0Today, we had the opportunity to unpack the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 for a review. So far, we've only spent a little time with the handset and won't be able to comment on its performance or provide initial impressions. However, during the setup process, Samsung exhibited an essential warning which caught our attention. After signing into your Google account, transferring your data, and navigating through other setup activities, Samsung presents this key warning.
The warning includes multiple instructions such as ensuring the screen is clear before closing the Fold5, avoiding the use of hard and sharp objects on the display, and emphasizing that while the device is water-resistant, it's not dustproof. Moreover, a noteworthy aspect of the warning indicates the presence of magnets in the phone. It advises to refrain from keeping the phone near devices or cards that could be potentially affected by magnets. The phone must be kept at least a 15cm distance from any medical devices. If there's any suspicion about the interference with medical devices, it encourages to stop using the phone and consult a medical professional or the device's manufacturer.
Interestingly, this was our first encounter with such warning, although it turns out Samsung has long been notifying users about the magnets in their smartphones. The utilization of magnets in smartphones, for instance in speakers, vibration mechanisms and even cameras, is a widespread practice. Apart from these magnets, smartphones also give off an electromagnetic field which could cause irregularities with certain pacemakers by mimicking a cardiac signal.
In addition to this, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, along with other foldable smartphones, possess strong magnets that secure the phone in its folded position with the aid of the hinge mechanism. This is probably the reason that the magnet related warning has been made more prominent in comparison to other phones. Furthermore, for users who typically use wallet covers, it would be better to avoid that with the Galaxy Z Fold5. Samsung does not commercially sell wallet covers. If you decide to buy third-party ones, ensure not to place your credit card in it.
While the warning certainly earns Samsung some brownie points for being displayed clearly at the outset and also being incorporated in the quick start guide, our knowledge about how people gloss over terms and conditions leads us to think this is worth highlighting further. We are eager to expand upon this and other features in our full review of Samsung Galaxy Fold5 which we expect to release in the next two weeks.
