Samsung could dramatically redesign the Galaxy Fold.
Janhoi McGregorSamsung’s next foldable phone could feature a revamped hinge design according to a new report.
Sources speaking with Nikkei Asia claimed that Samsung is planning to introduce a “double-folding phone”, which could launch at the end of this year. Although Nikkei’s sources don’t say if this means the new Galaxy will fold both backwards and forwards - like the original Huawei Mate X - or feature two hinges and fold in two different places.
The distinction is important because devices like the Mate X’s ability to fold backwards means - when collapsed - the phone’s display isn’t protected when not in use. Imagine folding a book backwards, for example. The inward folding action of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 automatically protects the thin plastic inner-screen when collapsed, exposing only the smaller, tougher, outer screen to the elements. Although Samsung's use of ultra thin glass could solve this, as I explain in the Motorola Razr 5G video below.
Huawei has now ditched that outward folding design, opting instead for something like the Galaxy Z Fold 2. I’m not sure Samsung will adopt a new style that has been discarded by a rival, or a form I’m sure it passed on years ago. The other design option the Korean company could be exploring is a double-hinged design, which is where things get exciting.
Devices with two hinges - or more - aren’t a new idea. Oppo published images of a concept phone in collaboration with Japanese design studio Nendo, which has three hinges and can transform into several different shapes. Take a look below.
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Budget phone and TV maker TCL also released a tri-fold prototype last year that folds in two places and extends into a 10-inch screen. If Samsung is working on a double-hinged phone, then its goal is clear: cram as much screen into as small a device as possible.
One of Nikkei’s sources also claims that a more familiar aspect ratio is also a key goal. "The design is set to make the unfolded screen aspect ratio be in line with the mainstream ratio of 16:9 or 18:9, so more video games and other apps could run more smoothly with better resolutions on the device," the story explains.
That does suggest we could see something shaped more like TCL’s device, rather than last year’s Galaxy Fold Z 2. If so, Samsung will need to solve the issue of bulk when the handset is collapsed. TCL’s phone is essentially three phones stacked on top of each other when folded.
The obvious upside is that you can fit a large tablet in your pockets, but the bulk is very noticeable when you use these devices in their folded state, which is a difficult design conundrum for Samsung - and others - to solve. Oppo’s collaboration concept seems to go some way to fixing that. I hope this news of a dramatic redesign doesn’t just focus on how big the inner-display is, but also pays some attention to the size of the handset when it isn’t in tablet mode.
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The Link LonkMarch 24, 2021 at 09:03PM
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Samsung Is Dramatically Redesigning Its Next Foldable - Forbes
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