The first and second generations of Samsung’s foldable smartphones lacked polish and had the feel of mass-produced prototypes, but the company’s most recent launches, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, which are more polished and well-made than earlier iterations, truly demonstrate the company’s unwavering commitment to bringing foldables into the mainstream.
Due to the fact that foldables are still considered “new technologies,” there is some uncertainty around them, which also includes the potential expense of repairs. Samsung is lowering maintenance costs this year, maybe to make these phones appear a little more enticing to buyers who consider the total cost of ownership.
With people pulling off the pre-installed screen protector and screens failing left and right, the first Galaxy Fold had a rough start. Since then, Samsung has undoubtedly made improvements, and the company claims that the current generation of its displays are stiffer and stronger, making them more resistant to wear. Although its foldables now have water resistance, the absence of a dust protection grade raises questions about long-term durability.
The good news is that even if these improvements don’t turn your Galaxy Z Fold 4 or Z Flip 4 into the ultimate diving buddy or robust workhorse, Samsung’s cure this time around may be less expensive than ever. The deductible for a broken screen under a Samsung Care Plus plan is now a pitiful $29, the same price as a standard glass-sandwich smartphone (via The Verge).
In contrast, a screen repair for the Flip 3 or Fold 3 would cost $249, even with Care Plus. Without a Care Plus membership, out-of-warranty repairs may cost as much as $480. You might want to keep the new Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4 as safe as you can because it’s unclear how much out-of-warranty replacements will cost.
Smartphones with hinges should continue to become more affordable as more people buy foldables and as customer confidence in the hardware improves. In fact, Samsung is certain that foldable smartphones will surpass the Galaxy S series in sales in this scenario.