in less than a year of normal use.
We use Samsung devices for reviews, tips and tricks as well as new features, however, it’s a very bad experience that the protective film of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 got damaged in just 10 months of normal use. Well, we have the Care Plus advantage but it raises a big question about the durability of foldables.
When inspected closely, I noticed that there was a fine line running down the middle of the phone near the crease, as if the pre-applied protector had been stretched or pulled. While a bubble was spotted nearly the crease on the top of the display months ago, the protective film is now wholly suffering the same issue.
In the first attempt, I used to gently press the protective film so it can be applied again, but it didn’t work and the film still maintained a gap from the crease area of the display. Later on, I reached a nearby Samsung service center to get the protective film replaced and got an appointment for Monday for inspection purposes.
So far, various users reported having the same issue as their Fold 3’s official protective film got pulled itself or bubbles have started to appear. Currently, we are in touch with Samsung and waiting to see what happens next, and dreaming that the service center may offer a free replacement.
Image: Galaxy Z Fold 3 protective film pulled
We hope the bubble or peel-off issue won’t occur to Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4. For Fold 3, the company claimed that it switched away from the TPU material it used on the Z Fold 2 to a new PET film while also using a stickier adhesive, which was designed to prevent bubbles, however, it didn’t improve anything.
If you’re a Samsung Galaxy S24 owner in the US, eager to test the latest software version, this is the right time for you. The One UI 7.0 beta program is now open, and here’s how you can get it:
Step 1: Ensure Your Device is Compatible
- First off, you need to have a Galaxy S24, S24+, or S24 Ultra. This beta is initially rolling out for these models.
Step 2: Update Your Samsung Members App
- The Samsung Members app is the gateway to the beta program. Make sure it’s installed on your device. If you haven’t got it, grab it from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store. Check for any updates to ensure you have the latest version.
Step 3: Sign Up for the Beta Program
- Open the Samsung Members app.
- Look for a banner or notification about the One UI 7 Beta Program. It will say “One UI Beta Program”.
- Tap on the banner or go to the ‘Notices’ section where you will find the option to register for the beta program.
- Click on ‘Register’ or ‘Enroll’ to sign up. You might need to agree to some terms and conditions before you can proceed.
Step 4: Check for the Software Update
- Once you are registered, head over to your device’s ‘Settings’.
- Go to ‘Software update’.
- Select ‘Download and install’. If everything’s gone smoothly, you should see the One UI 7.0 Beta update ready to download.
Step 5: Install the Beta Update
- Follow the on-screen instructions to download and then install the update. Remember, beta software might have some bugs, so it’s wise to back up your data before you start.
What to Expect
The One UI 7.0 brings a host of new features and improvements. You will see enhancements in the user interface, new customization options, better privacy controls, and some performance optimizations. Read more here.
Caution
Remember, this is a beta version. There might be some instability or bugs. I suggest you do not use your primary device for the beta unless you are familiar with potential issues during the beta testing.
The One UI 7.0 beta program gives you a chance to experience Samsung’s latest software before everyone else. Stay tuned to SammyFans.com for more insights and tips on making the most out of your Samsung experience.
Important Information
Samsung One UI 7 beta is only available for unlocked Galaxy devices on all carriers in the US. T-Mobile is the only carrier that allows beta testing on carrier-locked Galaxy S24 devices in the US.
Google silently extended Android updates support for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series. Affordable “a” models are also eligible for extended software policy alongside the first-generation Pixel Fold foldable smartphone.
Initially, Google promised three years of Android upgrades for the Pixel 6 and 7 series. Now, the revised policy promises at least five years of Android OS upgrades for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series as well as Pixel 6a, 7a, and Fold.
This year, Samsung announced the Galaxy S24 series with up to 7 years of software updates. The company replicated Google’s October 2023 decision to provide seven years of software support to the Pixel 8 and newer lineups.
With the revised policy, Google’s Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series are now superior to the Galaxy S21 and S22 series. Both Samsung Galaxy lineups are eligible for four years of OS updates and five years of security patches.
Following the Android 15 rollout, the Galaxy S21 series will be rendered ineligible for new OS upgrades. However, the Galaxy S22 series will also receive the Android 16-based One UI 8 upgrade in 2026.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 will receive up to Android 17 and Android 18, respectively. It’s an entire two years of additional software support for Google flagships. It isn’t the peak support, but good for Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 smartphone users.
Longer Android updates are useless if…
Honestly speaking, such longer Android updates support is useless if brands can’t provide durable hardware. Our Pixel 7 Pro review unit developed a pink vertical line, which turned into a huge dead pixel spot, rendering the screen useless.
A similar issue occurred on the Galaxy Z Fold 4 too. The phone’s motherboard defected itself even without any kind of external reason. Therefore, smartphone makers should work on durability rather than promising years-long software updates.
Samsung fans, Enjoy! We have finally got the news we have been waiting for about the much-anticipated One UI 7 update. This major update promises to bring a host of new features and enhancements to your Samsung Galaxy devices, and here’s what you need to know.
The stable release of One UI 7 is slated to roll out alongside the upcoming Galaxy S series (Galaxy S25) devices in the first quarter of 2025. The timeline is officially confirmed by Samsung in a blog post.
It seems like, Samsung will also complete the One UI 7 rollout for the flagship smartphone (like the S23/S22 and Fold6/5/4) in the given timeline, as it will first come pre-installed with the Galaxy S25 series. As per the rumors, the Galaxy S25 series will be introduced in the Galaxy Unpacked event in late January next year.
One of the highlights of One UI 7 is its focus on personalization and control. The interface will boast a refreshed look, with a new notification system that allows for easier interaction right from the lock screen. Additionally, Samsung’s Now Bar will be a game-changer, providing instant access to necessary information without unlocking your device.
For those eager to test these features, the company has already started the One UI 7 beta program in select markets including the US, Germany, and South Korea. This initial phase includes the Galaxy S24 series, offering the latest Galaxy S series device owners a chance to experience and provide feedback on features like the redesigned camera interface, which adds more control over advanced settings.
The One UI 7 update also brings powerful AI enhancements. You will see features like advanced writing assist tools, allowing users to edit text directly within the OS, without switching between apps.
Keep an eye out for when this update hits your device. Stay tuned to SammyFans.com for more updates and insights as we approach the official stable release.