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Weeks before launch, Samsung reportedly having Galaxy S5 production woes

Published Mar 17th, 2014 10:00PM EDT
Samsung Galaxy S5 Camera

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It’s now crunch time for Galaxy S5 production but Korean publication ETNews reports that Samsung is still having trouble manufacturing enough Galaxy S5 cameras in time for the device’s launch on April 11th. ETNews‘ sources say that as of March 16th Samsung still hasn’t gone into mass production of the Galaxy S5 because yields for its camera lens module are now only in the 20% to 30% range. Samsung is apparently having trouble manufacturing 16-megapixel camera modules that are thin enough to fit in the Galaxy S5’s frame without hurting the quality of the lenses within the camera module.

“On a thin lens, even the slightest flaw results in a considerable optical distortion,” one of ETNews‘ source said. “To make plastic lens thinner, a more accurate mold technology is necessary.”

For the record, this is the second report we’ve read about Samsung having major issues producing the Galaxy S5’s components. Earlier this month, Korean publication Daum wrote that Samsung was scrambling to improve production of the Galaxy S5’s fingerprint scanner and had hired third-party manufacturer Circletec to pitch in with production help. It goes without saying that not having enough fingerprint scanners or 16-megapixel cameras would pose a wee bit of a problem for Samsung, especially since it plans on launching the Galaxy S5 in 150 countries on April 11th.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.