Galaxy Z Fold 7 is even thinner than Samsung claims, rivals found fudging numbers

India Today

2 days ago

A recent study conducted by the Korean Consumer-Centered Enterprise Association has revealed that Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 is thinner than officially claimed, while competing foldable phones are not as slim as manufacturers advertise. This finding raises questions about the measurement methods used by smartphone manufacturers and their impact on consumer perception. The study used a micrometer to measure the thickness of various foldable phones, showcasing discrepancies in official claims and actual measurements.advertisementSamsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 has been found to be 8.82mm thick, slightly less than the company's official claim of 8.9mm. In contrast, other manufacturers like Honor, Vivo, Xiaomi, and HUAWEI have reported discrepancies which show their devices to be thicker than stated. The discrepancies, while sounding minimal, challenge these brands' claims of producing the thinnest foldable phones, a significant selling point in the competitive foldable phone market.The Honor Magic V5, for instance, is advertised as the world's thinnest foldable phone. However, the study revealed it to be 0.54mm thicker than claimed. Similarly, the Vivo X Fold 5 and Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 were found to be 0.57mm and 0.62mm thicker, respectively, than their official measurements. The findings suggest a need for a more standardised approach to measuring foldable phones, particularly regarding the inclusion of inner protective film layers, which are often overlooked by manufacturers when declaring device thickness.
The significance of accurate measurements goes beyond mere specifications. These numbers influence consumer decisions, especially when brands emphasise having the thinnest or lightest devices. Foldable phones, being relatively new to the market, often face additional scrutiny, and discrepancies in their advertised features might affect consumer trust. The study's results suggest that consumers should be cautious and well-informed about the methods used to measure such devices.Honor has been criticised for its measurement practices, which exclude the inner protective screen layers. This method has been deemed misleading, as these layers are integral to the phone's structure and functionality. The report warns consumers against removing this film, which is intended to remain permanently affixed. Such practices highlight the need for clearer guidelines and transparency from manufacturers to ensure consumers have an accurate understanding of the products they purchase.The study also noted that brands such as Huawei and Oppo, alongside Honor and Vivo, weigh their foldable phones without considering these inner films. This raises further queries about the integrity of claims regarding the lightest devices on the market.The industry's measurement practices are now under scrutiny, with calls for more consumer-friendly and transparent methods. The discrepancies identified in the thickness of these phones could prompt manufacturers to revise the ways they present their product specifications. The push for transparency is seen as a step towards better consumer protection and fairness in marketing practices.advertisementSamsung's position in this study as the only manufacturer found to have understated the thickness of its foldable phone could influence consumer preferences and bolster its reputation for accuracy in product specifications. This development may place pressure on rival brands to reassess their measurement and marketing strategies to maintain credibility in the market.As the foldable phone market continues to grow, consumers are encouraged to critically evaluate manufacturer claims and consider independent reviews and studies when making purchasing decisions. The findings of the Korean study serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accuracy in product descriptions, which play a crucial role in building consumer trust and satisfaction.- EndsMust Watch