A patent reveals that the Korean firm was working on an inverted L-shaped smartphone concept, incorporating a folding side flap.
Patent showing a new foldable smartphone concept // Source: LetsGoDigital
Thanks to the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3, Samsung has become the undisputed leader in foldable smartphones, but with competition from the Oppo Find N and the upcoming Pixel Notepad and Mi Mix Fold 2, the brand must continue to innovate to stay first on the market. A new patent reveals that the Korean firm is thinking about an admittedly strange, but innovative design, offering a small folding side flap in an inverted L-shaped format.
A unique shape
Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 3, which folds completely on itself, this design imagines an inverted L-shaped screen when unfolded. The side flap would thus fold over the back of the smartphone. Once closed, the device would be similar to a classic smartphone, with the difference that the folded screen can continue to function, serving for example as a mirror when taking photos.
3D rendering of what a smartphone could look like with a folding flap // Source: LetsGoDigital
An ingenious mechanism
To allow the upper part of the screen to fold down, Samsung has imagined a double hinge, on the upper part of the device and on the edge, capable of retaining the unfolded screen and preventing it from being pulled over. beyond the point of resistance, thus preventing it from breaking. Conversely, once folded down, the flap is held in place by three magnets, thus ensuring that it cannot unfold unexpectedly and remains securely attached to the rest of the smartphone.
3D rendering of what a smartphone could look like with a folding flap // Source: LetsGoDigital
A simplified handling
Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 3, this format allows the user to benefit from a larger screen surface than a conventional smartphone, while remaining easy to handle. The “trunk” of the phone fits easily in the palm of the hand and only the shutter protrudes. The latter can thus be used as a control screen by taking ultra wide-angle photos, for example, or by watching stretched content.
A concept not so far from reality
Although many patents never materialize, Samsung seems to have thought of every detail of its future device. Thus, the patent evokes the various photo sensors integrated into the smartphone, notably mentioning three modules and a flash on the back, without mentioning more information. We can easily imagine a wide-angle sensor, an ultra-wide-angle and a telephoto lens. The front camera would also be part of it, hidden under a central punch. The documents also mention two onboard batteries, like the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3.
3D rendering of what a smartphone could look like with a folding flap // Source: LetsGoDigital
Our colleagues at LetsGoDigital had fun imagining what such a product might look like, although it may never be marketed. While waiting to learn more, it is clear that Samsung is not resting on its laurels and continues to innovate by thinking about unique designs, allowing it to continue to stand out from the competition.
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