Just putting some information out to those who are using a Z-Fold 3-5G on Verizon and other carriers. Less than 1 month after installed the Verizon update to 18 on December 12, 2022. I found my device 100% borked. Out of the wild blue. The inner screen no longer functioned. No longer charging. No touch access to gain access. Then, on Christmas Eve, the phone began a random reboot cycle of a reboot every 10 minutes. Finally it stopped with the restarts and allowed the main front screen to appear. I attempted to use my PIN and login when the phone began to dial 911 FOR NO REASON. Yeah that was interesting to say the least. I did a forced/hard reset on the phone, it then went into "Airplane Mode" on its own accord. After which time the front screen would no longer accept touch commands and the inner screen was still totally black.
At this point, I knew the phone was having major issues, no longer usable, that I couldn't address it myself, so I performed a factory reset using the sidebar volume down and power button for 10 seconds, then volume up and power button for 10 seconds to gain access to the menu. I then removed my data to be able to send the device to Verizon for device replacement. They are graciously replacing this device a second time for basically the same issue. IMA that at NOT TIME were there ANY notifications from my N360 for Mobile app or the device indicating there was an issue. No apps were in deep sleep mode. I DID, connect the device once to my 2022 Ford Escape SYNC via USB to test what that would be like, there were no issues, WiFi was NOT enabled on the car. Only Blue-Tooth.
Two things come to mind for the community:
#1 - This is my 2nd device replacement for the issue where, an update from my carrier caused the device to just go bat***t on its own. No drops, no spills, never having mishandled the device. Doing some research its NOT, and I repeat NOT, an isolated issue. Just beware of what your carrier sends you for updates and when you should install. I recommend waiting.
#2 - I am enlisting community feedback from, any and all Galaxy Z-Fold 3-5G owners, regardless of your carrier about this issue being present on their devices as well.
Any user feedback is welcomed and much appreciated.
SA