Samsung Rumored to Debut First Foldable Smartphone This Year

[cc00lltt00nn]

If it has a magnetic lock, for example, the main screen would get less scratched.

I don't think that would be the main durability concern of this design. I will play along though. The fact that a screen protector for the interior display doesn't really seem to be feasible, is another concern. The whole concept feels pointless. Phones are already huge (and thin). This design would seemingly put this phone into legitimate tablet territory and be very thick in the pocket. I don't see what hole in the market that this fills, you know?

 

[cube]

I don't think that would be the main durability concern of this design. I will play along though. The fact that a screen protector for the interior display doesn't really seem to be feasible, is another concern. The whole concept feels pointless. Phones are already huge (and thin). This design would seemingly put this phone into legitimate tablet territory and be very thick in the pocket. I don't see what hole in the market that this fills, you know?

I don't use screen protectors or cases.

The phone could be almost as thin folded. Double the area at about half the thickness.

 

[fel10]

At least someone is trying to innovate.
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Why does it bother people that Samsung wants to push forward with new tech? Nobody is asking you to buy it. In the long run all parties benefit - new tech has to be introduced first to be perfected. Somebody has to be first, and Samsung is stepping up to the plate.

If it was Apple, fanboys would be singing a different tune.

 

[Glockworkorange]

If they can pull it off, they have my $$$. Would be my first Android product.

 

[Chaseyoboy]

I think that the latest Fortnite saga with android casts a dark cloud on this.

While Epic is unhappy having to pay Apple their 30% cut, they do so for lack of a better alternative. iOS users still got fortnite first, so I have not lost out in any way.

Conversely, because Epic could bypass the google play store, that’s precisely what they did, and users are forced to sideload the app, exposing their devices to unnecessary risks. As it stands, they can’t even choose to download the app from the play store if they do desire.

Apple’s way is not without its restrictions, but it’s still the preferred way for me. It helps weed out malware, and dramatically cuts down on the incidence of software piracy, which in turn incentivises developers to focus on iOS first. The end result is that we as consumers are still the biggest winners here.

But the thing is most, if not all, android users download apk off the web all the time anyway so to us having to download fortnite from their website isn't really a big deal to most

 

[notabadname]

Durability and the squareish Screen ratio when opened (unless is was square when folded) make this seem pretty unlikely, if not undesirable. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should - the difference in a tech demo, and a desirable consumer product.

 

[cc00lltt00nn]

I don't use screen protectors or cases.

The phone could be almost as thin folded. Double the area at about half the thickness.

Well, then that solves it. "cube" doesn't use those things, so it is of no concern 😉

That totally makes sense. "If we fold something in half, you'd think it would become twice as thick. Au contraire, it actually becomes half as thick."

You're a funny guy.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Samsung can go ahead and introduce it, but when CEO Koh says “But even unfolded, what kind of benefit does that give compared to the tablet? If the unfolded experience is the same as the tablet, why would they (consumers) buy it?” it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence that they’ve really thought this through.

I’m really not sure if customers want a foldable tablet, but maybe they do. Few seem to want their non-foldable tablets, maybe folding will be the killer feature that can drive sales. It would fit better in a purse, 1/2 the length even though it would be twice as thick.

Whatever they’re working on, Samsung better release it quick if being first is as important to them as it seems to be to some posters here. Huawei is rumored to be releasing soon, and being first is important to them. Apple? Not so much.

 

[farewelwilliams]

corrected it for ya.

made it wrong.

 

[MacsRuleOthersDrool]

iPad killer.

Not with Android running it...

 

[chasonstone]

I think in the future, it will make sense. It just doesn’t feel technologically feasible right now. The batteries, the materials, the hinges, the software, the thickness of the device, it all needs to be perfect to really make an impact. Right now I can’t see a device being released that’s as thin as my iPhone, reliably opening and closing to a tablet size. Maybe one day, but I’d rather wait until it is more realistic.

I agree. But they've got to start somewhere even if it's not perfect. I too worry that the tech isn't quite there for it to be feasible, but the concept is one where I can see alot of value... yet there are tons of people on here saying they can't regardless of the current feasibility.

 

[cube]

Well, then that solves it. "cube" doesn't use those things, so it is of no concern 😉

That totally makes sense. "If we fold something in half, you'd think it would become twice as thick. Au contraire, it actually becomes half as thick."

You're a funny guy.

Many people don't use nerdy screen protectors.

Is it that hard to understand that each side could be about half as thick?

 

[VulchR]

How many times can you fold and unfold a screen before it cracks? My guess is not many. That being said, it is an interesting idea if Samsung can pull it toff.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Many people don't use nerdy screen protectors.

Is it that hard to understand that each side could be about half as thick?

Whatever the thickness may be when it’s flat, it’ll be twice as thick after it’s folded in half. Won’t it?

 

[cube]

Whatever the thickness may be when it’s flat, it’ll be twice as thick after it’s folded in half. Won’t it?

The point is that the folded thickness would not need to be double that of a regular smartphone.

 

[macduke]

I am sure mean you mean unintended bendgate. /s 😛

Obligatory text after the image to not get it taken down: That's the joke.

 

[Chaseyoboy]

There are several 3rd party apps that allow you to load music or videos on an iPhone without iTunes. Try "Waltr"

But thats not what iPhone was made for. I can't remember who but someone at Apple said iPhone is meant to be used for simple purposes and is meant for simple people. Plus i was looking at data and turns out barely 1-2% of ios users jailbreak their device

 

[macduke]

Definitely. That's the ultimate, sci-fi end game of the foldable phone concept. I think when this idea matures it will be amazing. It will be pretty gimmicky initially.

And the gimmicky nature of Samsung's device is exactly why Apple won't be releasing one for several years. I'd love for Samsung to knock them on their butt though so that we can get an Apple version sooner and help push the market forward. However I expect if they release something that isn't total trash but still not good that we'll be hearing incessant cries for Apple to make something similar for the next few years. Meanwhile Apple will be working to come out with a better designed version that isn't as flimsy, doesn't break as easily, doesn't have glitchy center part, has a better software implementation, better battery life, or who knows what!

 

[AppleFan910]

I don't see how apple could perfect it.
They have no relevant IP and experience in developing such devices and by 2020(the year Apple is rumored to launch a foldable phone) Samsung should be at the second or third generation.

Samsung will be first because they invest a lot of money in research and development(more than Apple actually) and because they don't just assemble phones, they design, engineer and manufacture a lot of the the components that go into a phones like the Screen, camera sensors, RAM, Storage, batteries, modems, SOCs, even a new magnesium alloy which could be used to make the phone's frame etc.
I don't understand why it's so hard for apple fans to acknowledge Samsung efforts to bring new and better technology(even innovative) to the market(which is generally available to be used by other phone manufactures as well).
Why must Samsung be mocked and taunted on this site with every single occasion no matter the subject.

Realistically speaking there is no way Apple could even have any hope of developing a foldable phone without the help from display companies like Samsung or LG for example.

1. Because Apple doesn’t rush design ideas they look at new technologies that can actually be useful for the consumer. I by no means hate Samsung or any other manufacturerers. What bothers me is when the Samsung faithful here hear news like this and they start with how much better Samsung is and blah blah. I think competition is good for Apple.i love the whole argument that iOS is restrictive and android is so much better. For the most part, you can do anything on android on iOS. Minus the hundreds of settings.

 

[macduke]

Why would Apple ever release that? Why sell one product when you can sell two?

Because it costs more than an iPhone and an iPad Mini separately? Why would they ever not do that? It's what everyone wants—one mobile device to rule them all!
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Jokes on you, they would never accept a measly $1500. Try $3000+.

This is a consumer device. Think again. Also think several years from now.

 

[AppleFan910]

And I use both and I find their differences to be insignificant in practice. Makes me wonder what people are doing with their phones that they develop such strong preferences for or aversions to one OS. Maybe I am missing out on something. ;-)

It’s a pissing contest. To be honest.

 

[gaximus]

Oh, like homepod, ping, base station, apple pen, apple car (epic fail) and a few other apple novelties? What products has Samsung "moved on" from? I think Samsung is actually becoming more innovative while Cook & Co. are not sure what to do next.

Besides the Galaxy Note 7?

Apple hasn't moved on from the HomePod or the Apple Pencil. The Apple Car was never a product, its a R&D project, don't know how that would be classified as an "epic fail" by anyone.

 

[cc00lltt00nn]

Many people don't use nerdy screen protectors.

Is it that hard to understand that each side could be about half as thick?

You crack me up. I'll continue to play along.

Is it realistic to think the halves would be (roughly) half as thick as a normal phone? With a screen on the front and a gigantic screen on the "back", a monstrous battery will be required. Also, there will need to be a pretty hefty hinge structure to ensure structural integrity, along with a larger frame to support that.

 

[cube]

You crack me up. I'll continue to play along.

Is it realistic to think the halves would be (roughly) half as thick as a normal phone? With a screen on the front and a gigantic screen on the "back", a monstrous battery will be required. Also, there will need to be a pretty hefty hinge structure to ensure structural integrity, along with a larger frame to support that.

The point is that they would be membrane OLED screens.

The hinge would be made of some flexible material.

 

[cc00lltt00nn]

The point is that they would be membrane OLED screens.

The hinge would be made of some flexible material.

You're going to need more than that.