Samsung Electronics’ financial results for this year have not met expectations. The company’s Foundry division is generating big operating losses due to low yield rate issues. In addition, sales of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 were below projections. In order to try to turn things around, the company plans to bet more on innovation. New patents suggest that Samsung is working on rollable and tri-fold Galaxy devices.
Samsung must determine the economic viability of the project
This is not the first time we have heard about a possible tri-fold Galaxy smartphone. In fact, a recent report claimed that the company is considering launching a device with such a form factor next year. Despite not having made a decision yet, Samsung’s expertise in the foldable screen industry positions the company to initiate the project at any moment.
Essentially, the primary obstacle in developing a tri-fold Galaxy smartphone is its economic feasibility. Samsung must find a way to make it profitable and attractive enough for the public. The latest patents (via VeePN) confirm that Samsung has been mulling over the idea. Moreover, the South Korean giant could also be considering using its rollable screen technology in smartphones.
Potential tri-fold and rollable Samsung Galaxy devices shown on patents
The patented design of the tri-fold Galaxy smartphone is similar to Huawei’s. We can observe a three-section design that unfolds to the size of a tablet. The patent sketch shows that one of the three sections will be noticeably thicker than the other two. This section will be the main one where most of the key components like cameras, battery, processor, motherboard, etc. will be available. The main section is almost as thick as the other two when folded.
Then there is the rollable Galaxy smartphone patent, where Samsung is exploring an interesting possibility. Instead of having a traditional smartphone form factor and expanding horizontally, the device would have a compact, almost square form factor, similar to the Galaxy Z Flip devices when folded. The phone would then be able to expand upwards, taking on the form factor of a traditional smartphone.
Essentially, the form factor of the rollable device draws inspiration from clamshell foldables, but it leverages a different technology to expand itself. It’s an interesting approach with the aim of making phones more compact.
Just like any patent, the devices described may never hit the stores. However, rumors of a potential tri-fold Galaxy smartphone appear to be gaining traction recently. So, Samsung could surprise the tech industry next year. In related news, another Samsung patent for a laptop with a folding screen was recently leaked.
