Samsung’s journey into foldable display technology began with the introduction of the Galaxy Fold in early 2019. This innovative device was the culmination of years of extensive development, as explained by Jason Noh, a developer in Samsung MX’s Display Group.
The inception of foldable technology dates back to 2008, a time when Samsung was also working on other mobile innovations like the Pixon and Omnia, early touchscreen smartphones. The Galaxy, Samsung’s first Android phone, was launched in 2009, highlighting the significant advancements in mobile technology during that period.
The challenge for Samsung’s team was to develop a high-quality, foldable display that could withstand everyday wear and tear. This required redesigning the plate that supports the display to ensure it was both foldable and resistant to debris. An early breakthrough was the development of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), which enabled the display to perform well under various conditions and environments by enhancing its foldability.
A significant material advancement came with the introduction of Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) with the Galaxy Z Flip in 2020. UTG became a standard component in foldable displays, allowing for a clearer, more premium look and feel that was previously unseen in foldable smartphones. According to Noh, the adoption of UTG marked a turning point in the quality of foldable displays.
By 2024, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, which featured a new “Protect Layer” structure incorporating Shear Thickening Fluid (STF). STF adapts to varying levels of pressure, providing superior resistance to impacts and making the 6-series foldable displays the most durable to date.
The Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3, released in 2021, marked another milestone by becoming the first foldables to offer water resistance with a high IPX8 rating. This was achieved through the use of a rubber band around the display’s perimeter, effectively sealing it against liquid intrusion. The 2024 models, Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, further improved on this with particle ingress protection rated at IP48, made possible by enhanced sweeper technology. These small brushes prevent debris from entering the gaps between the display and the hinge.
The integration of the S Pen stylus with the Galaxy Z Fold3 also posed a unique challenge. Earlier models had issues with interference due to the metal plate used as the screen’s backing, which affected the S Pen digitizer. To resolve this, Samsung switched to a carbon fiber plate. However, issues persisted with the digitizer detecting the S Pen in the folded section of the display. The solution involved sophisticated calculations to ensure accurate detection across the entire display.
As a pioneer in foldable smartphones, Samsung continues to leverage its accumulated knowledge and experience to meet user expectations. Noh emphasizes that the company remains committed to enhancing the display experience and solidifying its leadership in the foldable smartphone market. The Galaxy Z series will continue to evolve, demonstrating Samsung’s dedication to innovation in this cutting-edge technology.
