Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Z Slide scrollable smartphone in 2022
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy Z Slide scrollable smartphone in 2022
SAMSUNG-Samsung Flagship Store
Figure/letsgodigital
In terms of design, Samsung seems to be developing a model similar to Huawei. Last week, the Dutch website LetsGoDigital reported on a rollable smartphone from Huawei, in which the flexible screen extends to the back. This time, it was Samsung's turn, which also obtained a patent for an expandable smartphone with a scrollable display.
It is worth noting that Samsung’s patents were applied for in Germany. We have not seen this before, because Samsung’s technology in the early development stage is usually applied for in South Korea. Once the development progresses, the patent will be submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the World Intellectual Property Organization. However, this time, the patent was applied for in Germany in order to ensure the exclusivity of the technology in the European market at an early stage. This makes it more likely that Samsung intends to actually implement this technology in its future products. Especially since this is a very detailed patent, all parts of which have been discussed in great detail.
The patent named "Elektronische Vorrichtung mit flexibler Anzeige" was submitted by Samsung Electronics to the German Patent and Trademark Office on April 29, 2021. This 36-page document was released on July 29, 2021, and was also included in the database of the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO).
In its most compact form, this phone is like an ordinary phone, with a curved screen on the left. On the back, the right half of the smartphone also has a display surface. The narrow bezel on the side makes it look like it has two displays, but it is a large, flexible screen that can be slid.
If you feel you need a larger display surface, you can easily turn your phone into a tablet format. When viewed from the front, the right side of the screen can be pulled out, and then the surface of the screen can be placed about 40-50%. The user interface is automatically adjusted according to how the phone is used.
In order to better understand this patented technology, talented graphic designer Technizo Concept produced a series of 3D renderings for LetsGoDigital based on Samsung Electronics' patented pictures. The product rendering has a good impression of the appearance of this scrollable smartphone.
Instead of using magnets to make the screen wrinkle-free, Samsung chose to apply multiple flexible/elastic "carrier films" around the roller. These provide some distance between the screen and the roller to reduce friction. In addition, Samsung has also deployed a multi-link hinge structure, which should also help create a flat, wrinkle-free screen. This ingenious multi-link hinge pulls tight from the left side of the device when bent, thereby supporting the flexible display. In addition, there is a rigid board where the screen is pulled out, and it is no longer supported by the housing itself.
The scrolling process of the screen is automatic, and the user only needs to press a button to start it. This function can be achieved through a separate button, but it can also be incorporated into the power button placed on the top of the device. The fingerprint sensor will be integrated under the screen.
Alternatively, the device can be equipped with S Pen support. Also striking is that Samsung mentioned the integration of an under-screen camera for this model.
Regarding the rear camera, the original patent picture shows a dual camera with a vertical design. However, the document mentions the integration of multiple cameras, such as a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, and a macro camera for close-ups. This is why Technizo Concept chose a camera system similar to Galaxy Z Fold 3 to produce 3D renderings.
In the past year, some manufacturers have shown prototypes of scrollable smartphones. It started with LG Rollable (later, unfortunately, LG's mobile phone business was completely annihilated), then the OPPO x 2021 concept smartphone was launched, followed by TCL Fold'n Roll. Samsung Display also demonstrated a similar sliding smart phone in May of this year.
Figure/letsgodigital
So far, all the scrollable smartphones we have come into contact with-from prototypes to patents-can be roughly divided into two designs.
The first is similar to the Oppo x 2021 using an internal frame, when it is pulled out, it will move with the flexible display. The advantage of this is that even in the unfolded situation, the device can maintain its thickness, which is beneficial to the stability of the handheld device.
However, in Samsung's patented model this time, the mobile phone is obviously not so thick where the flexible screen is introduced-finally, this time only a rigid board is used to support it instead of the full frame. Therefore, when you put the phone on the table and want to use it, it will shake.
But in addition to shaking, this design also has several advantages. First, the screen can be expanded further, which means you have a larger display surface for you to use. When using the internal frame, the screen area can be increased by about 30%, and with this solution, it can be increased by 40% to 50%. Huawei's similar concept even allows a second sliding position, which increases the screen area by 70%.
Another advantage of this design is the extra screen area on the back. This is achieved by the way the scroll screen is stored in the housing. This also leaves extra space for the necessary components in the housing.
By using the internal framework, a lot of space is lost. This may be at the expense of battery capacity.
Samsung has made it clear many times that it sees the prospect of foldable smartphones. This year will not release a new Galaxy Note, but release two new foldable models, this is not unreasonable. No other brand can bring so many foldable phones on the market like Samsung. In this way, the company hopes to maintain its technological lead over competitors in the future.
The question now is where the future of smart phones will go. It is expected that for some time in the future, Samsung will continue to focus on foldable and scrollable smartphones. Of course, it is not unimaginable that Samsung will launch its first scrollable product during Galaxy Unpacked in 2022.
The Korean manufacturer has registered two possible model names: Galaxy Z Roll and Galaxy Z Slide. It is still unclear whether these are two different devices. This may be the case, although the difference between them is not clear-perhaps it is a horizontal and vertical sliding screen. Prior to this, Samsung will first launch two new foldable products; Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 will be officially released next Wednesday
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