Fold and Roll Smartphone... "Samsung's Next Model Resembles Z Fold3"

Dutch IT media LetsGoDigital reports
citing Samsung Display patent documents

Tentative name 'Galaxy Z Fold and Roll' patent application image. Photo by LetsGoDigital

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Samsung Electronics is widening the technology gap by developing a new foldable smartphone that combines features of foldable and rollable smartphones. It is expected to apply an advanced screen expansion technology that is similar in appearance to the recently unveiled 'Galaxy Z Fold3' but one step more sophisticated.

On the 24th (local time), Dutch IT media LetsGoDigital cited Samsung Display's patent documents and reported, "Samsung is developing a pull-out screen device based on the principle of folding and unfolding." The new smartphone was tentatively named 'Galaxy Z Fold and Roll' for convenience.

The patent filed by Samsung Display on February 1st was made public on this day, providing a glimpse into Samsung's next foldable phone strategy. The smartphone model filed by Samsung Display includes over 40 product sketches across two models.

Design-wise, it closely resembles the latest model, the Z Fold3. It appears to feature Samsung's signature Hideaway hinge, a triple rear camera, and an internal foldable screen. The Hideaway hinge is a patented technology filed by Samsung in Europe that minimizes foreign substance intrusion by reducing external exposure.

Tentative name 'Galaxy Z Fold and Roll' patent application image. Photo by LetsGoDigital

However, the new smartphone differentiates itself from previous models by not displaying a front screen. Samsung designed a sliding system so that when the phone is folded and the screen is expanded, a narrow and long display appears to the right of the camera system. Thanks to this device, users can take selfies using the main camera.

The two revealed models differ only in the direction of expansion, left or right. However, LetsGoDigital analyzed that the second model creates a significant difference as the additional camera surface gains an advantage by being on the front rather than the rear.

At first glance, it resembles the 'Fold and Roll' smartphone concept unveiled by Chinese company TCL at the 'TCL 20 Pro' launch event in April, but LetsGoDigital pointed out differences in actual technology implementation. LetsGoDigital noted, "TCL's expandable model only increased the screen area when unfolded," whereas "Samsung intends to use the expandable screen portion as a cover screen when folded."

Samsung Electronics is expected to launch its first rollable smartphone in 2022. Having completed trademark registrations for 'Galaxy Z Roll' and 'Galaxy Z Slide,' the new product release is anticipated to be imminent.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.