The foldable smartphone market continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what's possible with flexible display technology. While consumers are still getting accustomed to the current generation of dual-fold devices, Samsung appears to be looking much further ahead with an innovative design that could redefine portable computing.
Samsung's Revolutionary Quad-Fold Design
Samsung has recently filed a patent with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) titled Electronic Device Including a Bendable Display that showcases a smartphone capable of folding four times. The patent, uploaded on March 27th, includes detailed sketches revealing a device with four display panels connected by multiple hinges, allowing the entire assembly to fold inward. This design represents a significant leap beyond the current dual-fold smartphones on the market and even surpasses the tri-fold concepts that have been rumored to be in development.
Technical Implementation
According to the patent illustrations, the quad-fold device would feature a more complex hinge system than current foldables, with special attention paid to the central connection between the second and third panels. The design appears to prioritize protection of the display surface by enabling a complete inward fold, which would shield the screen from potential impact damage when closed. The panels would reportedly be topped with a single glass cover display, potentially giving the device a crease-free appearance when fully unfolded.
Market Context and Competition
Samsung's exploration of quad-fold technology comes at an interesting time in the foldable market. Huawei has already established itself in the tri-fold space with its Mate XT device, gaining a first-mover advantage in this category. Industry reports suggest that Samsung is planning to respond with its own tri-fold phone, reportedly called the Galaxy G Fold, which could launch alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in July. Korean news sources have indicated that this tri-fold device may enter mass production this month.
From Concept to Reality
While patents don't necessarily guarantee product releases, Samsung has been actively showcasing prototypes that suggest serious development in this direction. At this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC), the company demonstrated several multi-fold screen concepts, including its Flex G and Flex S designs, which provide insight into how future tri-folding and multi-folding devices might function. The company also displayed a vertical folding concept with a claw-like design that leaves a portion of the screen visible when closed.
Samsung's Foldable Concepts Showcased at MWC:
- Flex G design
- Flex S design
- Vertical claw-like foldable
Upcoming Samsung Foldable Timeline:
- Galaxy G Fold (tri-fold): Reportedly entering mass production April 2025
- Expected launch: July 2025 alongside Galaxy Z Fold 7
- Initial markets: Korea and China only
Practical Applications
The appeal of a quad-fold device lies in its versatility. When fully unfolded, it would provide a tablet-sized display significantly larger than current foldables, potentially approaching the dimensions of small laptops. When folded, the device could maintain a pocket-friendly form factor, addressing one of the key value propositions of foldable technology: combining large-screen functionality with portable convenience.
Market Availability Considerations
If Samsung does move forward with quad-fold technology, it may follow a similar strategy to its rumored tri-fold device, which is expected to have limited availability. Reports suggest the upcoming Galaxy G Fold may only be released in Korea and China initially, possibly indicating a cautious approach to testing market reception before wider distribution.
The Future of Foldables
Samsung's patent filing demonstrates that the company continues to invest heavily in exploring the future of foldable technology. As the current market leader in foldable smartphones, Samsung's experimental designs provide insight into potential directions for the category. While a quad-fold device represents significant engineering challenges in terms of durability, thickness, and battery life, it also showcases the company's ambition to push the boundaries of what's possible in mobile computing.