Samsung has been a frontrunner in the foldable phone industry with its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series. However, the company is not settling for the status quo. A newly uncovered patent application, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), indicates Samsung might be experimenting with an innovative foldable design that merges elements from existing phones.
The patent illustrations showcase a device that initially looks ordinary. Yet, it features a swiveling mechanism allowing the main screen to rotate 180 degrees, unveiling a secondary display beneath it. This rotating feature is reminiscent of the LG Wing, which also has a secondary screen for multitasking.
Unique Folding Mechanism
The intriguing aspect is the patent also outlines a hinge on the main screen, suggesting the phone could fold in half along this line. Combining these features results in a device with standard display mode, a rotating secondary display mode similar to the LG Wing, and a fully unfolded tablet-like mode.
The patent further reveals a camera module positioned in the top right corner, along with a charging port, microphone, and speakers at the bottom.
Versatile Design
On paper, this design is quite unique, offering the functionality of three foldable devices in one. In its standard form, the phone remains compact. The rotating secondary display enables multitasking, much like the LG Wing. Lastly, the fully unfolded state delivers a large, uninterrupted display experience.
However, tempering the excitement is essential. Samsung often files patents for cutting-edge technologies, and a patent does not guarantee a product will eventually hit the market.
Practical Considerations
Even though the design appears unique, its practicality must be assessed. The combined hinge and swivel mechanism could be structurally intricate and potentially susceptible to wear and tear.
Moreover, Samsung recently filed another patent for a triple-foldable smartphone. With both these patents coming to light, it's evident Samsung is actively investigating the future of foldable phone technology.
While these concepts might not reach the market soon, they offer a sneak peek into the possibilities Samsung envisions for the future of mobile displays.
