Due to issues with the device's durability and susceptibility to damage, Samsung announced that it would recall the review units and delay the release of the Galaxy Fold indefinitely while it addressed the problems.

[7][8][9][10] After reports surfaced that Samsung had postponed a Chinese launch event and that review units' inner display was breaking, Samsung announced on April 22 that the launch (originally set for April 26) had been delayed indefinitely while they work to fix the issue, with plans to announce the new release date sometime within the coming weeks and that the defective review units are being recalled.

[17] On July 24, 2019, Samsung announced that it was now targeting a September release, and detailed design changes intended to help reinforce the screen and protect the hinge.

Caps were added on the top and bottom of the hinge area and the protective layer was extended under the bezel to prevent accidental removal.

In the United States, select retailers and Samsung stores offered a "Premier Service" for the device, including an orientation session post-purchase, a dedicated customer support line specific to Galaxy Fold-related issues, and the ability to purchase a one-time screen replacement out-of-warranty from one of the aforementioned outlets for US$149 (however, the device still carries a standard one-year warranty).

[20][21] A version of the device was released exclusively for China Telecom, marketed as the Galaxy W20 5G with a faster Snapdragon 855+ processor and a unique white finish.

[30] CNET felt that the inside of the device felt "toy-like" in contrast to the premium exterior, noting the fragility of its screen, a plastic bezel, a "ridiculous and unnecessarily large" notch, a crease in the screen visible from certain viewing angles, and gaps at the top and bottom of the hinge that were potentially susceptible to dust and debris.

He also panned the display for not being as smooth as a glass screen, being susceptible to scratches and blemishes over time, the aforementioned crease, the large notch, a "jelly" distortion between the two sides when scrolling, and having too many potential points of failure.

Bohn praised its high-end hardware, and especially its batteries, and felt that multitasking was flexible but inelegant, and buggy with certain apps on transitions between modes.

[31] Review units showed a high rate of display failure; a teardown by iFixit noted that the crease contained noticeable gaps at the top and bottom, making it susceptible to foreign debris coming under the screen.

Concerns were raised that consumers may mistake it for a pre-installed screen protector without proper advisories: retail units of the Galaxy Fold did contain a disclaimer.