Rather than acknowledging a possible manufacturing defect, Samsung is putting the blame on third-party chargers and accessories. The company has posted a statement on its support page explaining that using a third-party high-speed charger that is not properly grounded can cause the paint on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to peel. They attribute this to something called “current leakage” which occurs when the phone is being charged and held at the same time. Interestingly, Samsung also mentions that using an EMS massager powered by the phone can cause the same issue. This suggests that the problem may be related to how the phone handles certain types of current flow.
According to Samsung, third-party chargers that are not properly grounded may experience a power leak, resulting in slight peeling of the anodized paint | Image credit — Samsung
Understanding the problem
- Anodized finish: The Galaxy Z Fold 6 likely has an anodized finish, a process that improves the durability and corrosion resistance of the metal. However, it appears that this finish can be damaged by improper electrical grounding.
- Leakage current: This refers to a small amount of electrical current that can flow through unintended paths. In this case, Samsung points out that if a charger is not properly grounded, this leakage current could damage the finish of the phone when held while charging.
- Third-party chargers: While third-party chargers are convenient and often less expensive, they may not always meet the same quality and safety standards as official chargers. This can increase the risk of problems such as improper grounding and current leakage.
User photos of peeling paint on their Galaxy Z Fold 6 Devices | Image credit — r/Hungry_Low_3149 (left) and r/Either_Audience_1937 (right)
Samsung’s response and recommendations
Samsung's response to this issue has been met with mixed reactions. Some users are frustrated that the company seems to be deflecting blame from a possible manufacturing defect. Others appreciate the transparency and explanations provided. Samsung advises users to stick to official Samsung chargers or certified third-party chargers that meet the required safety standards. In addition, it recommends not using EMS massagers or other accessories that drain power from the phone while charging.
EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) massagers powered by the phone
If you have a Galaxy Z Fold 6 Owners, it is worth paying attention to this problem. If you find that the paint is peeling off, contact Samsung customer service. In the meantime, Galaxy Z Fold 6 Owners should take precautions and use the recommended chargers to protect their investment, but unfortunately, since the chargers are no longer included, this may incur additional costs.