Hadlee Simons / Android Authority
TL;DR
- A new patent for a double-folding Samsung smartphone has emerged.
- The phone consists of two hinges with three distinct sections.
- Samsung has previously showcased similar designs, most notably its Z-folding prototype in August 2021.
Samsung currently offers two foldable phone designs. The Galaxy Z Flip series is known for its compact, vertical fold, while the Galaxy Z Fold line is famous for its book-like mechanism. However, according to a new patent, Samsung could add a third system to a future foldable phone.
Spotted by LetsGoDigital, a patent was recently awarded to Samsung for a double-folding smartphone with three distinct sections that fold in a Z shape. This design also allows part of the screen to act as a primary display that houses an in-display fingerprint sensor. When completely unfolded, the phone resembles a small tablet. The phone’s back houses a triple rear camera array and a USB connector for charging and data.
Interestingly, the patent sketches also describe how Samsung might distribute the phone’s internals across the three sections. Only the rear and front folding portions of the phone house batteries and circuit boards. The middle section provides structural rigidity and strength to the device and seemingly lacks any critical internals.
Samsung double-folding phone: When will it launch?
Notably, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen or heard of Samsung’s plans for a double-folding device. In April 2021, a slightly different patent design emerged detailing an alternative take to the dual-folding system. A few months later, Samsung outed a functional prototype of its “multi-foldable” format, giving us a real-life glimpse into how the device could work.
While the latest patent suggests Samsung’s design is relatively well developed, don’t bet your house that Samsung will launch such a device in 2022. Patents are not always guarantees or direct previews of consumer devices. That said, a double-folding system does seem to be the natural evolution of the foldable phone, especially if eking out more screen real estate is the goal.
What do you think of Samsung’s latest double-folding phone patent? Be sure to drop a comment below.
