Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 Shuts Down When Folded: A Summary
The Issue: Numerous Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 (and some Z Flip 3) users report their phones abruptly shutting down when folded. This issue appears random and persists despite battery level or usage. While not widespread, enough reports suggest a serious problem.
Possible Cause:
Most evidence points to a hardware fault, specifically with the battery, motherboard, or a hinge malfunction that allows improper closing.
Solutions:
- Contact Samsung Support: This is the primary course of action, especially if the phone is under warranty. Some users report successful battery and cover replacements resolving the issue.
- Warranty Replacement: If the issue falls under warranty, a replacement device may be offered.
- Out-of-Warranty Repair: This can be costly, with some users reporting expenses in the hundreds of dollars.
Important Notes:
- Samsung has yet to officially acknowledge the issue.
- Software fixes like restarts or cache clearing haven't proven effective.
- Some users report Samsung refusing warranty repairs, citing minor cosmetic damage.
Recommendations:
- Back up your data regularly in case of sudden shutdowns.
- Contact Samsung support immediately if you encounter this issue.
- Document all interactions with Samsung support regarding the issue.
This issue highlights the importance of thorough quality control for foldable devices, especially given their higher price point and relative novelty.
