Samsung was one of the first companies to launch a foldable smartphone and is also actively trying to bring more and more such devices to the market. For this, the company has been experimenting with different foldable designs.
Now, a report coming from LetsGoDigital, citing a new patent from Samsung, claims that the South Korean giant is developing a Galaxy Z Flip-type smartphone that can be folded in two directions — inwards and outwards, eliminating the need for a larger cover display.
The patent, applied in October last year, describes a clamshell phone with an elongated display, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. Because of the unique ability of the smartphone to fold in both directions, the hinge also needs to be redesigned.
When folded, the flexible screen remains protected against external influences. Folding the device the other way gives access to a large screen on both the front and rear. Additionally, the phone can be used in a fully open position, after which the entire flexible screen can be used.
The phone features a dual punch-hole camera on the front side. As the flash cannot be used on the device due to safety concerns, the company has opted to illuminate the display as a workaround for flash.
Interestingly, the phone will come with an in-display fingerprint sensor, which if turns out to be true, will be the first time for a foldable smartphone. Currently, there is no foldable device that comes with an under-display fingerprint scanner.
Do note that this is a patent from Samsung and there’s a possibility that the company isn’t planning to launch such a device anytime soon. However, the company is working on several foldable smartphones, including the Z Flip (5G), Z Flip 3, and Z Fold 3 that will get launched later this year.
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