Samsung has every intention of remaining the leader in the folding smartphone market, but this year 2023 should be marked by much more intense competition. Many brands will also offer their versions, and the South Korean cannot be satisfied with delivering a simple update to the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4.
For some time, rumors indicated that the manufacturer was going to opt for a completely new hinge. The one currently used leaves indeed a significant crease mark, but also room for dust infiltration.
The hinge of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. © The Digital
The newspaper The Elec has just added its stone to the building by also confirming this rumor. According to the latter, Samsung would indeed have opted for a hinge in the shape of a drop of water. Information which is however to be taken with tweezers.
Behind the competition
This mechanism, already chosen by Motorola with its Razr 2022 or Oppo with the Find N2 Flip, seemed particularly convincing to us. It makes it possible to reduce almost completely the space between the two parts of the folded screen, while limiting the pressure on said fold. It is also more difficult for dirt to get inside. On the other hand, it makes waterproofing much more complex. This Galaxy Z Fold 5 would take up the challenge by being the first smartphone equipped with this type of hinge to offer IP certification.
A teardrop-shaped hinge patent filed by Samsung in 2016. © Samsung Electronics
According to the media, Samsung would like to reduce the thickness of the new hinge to 14mm, compared to 15.8mm on the Z Fold 4. We can also imagine that it will be a little lighter, with the previous model still weighing 263 grams.
The manufacturer is preparing to launch folding tests next month. The goal is to perform at least 200,000 to 300,000 openings/closings to assess the resistance of the slab. A process that takes four to five days. The presentation approaching, it’s a safe bet that we will discover the technical sheet of the smartphone in the coming weeks.