The first-generation Galaxy Fold hasn't hit store shelves yet, and already eyes are turning towards a future version of the flexible flagship phone. And it looks like Samsung will really shake things up with the Galaxy Fold follow-up, which will presumably be branded as the Galaxy Fold 2.
Prolific tipster Ben Geskin has shared footage of a pliable OLED display with a horizontal fold, which allows the entire screen to fold in half like closing an envelope. This is a very different approach to the current Galaxy Fold, which has a vertical crease down the centre of its screen allowing it to open up like a paperback novel.
Samsung will release a clamshell foldable phone with 6.7-inch OLED display next year, Korea's Electronic Times reportshttps://t.co/exPJlzST29 pic.twitter.com/hq5EoQv3mVJune 25, 2019
Samsung adopt the new approach, which is very reminiscent of the flip-phone design that was popular in the early noughties, for the 6.7-inch OLED that will be fitted inside the second-generation Galaxy Fold, technology blog ETnews reports. That's a little smaller than the 7.3-inch Infinity Flex screen inside the Galaxy Fold.
There are very different use cases for the two designs. While the Galaxy Fold is designed to unfurl into a larger device with a tablet-size display, the Galaxy Fold 2 would fold down into a much smaller package – with an emphasis on portability.
Unlike the first-generation hardware, there doesn't appear to be a secondary touchscreen to enable some basic functionality – such as answering calls, replying to text messages, following directions from an app – while the handset is closed.
According to sources speaking to ETnews, despite the ongoing delays around the Galaxy Fold (the company has purportedly fixed "most" of the issues that plagued the initial run of handsets), Samsung still plans to plough-on and expand its portfolio of foldable phones. It's unclear exactly when the Fold 2 is scheduled to launch, but a report from Korean-language trade publication TheElec claims Samsung is targeting an "early 2020" launch window for the next folding handset.
Unfortunately for Samsung, this innovative new folding mechanism might not look anywhere near as original as it does right now come next year. That's because the design is almost identical to the one planned by Motorola to relaunch its Razr brand.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Motorola confirmed plans to enter the foldable market in an interview with Engadget. In the unusually candid chat, the company confirmed that work is well underway on a handset with a folding display and that it has "no intention of coming later than everybody else in the market".
Based on schematics published with official patents from the company, the all-new 2019 Razr will have a foldable OLED display that runs the length of the handset when you flip open the device. While the rebooted Motorola Razr will still have a hinge, it'll be hidden from view by the display whenever you're using the smartphone. When the smartphone is open, it is expected to have an expansive screen with a widescreen aspect ratio so that you can watch the latest blockbusters without any of those troublesome black bars.
Of course, none of this is confirmed until Samsung and Motorola announce the finalised smartphones. Until then, it's worth taking everything with a pinch of salt.
As a former Staff Writer for T3, Aaron writes about almost anything shiny and techie. When he’s not barking orders at Alexa-powered microwaves or gawping at 5G speed tests, Aaron covers everything from smartphones, tablets and laptops, to speakers, TVs and smart home gadgets. Prior to joining T3, Aaron worked at the Daily Express and and MailOnline.
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra charging speeds leak, and you might be shocked
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has started to be revealed, piece by piece
By Chris Hall Published
-
First look at Oura Ring 4 shows Samsung Galaxy Ring could have a serious rival soon
It needs to launch sharpish though
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Ring works on other Android phones – even iPhone could happen soon
There is a catch though
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD) review: a top class 4K OLED monitor
This stellar display does gaming, streaming, and more
By David Nield Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro withdrawn from sale with a surprising explanation
There's a Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro problem - what's going on?
By Chris Hall Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 tipped to make Android tablets important again
A huge change to Samsung's Galaxy tablets has been confirmed
By Chris Hall Published
-
Huge Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra deal just hit Prime Day – $325 off 2024's best Android phone
The 5-star flagship gets 25% off before the end of the Prime Day sales
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Don't expect a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra at Unpacked, but it's not gone for good
Another foldable Samsung phone was rumoured, cancelled, and now potentially back on the cards.
By Britta O'Boyle Published