The brick mobile phones of the past seemed like futuristic devices, offering the leverage for new innovation and ideas. However, in comparison to today's technology, the chunky predecessors have revolutionised the mobile market and evolved into sleeker, slimmer more high tech pieces of technology, if only this was also true for human evolution. We would have never imagined we would be moving into a future with folding screens transitioning from a 6.2in outer screen to a 7.6in inner screen. However this is just the start of folding and flipping phones, welcome to the next generation.
Samsung have announced they will be releasing the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 with the latest images leaked on 10th August 2022 at 2pm. Although they look very similar to their predecessors, there are significant hardwear differences when it comes to colour and case. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 will be available in newere colours which include blue, purple, gold and dark grey, offering a new level of customization and personalization for consumers.
The Flip handset itself also appears to be significantly slimmer. Although the previous Flip was slim when opened out to its full screen mode, when folded, it was a little on the chinkey side, keeping in mind it has to accommodate the hinge and screens on either side.
The Fold doesn't seem to have many visible changes which means the changes are potentially more software based. However, it has been rumoured the screen will potentially have a less visible crease as the inner display may be upgraded to a better material compared to the Ultra-Thin Glass that is currency used on the Fold 3 model. The new material is thought to be better and improved quality, offering more safety as it's tougher with better S Pen stylus usage. A disappointing rumour is that the newer model may not have a slot for the S Pen which may have been approved to make the handset itself slimmer like the Flip 4. The Fold 4 is rumoured to have a 3x optical zoom telephoto camera giving it a noticeable boost in camera performance, similarly to the Galaxy 22.
The Samsung Hing
The popularity of smartphones and mobile phones has been increasing over the years, people are equally concerned with function and style. Innovation has been evident throughout the years, but smartphones have started to take on new forms in futile attempts at finding the next 'game changer'. But what’s different this time around is that folding screens are already in production thanks to Samsung and their patented hinge which offers a smooth crease free foldable screen.
The way this works is that an inner display is connected to a hinge, with the outer display sitting behind it; when opened the inner display folds out at an angle and then hinges back down so that it sits flat against the outer display. This also allows for a larger screen when folded inwards. There are two cameras on each edge of this opening and closing system, so that when you lay it flat inwards you can still use four sides of the screen.
(Image Source: Notebook Check)
Foldable displays offer many benefits over regular screens. Many users find them more functional – this opens up a whole new world of form factors and can use the phone the way consumers want by simply folding the display to position. Folding and flipping smartphones can also offer better quality. Yes you can fit more into that case, but also there is less risk of bending or breaking the screen when compared to a standard screen. There is less risk of damage since there are no moving parts, so if something smashes into your phone, then at least you have some consolation that your screen will be alright.
With the latest patent application from Samsung, we can see that there is a possible way to use a tablet and phone in one with this technology. It may be difficult and limit the full capabilities of both devices but it is still possible to use as a phone when unfolded and then switch over to use tablet capabilities by folding it shut. Apple first introduced the idea of a tablet that could also be used as a phone but their idea was not fully realised; if it was, product sales would have surely gone up. This fully foldable screen would allow users to access both functions without having to purchase an additional product.
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