Devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 show that Samsung has mastered the art of making foldable smartphones, and now it looks set to add another fold to the mix, based on a patent recently published.
As spotted by LetsGoDigital, the patent describes a device with three separate display parts that combine to form a giant screen. The device folds up in a Z-shape, so that when everything is closed, a display panel is still visible as a screen.
To make this work, Samsung uses two different hinges, as the documentation shows: one folds inward, like on the Galaxy Z Fold 3, and one folds outward, as we've seen. with the Huawei Mate X (where the main screen remains outside the phone).
It's all in the details
This isn't the first time we've heard of a triple-folding phone from Samsung, some of the brand's plans were first revealed by an insider in April, although there wasn't much supporting information afterwards.
This new patent application gives us many more details about the device, down to the positioning of the circuit boards and the fingerprint sensor embedded in one of the display panels. There is also a triple lens rear camera positioned at the back.
Samsung has even found room for an HDMI connector as well as a USB-C port. Note, however, that the usual patent caveat applies here, these filings show design ideas but don't always end up being converted into actual products for sale to consumers.
Analysis: Samsung is ready to experiment
Samsung has never been afraid to try new ideas with its phones, whether it's adding a stylus or using a foldable screen. It tends to be one of the first manufacturers to embrace new technologies such as under-display cameras.
The electronics giant is already the best at foldable phones, and the new patent we've seen suggests there's plenty more innovation to come. Adding another hinge comes with a whole host of additional technical challenges, but Samsung doesn't seem to be intimidated by that.
Just a few days ago, we saw another patent from Samsung that hinted at another innovative form factor: a device that combines a foldable screen and a rollable screen, so the screen stretches to expand while by having a hinge. It's clear that a lot of ideas are floating around in the minds of Samsung's teams right now.
Three-dimensional smartphones have already appeared on the scene, but only in prototype form so far. It remains to be seen when one of them will actually go on sale... Samsung could perhaps present a model of this type alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 4 in mid-2022...