According to a recent patent application, Samsung may be developing a foldable smartphone featuring four folding panels. The design outlined in the patent includes three hinges that enable the panels to extend into a single, elongated display. When not in use, the four panels transform into a notably thick bar, marking a significant advancement in the company’s foldable smartphone line. This comes as Samsung has yet to release a tri-fold smartphone that would compete with Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate Design, which is currently available in select markets.
Three Hinges Indicated in Samsung’s Latest Patent
Details from the patent application on the WIPO website, referenced by SamMobile, suggest that Samsung is exploring a foldable device comprising four partitions. These segments are interconnected through three hinges. When fully opened, the smartphone has the potential to deliver a significantly larger display. Notably, the second and third panels are linked by a more complex hinge, designed to allow the farthest panels to fold inwards.
Configurations of Samsung’s foldable phone in both folded and unfolded states (Tap to expand)
Photo Credit: WIPO/ Samsung
The document is titled ‘Electronic device including bendable display’ and includes some of Samsung’s most sophisticated foldable designs to date. Previously, the company has showcased various prototypes featuring three folding panels as well as a “rollable” display. However, the device described in this latest patent has the potential to unfold into a significantly larger screen, enhancing its usability.
Illustrations in the patent indicate that the two inner panels can fold towards each other, while subsequent drawings depict the outer panels folding over the inner ones with the assistance of two hinges. Once in a partially folded position, users can further fold the device along a central hinge.
This mechanism produces a notably thick but compact foldable smartphone. The device can be fully opened to show a more extensive display while alternative views of the fully folded state have also been included in the documentation.
Additional illustrations from the patent document displaying the foldable design (tap to expand)
Photo Credit: WIPO/ Samsung
Recently, another patent application from Samsung suggested the company might be developing a foldable device that can bend both inwards and outwards. A prototype of such a device was showcased earlier this year. Samsung is also working on a tri-fold phone featuring two hinges and support for the S Pen.
It remains uncertain whether Samsung intends to transform the four-panel foldable device described in the patent into a commercial offering. The company routinely presents advanced display prototypes that may not see commercial release, leaving open the possibility of a future reveal for this foldable innovation.
