As we already know, Samsung is used to the innovations in the foldable smartphone market. The Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series led the industry for the company. But a newly granted patent suggests a new Samsung tri-fold phone, a device which is capable of folding twice, so that the screen is nearly twice as large as normal when fully opened. This new Samsung tri-fold phone is set to be a folding smartphone with S Pen support and a unique mechanism giving it a place at the foldable smartphone forefront.
In this article, we will discuss the new Samsung Tri-fold phone patent, revealed design, features and more.
Samsung’s Tri-Fold Patent: A New Era for Foldables
Recently, Samsung Display received a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a tri-fold smartphone. Unlike the current foldable devices, which fold in one, this design has two hinges and three panels, to provide multiple configurations in total. Several foldable prototypes featuring the same mechanism have been displayed by Samsung in the past, like the Flex G and Flex S concepts, but a consumer model has never been introduced yet.
Samsung is certainly looking forward to a major leap in the future with the growth of foldable phones. According to reports, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 could bring tri-fold devices along with them and it might be unveiled as early as July.
Design and Features: What the Patent Reveals
The patent images show that the tri-fold smartphone consists of the following features:
- The three pivot panels function as a top-rated tablet display upon panel expansion.
- Two hinge structures enable flexible folding across different directions.
- The S Pen feature of this device enables it to serve users in their productivity and creative projects.
- The proposed external camera system consists of three lenses that run horizontally.
- The device has a dedicated front display which users can operate through the folds.
- The top part of one folded section includes a volume rocker and the second folding panel has its bottom edge reserved for a USB Type-C port.
These product specifications indicate that the Samsung tri-fold phone enables users to rearrange its layouts based on specific requirements.
Comparison with Huawei Mate XT Ultimate Design
The developers at Samsung joined a group of companies who have researched tri-fold technology. Huawei displayed Mate XT Ultimate Design as its horizontal unfoldable device featuring Z-type folding mechanics. Samsung disclosed a G-shaped folding pattern in its patent because the inner display stays shielded when the phone is in a folded position.
A critical difference in design between the two devices provides Samsung with possible superiority by enabling better protection for the screen. The device becomes more durable than other foldables because the inner screen stays protected when the device is folded.
Will Samsung’s Tri-Fold Phone Become a Reality?
The patent reveals future phone possibilities from Samsung but it fails to demonstrate when the company will launch this product commercially. Numerous technology firms register patents which transform into non-commercial futuristic developments.
New reports indicate Samsung actively works on developing a tri-fold smartphone according to industry sources which predict its commercial release for July. The first commercial release of the Samsung tri-fold phone seems possible according to the current reports.
Conclusion
The patent for the Samsung tri-fold phone brings a fundamental transformation to the current foldable phone market. Upon its launch, Samsung tri-fold phone would bring users a larger screen alongside better durability and S Pen capabilities to enhance productivity.
The advanced nature of foldable technology development at Samsung indicates that consumers should not need to wait too long for next-gen foldable devices. The market will determine if this innovation becomes a market leader but the foldable smartphone technology keeps becoming more thrilling.
