Samsung was a pioneer in implementing foldable displays in mobile devices for the consumer market. The company already has a lot of experience in the segment, so it has been experimenting with different designs and form factors for years. Some of these designs haven’t reached the market, such as the much-rumored tri-fold phone. A new patent shows that Samsung has also been developing an ultra-thin phone with a 360° foldable display.
So far, Samsung has only released two types of foldable devices. The Galaxy Z Fold lineup uses a book-like design, while the Galaxy Z Flip series uses a clamshell-like form factor. There are still more potential designs to explore, such as the aforementioned tri-fold phone and even smartphones with rollable/expandable displays. However, Samsung’s next step could go in a different direction.
Samsung’s latest patent shows a foldable phone with a 360° rotating screen
Atlyginimo Skaiciuokle and xleaks7 have shared concept renders of Samsung’s potential ultra-thin foldable handset with a 360° rotating screen. In other words, you can fold it completely inward or outward. The renders are based on a new Samsung patent recently discovered.
This new form factor removes the limitations of current foldables, where the screen can only fold in one direction. It also eliminates the need to implement a secondary or external display to use the device when folded.
We could say that this particular design enables three possibilities. First, you can unfold the screen 180° to have a device similar in size to a small tablet. You can also fold the screen 360° in one direction to use the device in a more traditional format, like a classic smartphone. Finally, you can fold the screen 360° in the opposite direction to keep it covered and protected. It’s noteworthy that the cameras maintain their functionality in all folding orientations.
The patent contemplates several mechanisms to ensure the durability of the device. There are multiple support layers under the foldable screen that include plates with adhesive. These plates, in turn, have “specialized lattice or striped patterns,” as well as flexible materials—such as silicone or polyurethane. This combination helps cushion the impact every time you fold/unfold the device. The display of the ultra-thin foldable handset uses a UTG (ultra-thin glass) protective layer.
As with any patent, nothing guarantees that such a product will ever reach the market. However, the idea seems pretty good, at least on paper. Hopefully, more news will emerge soon.
