How Samsung’s foldable devices define the future of smartphone innovation – Samsung Newsroom in Chile

When Samsung Electronics unveiled its first flexible display prototype in 2011, few imagined they were seeing a glimpse into the future of the mobile industry. Now, a decade later, Samsung shipped 4 times more foldable devices in 2021 than in 2020, outstripping market growth analysts had expected to triple.[1].

User enthusiasm for Samsung foldable devices can be seen in the success of the Galaxy Z series, as the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 in the first month of their launch exceeded the cumulative sales of Samsung foldable devices in 2020.

With the distribution of foldable smartphones expected to double by ten in 2023, [2] It’s time to take a look at the key moments, key innovations, and important partnerships that helped make foldable devices the next big thing.

Bringing folding to users around the world

Samsung first introduced the concept of flexible screens in 2011, but it would take more than a decade to bring foldable devices to consumers around the world.

The next major breakthrough came in 2019, when Samsung finally brought its foldable vision to reality with the Galaxy Fold, its first foldable device. Shortly thereafter, the Galaxy Z Flip arrived with an elegant design type scalloped – A nod to old foldable phones – which made this smartphone an instant icon.

After a decade of advancement and three generations of innovation, the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 brought greater durability and a better user experience. Not only have they set new standards in the industry, but they have also revived consumer interest in smartphones in general.

The innovations behind the technology

From creating new materials and methods to overcoming mechanical challenges, the creation of Samsung’s foldable line required smartphones to be reimagined from the inside.

From the beginning, Samsung engineers realized that the key to creating a new category was to develop a series of new technologies to ensure that the devices meet the expectations of consumers around the world.

for example, Infinity Flex Screen And Samsung UTG made the world’s first foldable glass screen possible. While the screen could be a continuous piece of glass, the folding chassis is made up of two distinct components, this unique chassis meant that to keep the design slim enough for everyday use, engineers had to completely rethink the placement of the internal components. This challenge involved designing a new internal cooling system, as well as a dual battery system with technology that optimizes multiple power sources as one.

To ensure that the devices can withstand hundreds of thousands of bends, a hinge mechanism has been designed cachewith technology sweeper To help keep dust and dirt away. The hinge also added a new layer of functionality to Samsung’s foldable cartridges by keeping them open on its own, perfect for watching videos, making video calls or taking selfies hands-free.

Samsung’s dedication to creating new foldable innovations enabled it to reach another major milestone in 2021 with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3, the first foldable device to receive an IPX8 water resistance rating.

However, the features that distinguish Samsung’s foldable feature are not all hidden under the display. With app continuity, a responsive user interface that provides seamless transitions between folded and unfolded modes, and features like active multi-window and flexible mode, Samsung foldable devices open up new ways to work, play and express yourself.

Leading user demand for folding devices

This unprecedented push for innovation has fueled demand for foldable devices, drawing more users into the Galaxy family than ever before. Compared to the Galaxy Note20, Samsung saw a 150% increase[3] in consumers who switched from a smartphone to the Galaxy Z Flip and an increase of 140% compared to the Galaxy S21.

A simple explanation for this increase is that both devices in the Galaxy Z series offer unique features that appeal to certain groups of users in a way no other smartphone has done before.

A consumer survey conducted by Samsung revealed that elegant design, portability and an innovative foldable shape were the main factors for Galaxy Z Flip3 purchases. The ability to use the cover screen without unlocking the device was another important factor for those who value their privacy, as well as for those who wanted to organize screen time with their mental health in mind. For their part, Galaxy Z Fold3 users said they were drawn to its large video display, multitasking capabilities and productivity features, including the S Pen.[4] In the end, it’s clear that both devices give consumers more incentive than ever to switch to a foldable device, even if it means leaving a brand or operating system.

Pioneers of the future of folding

As more consumers learn about the amazing potential of folding, interest in this category will continue to grow. With a variety of innovations coming to users in the coming years, Samsung will continue to lead the foldable category with more advanced technologies.

To achieve this goal, Samsung is focusing its attention on research and development, as well as open collaboration with application developers and industry partners such as Google.

For years, Samsung and Google have teamed up to make the foldable experience possible by providing Android developers with the necessary framework and resources. In 2021, companies announced guidelines for creating apps for large-screen and foldable devices, building on Google’s work to improve its most popular apps — such as Gmail, YouTube, Duo, and Maps — for foldable devices. Going forward, Samsung will continue to work with partners and developers to develop technologies that guide the future of the mobile industry.

By creating an entirely new category of mobile phone a decade ago, Samsung has raised the bar for innovation in the industry. Looking to the next decade and beyond, the company will continue to reinvent the mobile experience to transform what is possible when it is deployed.

[1] According to numbers from Counterpoint Research

[2] According to numbers from Counterpoint Research

[3] Samsung big data center

[4] Only the Galaxy Z Fold3’s home screen is capable of using the S Pen. Only compatible with S Pen Fold or S Pen Pro version, sold separately.