Samsung dominates the foldable phone industry with a 80% market share in 2022. The company offered two types of foldable devices: the Galaxy Z Fold, that opens like a book to reveal an almost tablet-like display. And the Galaxy Z Flip, which folds in half. But in 2023 we could see the launch of a third type of foldable phone from Samsung: one that folds in three, in an unprecedented form factor.
Samsung, the new foldable smartphone folds in three
According to leaker Yogesh Brar, who posted on TwitterSamsung may present a trifold foldable phone this year, in addition to the planned Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5.
It’s not the first time we’ve heard of a three-part foldable phone from Samsung. The company has already shown its technology in this field and has too registered a patent in 2020. Also, at MWC 2023 we saw some three-part folding phone concepts from Samsung. But this time we are talking about a commercial launch.
The phone would have two hinges: one that allows you to fold the screen inward and the other that allows you to fold it outward. The result would be one forma a Z when the phone is partially folded.
The advantage of the outward zipper is that it would allow a part of the foldable screen to be used as the main display of the phone, without the need for a separate screen on the back. However, this could lead to resistance issues. The foldable screen is made of plastic and can be scratched more easily if exposed outdoors.
Another possible problem is the thickness of the phone. While we’ve seen some slimmer foldable phones like the HONOR Magic Vs and the HUAWEI Mate X3, we don’t know if Samsung will follow suit. A three-part foldable phone from Samsung could be so thick as much (or even more) than the current Galaxy Z Fold.
Doubts about the feasibility of this product therefore remain. In all likelihood, we may find more details as summer approaches.