Samsung joins the tri-fold smartphone bandwagon with new patent

A few days ago we posted about LG’s patent for flexible screen smartphone which folded into a Z-shape.

Now their South Korean rivals have stepped up with their own patent, with LetsGoDigital uncovering Samsung’s own Z-based handset.

The 2018 patent was approved in May this year by the KIPO (Korean Intellectual Property Office) and published on the 7th August.

As noted earlier, the design features two hinges and folds into a Z-shape, delivering an exceptionally large screen which nevertheless allows the device to fold into a standard smartphone shape, with a large front-facing screen (unlike the Samsung Galaxy Fold for example, which only has a tiny screen on the outside) while still having a protective casing at the back, leaving the fragile screen no more exposed to damage than current handsets.

Users also have the option of folding both “wings” in such that the middle screen becomes the front screen.

If ultra-wide is too wide users also have the option to simply fold only one “wing” in.

While it is unlikely we will see such a device anytime soon, recent patents by screen experts LG and Samsung suggests research is clearly working towards even thinner and more flexible folding screens, allowing what was previously fantasy to edge ever closer to reality.

The patent can be seen here.