A new leak has revealed some interesting information regarding the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. Apparently, the next gen foldable phone will be arrive a stronger material for its display that will enable it to support regular S Pens.

According to Naver, the Galaxy Z Fold4 will arrive with a more durable version of Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), which could be marketed as the Super UTG. Furthermore, the South Korean tech giant is also planning on bringing support for regular S Pens that won’t damage the display panel, because of this change. For those unaware, the Galaxy Z Fold3 was not strong enough to properly support the regular version of S Pen without possibly damaging the display.

Thus, the brand had to introduce the S Pen Fold Edition, which had retractable tip. But now, it seems that the next gen version of the Galaxy Fold will support the regular version thanks to the strong UTG. Notably, the news came from someone claiming to work for Samsung’s domestic supply chain. So take this information with a pinch of salt for now. Although, while the UTG is flexible and proved to be reliable, the company must have realized that it needs to be more durable.

Thanks to the new Super UTG, many issues related to Galaxy Fold devices cracking will likely be addressed. Recently, a few users of Reddits have come forward with their damaged Galaxy Z Fold3. They stated that the screen cracked without any reason but the company refused to fix them claiming that they were caused by external factors. So, the new UTG might be the answer to solving this issue on next gen foldable phones.

RELATED:

• Samsung to launch 6 laptops in India on March 17
• Samsung Galaxy A53 5G hands on video emerges with full specs before launch
• Samsung Galaxy Book Go with Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 SoC listed on Flipkart, Indian launch imminent

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 rumored to support regular S Pen & stronger display appeared first on Gizmochina.

Last year, Xiaomi officially launched its first foldable smartphone in the market under the MIX lineup, dubbed Mi MIX Fold. Now, the company is working on its successor, which is likely to be called Xiaomi MIX Fold 2.

As per the latest report, the upcoming foldable smartphone from Xiaomi has appeared in the IMEI database and the device has also passed through the certification process, revealing its model number to be 22061218C.

It has also been revealed that the Xiaomi MIX Fold 2 could be officially launched in the Chinese market sometime in June or July next year. The phone, which is said to have “zizhan” codename, will come with upgraded specifications.

The latest report claims that the company will be using an 8.1-inch UTG AMOLED flexible screen from Samsung Display. The UTG display is thinly processed at the level of 30 microns and is made through a process that improves flexibility and durability.

Further, it is also said that the smartphone will have redesigned and upgraded hinges. As for the other improvements in the upcoming device, we will have to wait for a couple of more months before we start getting leaks.

For those who are unaware, Xiaomi had used the Polyimide Film (PI) for the flexible screen used in the MIX Fold smartphone, which was provided by Huaxing Optoelectronics (TCL CSOT). The same technology was also used by Huawei for its Mate X2.

RELATED: 

• Leak reveals the first batch of Xiaomi smartphones receiving MIUI 13 update
• Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Cover renders reveal camera bump and design profile
• Xiaomi TV Stick 4K is finally here with Android TV 11, Dolby Vision/Atmos, and more
• Xiaomi seeks to develop new Display tech with its latest Joint Lab
• Xiaomi Notebook Geekbench listings expose Intel’s 12th-gen i5 and i7 processors

The post Xiaomi MIX Fold 2 to feature Samsung’s 8.1-inch UTG display with high refresh rate appeared first on Gizmochina.

OPPO is expected to unveil its first foldable smartphone dubbed OPPO Find N on December 15. Ahead of the launch, the device has been revealed by Korean media outfit TheElec to have a Samsung Display foldable screen for its 7.1-inch folding OLED panel while the front display is a 5.45-inch flat OLED panelsupplied by China’s BOE.

TheElec has also revealled that other Chinese companies are already patronising Samsung Display for their next foldable phones. Xiaomi is one of such firms as the Xiaomi MIX 2 foldable smartphone is touted to feature a UTG panel supplied by Samsung Display.

Samsung partnered with Corning to pioneer the UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) foldable display panel in 2020. The Galaxy Fold/Flip series was hitherto the only models utilizing the UTG panel until OPPO came onboard. Meanwhile Chinese smartphone makers use CPI (Colorless Polyimide) as display cover for their foldable models like the Huawei Mate X released in 2019 as well as the Mate X2 and Mi Mix Fold. But obviously, the CPI is not as durable as Samsung Display’s UTG panel hence the quest to shift to UTG. BOE is looking to give Samsung a run for its money in the UTG market.

Xiaomi’s upcoming MIX Fold 2 is detailed to feature Samsung Display’s 8.01-inch OLED panel with UTG as well as TCL CSOT’s 6.52-inch panel for the front screen. Xiaomi had initially used foldable display panels supplied by TCL CSOT as well as for the front screen  on the Mi MIX Fold.

Apart from Xiaomi, Vivo is also said to use display panels supplied by Samsung Disply and BOE for the inner foldable and outer displays respectively of its foldable phone. Huawei is said to have considered securing foldable OLED panels from Samsung Display but the plan was later shelved as far back as the first half of the year. The CHinese giant may likely retail BOE who had supplied the panels for the Mate X and Mate X2. Honor’s upcoming foldable device is also tipped to use BOE’s foldable display panel.

RELATED:

• OPPO Find N foldable phone live images leaked, company also drops new teaser video
• OPPO Reno7 Pro League of Legends edition released along with a 50W ‘biscuit’ charger
• vivo patents ‘extendable display’ phone, similar to the OPPO X 2021
• ISRO signs MoU with OPPO for NavIC messaging services

The post Xiaomi MIX Fold 2 to also use Samsung Display’s UTG foldable OLED panel appeared first on Gizmochina.

OPPO kickstarted the OPPO INNO DAY 2021 conference today. The company made multiple announcements, however, the star of the show, OPPO Find N, will be only unveiled tomorrow. Ahead of that, a report reveals the display suppliers of the company’s first foldable smartphone.

According to a report by The Elec (via SamMobile), the yet-to-be-announced OPPO Find N uses a 7.1-inch foldable OLED panel supplied by Samsung Display. This screen is protected by UTG (Ultra Thin Glass) instead of polyimide film. However, the external 5,45-inch OLED panel comes from BOE.

Further, the internal folding screen supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate. Despite that, it consumes less energy as it utilizes LTPO  (Low Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) TFT (Thin Film Transistor).

Up until now, Samsung Electronics has been the sole OEM to offer UTG and LTPO tech in its foldables. With the OPPO Find N, OPPO becomes the first-ever Chinese OEM to offer these advanced foldable technologies.

The report further notes that even Xiaomi and vivo will use Samsung Display-supplied panels for their upcoming foldables. For the unaware, TCL CSOT provided foldable and external screens for Xiaomi’s first foldable smartphone, Mi MIX Fold.

The forthcoming Xiaomi MIX Fold 2 is said to arrive with an 8.01-inch OLED foldable panel with UTG from Samsung Display. However, the external 6.52-inch OLED screen will be from TCL CSOT.

Lastly, vivo will use a Samsung Display panel for the internal screen and a BOE panel for the external screen. Whereas, Huawei scrapped its plans to use Samsung Display panels earlier this year and went with BOE instead. Honor is also expected to use BOE.

RELATED:

• OPPO Find N foldable phone live images leaked, company also drops new teaser video
• OPPO Reno7 Pro League of Legends edition released along with a 50W ‘biscuit’ charger
• vivo patents ‘extendable display’ phone, similar to the OPPO X 2021
• ISRO signs MoU with OPPO for NavIC messaging services

The post OPPO Find N uses UTG foldable screen from Samsung Display appeared first on Gizmochina.

Major smartphone brands in China will apparently shift to UTG (Ultra Thin Glass) for their upcoming foldable handsets. These OEMs will opt for these panels as voer windows on flexible phones launching in H2 2021.

As per a report from TheElec, the Chinese brands will be following Samsung in shifting away from polyimide films to glasses for the cover window that is used on the flexible display panels on foldable smartphones. While the original Galaxy Fold that launched in 2019 featured polyimide, its successor and every subsequent foldable models like the Galaxy Z Flip that launched last year now sported UTG panels.

As of right now, every foldable handset from Chinese brands has arrived with polyimide films so far. This includes the likes of the Huawei Mate X2 and Xiaomi Mi MIX Fold, which launched earlier this year. But now, foldable smartphones launching in the second half of this year by Chinese vendors will use UTG panels. Reportedly, the   from Xiaomi will launch later this year and will feature an 8.01 inch screen from Samsung Display on the inside that is covered with UTG.

Similarly, Vivo is also gearing up for the launch of its own foldable smartphone in the fourth quarter of this year that will sport an 8 inch display on the inside as well. It will also arrive with UTG for the flexible panel that is made by Samsung Display. Other notable brands include Honor and even Google, which is rumored to launch a 7.6 inch inward folding smartphone.

RELATED:

• A new Samsung Galaxy A12 variant with Exynos 850 is set to launch soon
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 to adopter AES digitizer, thicker UTG for S Pen support
• BOE to take on Samsung Display in the UTG market, partners with domestic suppliers

The post Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Vivo to use UTG in foldable smartphones arriving in H2 2021 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung has been a leader in the foldable smartphone category having launched a few devices with the new form factor. Several other manufacturers are entering the category and one of them is Google with its new foldable Pixel smartphone.

Now, a new report coming from Korea claims that Samsung will be supplying its ultra-thin glass (UTG) to Google. So far, Samsung Display is supplying Ultra-Thin Glass exclusively to Samsung Electronics.

It is believed that the South Korean company decided to sell UTG to other companies as it plans to expand its foldable display business. Along with Google, the company could start shipping UTG to other companies in the second half of this year.

Ultra-Thin Glass was announced by Samsung in February last year and is manufactured using an intensifying process to achieve enhanced flexibility and durability compared to traditional polyimide cover window.

For those who are unaware, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip was the first phone to use the Ultra-Thin Glass as the cover window for its inner screen. The recently launched Galaxy Z Fold 2 also uses UTG.

As for the foldable Google Pixel smartphone, there’s no information about the phone’s design or features. But it is claimed that the device will be using Samsung Display’s foldable OLED panel. While the launch date is not known, it is believed that the phone will be unveiled at a hardware event in the fall along with Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

RELATED: 

• Google continued to access users’ locations even after location sharing was turned off
• Latest Redmi K40 Gaming Edition update brings support for Google Mobile Services
• Google finally starts pushing the new Fuchsia OS for the first-gen Nest Hub

The post Foldable Google Pixel smartphone to feature an ultra-thin glass cover window appeared first on Gizmochina.

China’s largest display maker, BOE, has started securing Ultra Thin Glass or UTG technology. This piece of technology is an integral part of foldable smartphones, which is commercialized by Samsung Display.

As per a report from ETNews, the Chinese display maker is planning on entering the commercial market for UTG. It is seeking to cooperate and meet with several domestic UTG related materials suppliers, part makers, and equipment manufacturing companies as well. In other words, all the firms related to the folding glass process are being targeted and BOE will be supervising the new project.

UP NEXT: Apple iPhone 12 Pro may soon be made in India and Brazil, iPhone 12 mini battery capacity revealed: Report

According to a source close to the matter, “BOE is planning on mass producing 20 million foldable panels, and has proposed cooperation for mass production of UTG.” For those unaware, UTGs are used on a foldable display panel. Glass is generally used to provide a rigid structure that does not break when bent or folded. However, making the glass thinner helps it become more flexible and can allow the display to be folded. Although, this also requires a complex process to make it sturdy as well.

Samsung Display has developed the world’s first UTG, which can be folded and unfolded more than 200,000 times. At the moment, it is the only brand to have commercialized on the UTG market for a foldable smartphones, with the technology being a core component. Thus, the move from BOE can be said to be an attempt to narrow the technology gap with Samsung and may even offer a more viable alternative to smartphone OEMs.

UP NEXT: HTC Desire 20+ with Snapdragon 720G, 48MP quad cameras and 5,000mAh battery launched in Taiwan

The post BOE to take on Samsung Display in the UTG market, partners with domestic suppliers appeared first on Gizmochina.

Samsung is the forerunner of foldable smartphones. The company just launched Galaxy Z Fold2 a few hours ago as its third foldable device. Ahead of it, news broke out that Samsung Electronics has partnered with Corning to develop its own foldable glass.

The display, display cover, and hinge are the three main crucial hardware parts of a foldable smartphone. The original Galaxy Fold uses CPI (Colorless Polyimide) as display cover, which is not as durable as UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) used in the other two devices from the company – Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold2.

For those unaware, Samsung Electronics and Samsung Display are two independent companies. The latter supplies OLED panels for almost all the devices manufactured by former except for the upcoming Galaxy M51.

Samsung Display also supplies UTG for Samsung Electronics, which is manufactured by  DOWOO INSYS using glass substrates supplied by SCHOTT AG. Thus, the electronics division of Samsung has to pay a large amount of money for display and display cover supplies.

EDITOR’S PICK: Samsung is working on three foldables, including a model with support for S Pen

Back in April, a report by South Korea’s ETNews stated that Samsung Electronics was looking to manufacture UTG on its own to reduce the overall manufacturing cost of its foldables. That report mentioned that UTG used in Galaxy Z Flip costs $40 per unit compared to $2 for flat glass used in normal smartphones.

This is one of the reasons why foldables are expensive. But that could change in the coming years as Samsung Electronics has successfully joined hands with Corning to develop its own UTG as per a report by the same publication. This news comes after the company had patented three different types of screen covers for foldables, out of which, two of them involves UTG.

The new report states that “according to the display industry, Samsung Electronics IT & Mobile Communications Business has recently started receiving necessary glass substrates from Corning”.

That means the company will continue to improve its yield in the coming months so that it could be self-reliant as well as competitive to Samsung Display. This will further lead to competition among other glass manufacturers in the next few years eventually bringing down the cost of foldable smartphones as a whole.

On the other hand, Samsung Display has now begun to focus on diversifying its customers as it cannot rely on Samsung Electronics. In fact, it has already received orders for OLED  panels from Huawei for its foldable smartphones. 

UP NEXT: Samsung Display sells off its Suzhou LCD plant to TCL Technology

The post Report: Samsung Electronics partners with Corning to develop its own UTG for foldable smartphones appeared first on Gizmochina.

Last year, companies like Samsung and Huawei introduced their first foldable smartphones in the market and now both the companies are gearing up to launch a second-generation of the same pretty soon.

Apart from these two brands, other smartphone makers are also working on their own foldable devices. While companies are working on an innovative design for their smartphones, it seems that technology will remain unchanged for years.

According to the report from market research firm UBI Research, foldable smartphones are expected to keep using the ultra-thin glass (UTG) and colorless polyimide (CPI) at least for the next five years.

It further added that the shipments for the CPI films and UTG will reach 4.5 million units and 3.5 million units, respectively, this year. The firm predicts that both the materials will grow in the next 5 years.

As per the estimated, by the year 2024, CPI films shipment will reach 37.1 million units and UTG 30.5 million units. The research firm said it took into account the outlook for foldable OLED panels and manufacturers’ yield rates.

EDITOR’S PICK: Huawei Mate V moniker trademarked possibly for the in-ward folding foldable phone

Samsung Electronics is procuring its foldable OLED panels from Samsung Display which uses Sumimoto Chemical’s CPI films. On the other hand, BOE and Royole both have used CPI films from South Korea’s Kolon Industries.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip smartphone, launched earlier this year, was the first foldable smartphone from Samsung to use ultra-thing glass (UTG). The company will be using the same for the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 2, which is expected to launch next month.

The report from UBI Research claims that Samsung Display will supply Samsung Electronics with foldable OLED panels with UTG while shipping those with CPI films to Huawei. But, most other vendors will use CPI films but are researching foldable OLED panels that use UTG as well.

UP NEXT: Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra live shots reveal curved display, slimmer bezels, and sleek rear

(Via)

The post Foldable smartphones to keep using UTG, CPI for next 5 years: UBI Research appeared first on Gizmochina.

A new report has suggested that both Huawei and Xiaomi have placed orders for UTG or ultra thin glass panels. These panels are typically found as a layer on top of foldable smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. Hence, the new orders might be for a possible future variant of Huawei’s Mate X series and Xiaomi’s commercial version of the Mi MIX Alpha.

For those unaware, UTG is an improved version of the polyimide film which was initially used in the first generation of foldable handsets like the Galaxy Fold and Mate X. Thus, it is a stronger, more durable, and flexible thin panel. Notably, the Xiaomi Mi MIX Alpha concept smartphone used a Visionox display that wrapped around the device, while the relatively more recent Mate Xs featured UTG.

Editor’s Pick: iQOO Z1x will reportedly feature a 120Hz high refresh rate display

At the moment, Xiaomi has yet to launch a commercial version of the Mi MIX Alpha, but the report from Digital Chat Station (@数码闲聊站) does hint at a possible variant. The report was shared on Weibo, a Chinese microblogging website, and is apparently from the supply chains of both the Chinese tech giants that are purchasing curved panels and surround panels.

UP NEXT: Google’s Nearby Share feature for Android may also support Chrome OS, Windows, Linux, and macOS

The post Huawei and Xiaomi are buying UTG panels for future Mate X or MIX Alpha models: Report appeared first on Gizmochina.

The highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 has been rumored to be announced at the August 5th event, during which, the company will be launching its flagship Galaxy Note 20 series. However, despite its announcement, the Galaxy Fold 2 may not be available shortly after its official announcement.

According to a new report, the second iteration of Samsung’s first foldable smartphone has yet to have its software development process reach a final version of its bootloader. At the moment, the Galaxy Note 20 has reached this point and will be available shortly after the launch conference. Furthermore, another source revealed that the Galaxy Fold 2 will only start production in August and not July of 2020.

Editor’s Pick: Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 specifications leak reveals two variants, battery sizes and more

The reason for the display is reportedly the supply constraints regarding the Ultra thin Glass or UTG that Samsung will be adopting on top of the Galaxy Fold 2’s foldable display. The UTG covering was first introduced on the Galaxy Z Flip and a new report has stated that the issues with supply will last until next year. Thus, the Galaxy Fold 2 will be hard to manufacture for the time being.

Although, the flagship foldable smartphone is also expected to be more affordable than the original Galaxy Fold, and is rumored to feature a larger display on the inside and outside as well. Under the hood, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G SoC will likely be found, with a 4,500mAh split battery will be housed in the two halves of the device. Samsung might also improve in other aspects as well, and include water and dust resistance. So stay tuned as we will be providing more updates on the launch.

UP NEXT: Samsung India unveils the JBL Quantum gaming headphone series starting at $52

(Via:1,2)

The post Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 might face a launch delay after official announcement appeared first on Gizmochina.

Foldables are thought to be the future of smartphones and Samsung is the leading company in this tech with two products already available worldwide. Samsung Electronics has been working to be self-reliant for the display covers used on its foldable devices. Last month, it was reported that the company is planning to make its own foldable glass. Now, the firm has been confirmed to have patented three different screen covers.

The two primary aspects of any foldable are its hinge design and display cover. The former differs by the form factor and use-case of the devices. Whereas, the latter has remained the same on almost all foldable devices released so far except Galaxy Z Flip.

Most foldable available in the market such as Galaxy Fold, Huawei Mate X, Huawei Mate Xs, and Motorola Razr use a plastic cover for their flexible OLED panels. Whereas, the Z Flip, on the other hand, is the only device to feature UTG (Ultra Thin Glass), which is more durable.

But Samsung Electronics outsources both the plastic cover and UTG for its foldables from Samsung Display, which itself buys them from companies like DOWOO INSYS. Hence, it costs around $40 for Samsung Electronics to make UTG used in Galaxy Z Flip compared to $2 for normal flat glass.

Note: Samsung Electronics and Samsung Display are two different companies operating independently.

This is why Samsung Electronics has patented its own screen covers made of polyimide. It has patented for three different types of cover and they are as follow.

• Polyimide film
• Polyimide film + UTG
• UTG

The company seems to have passed the first hurdle but the next one is difficult as it now needs to find manufacturers. If it succeeds in that regard as well, then the price of Samsung foldables may gradually come down in the coming years.

Samsung is expected to release two more foldables including a cheaper Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Fold 2 in the second half of this year.

UP NEXT: Samsung smartphone business will gain from the US sanctions against Huawei

(Via)

The post Samsung patents three types of screen covers for foldables appeared first on Gizmochina.