Samsung Hid Galaxy S20 Shattering Glass Defect, Class Action Lawsuit Alleges

Samsung knowingly concealed a fault in its Galaxy S20 phone that causes the glass covering of its back camera to shatter with barely any impact, a new class action lawsuit alleges.

A group of consumers filed the class action lawsuit against Samsung on Tuesday in a New Jersey federal court, alleging Samsung committed fraud and breaches of warranty in its sale and marketing of the phone, which can retail for more than $1,600, depending on the model.

The plaintiffs allege the Galaxy S20 phone is “unreasonably fragile” in its design. They say the glass module that covers the phone’s camera can shatter even if the phone is in a protective case, and sometimes with no impact at all.

Despite marketing its phone for having a high-quality, professional-grade camera, the shattering can even render the camera useless, the class action alleges.

“Having represented to consumers that the Galaxy S20 had a high-quality, professional-grade camera, Samsung was obligated to disclose that the exact opposite was true,” the claim states.

“The phone had a known material defect in the hardware of the phone, independent of the phone’s software, that manifests immediately upon use and which can render the camera unusable or would limit its functionality and potentially cause physical harm as well.”

Reports of the shattering glass started to hit the Internet soon after the phone became available for sale. Samsung would have known about the “defect” since at least 2016, the class action states, alleging the shattering is a known issue that has also plagued other previously released Samsung models, and leaves a telltale “bullet hole” pattern. 

“Samsung’s pre-release testing would have revealed the glass shattering issue, yet Samsung’s marketing for the Galaxy S20 did not reveal this issue and instead promised consumers a high-quality professional camera experience,” the claim states.

One consumer says the glass on his phone shattered when he put it down on a table. Another alleges that she had her S20 in a camera protector case, but it still shattered. When she took it to be repaired under its one-year warranty, she was denied, because Samsung allegedly said she hadn’t purchased additional insurance. 

“Rather than complying with the terms of its Limited Warranty, Samsung is blaming its consumers for their broken phones,” the class action says. “Plaintiffs and members of the class are left with no option but to pay for an expensive repair or replacement themselves.” 

The class action is suing Samsung for fraud, breach of warranty and violations of state consumer statutes. 

Consumers Jean Vasadi, Danielle Moyer, Josh Shepherd, Lindsey Stonebraker, Greg Treacy and Scott Teitsch are asking a judge to grant an injunction including a product recall, free phone replacement or a buy- back program.

The group is looking to represent a nationwide Class of people who bought or leased a Samsung phone that shattered. The class action also seeks to represent subclasses for states including New York, South Carolina and Washington.

Samsung produces a wide range of home electronics and is a well-known household brand with a strong international presence. However, the electronics company has faced backlash from both employees and consumers, with countless lawsuits and class action lawsuits resulting from a variety of allegations regarding Samsung’s operations. These allegations have ranged from claims that the company produces faulty and hazardous products to claims of privacy breaches and price fixing. 

Click here to read more about the latest Samsung class action lawsuit updates, the potential lawsuit settlement amounts and if there are any Samsung settlements or class action investigations that you may be able to join. 

The plaintiffs are represented by James E. Cecchi of Carella Byrne Cecchi Brody Agnello PC.

The Samsung Shattered Camera Glass Class Action Lawsuit is Vasadi et al. v. Samsung Electronics America Inc., Case No. 2:21-cv-10238, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

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