Samsung might be working on a new foldable design that folds twice and would allow for a larger tablet display when unfolded.
The source, LetsGoDigital, uncovered a patent for the device, which was published on 12/23/2021. Details for the device indicate it would have a rear sub-display that would fold inward once and then again to allow an outer display to be visible. The publication drafted CAD mockups from the patent descriptions to bring the smartphone to life.
According to available specs, the handset would feature an in-display fingerprint sensor, a triple rear camera set up, an under panel camera, S-Pen support, USB-C, and an HDMI connector.
The patent also refers to the smartphone as the Samsung Galaxy Tri-Fold, indicating the three segments that fold in a Z shape. Samsung notably already uses the Z branding for its foldable series, even though the devices only include two segments.
Whether this device will release to market remains to be seen, but LetsGoDigital said we should learn more about the device between 2022 and 2023. Some challenges the manufacturer would have to overcome are maintaining antenna quality over a longer wiring distance and an extra fold.
Samsung showcased a “multi-foldable” prototype device International Meeting on Information Display (IMID) 2021 conference in April. Samsung has also filed patents for reverse wireless charging support for a tri-fold smartphone, LetsGoDigital reported last month. Still, none of this is confirmation of a market launch.
These could be indicators of features coming to the Galaxy Z Fold series in near future, for example. Or it could indicate Samsung strengthing the technology of its current foldable brand.
