Samsung Display, the subsidiary that manufactures the company's screens, showcased new prototype displays and hinges at the 2023 International Consumer Electronics Show. Company spokesman John Lucas revealed in an email that the "Flex In & Out" display can be rotated 360 degrees, meaning it can fold inward and outward at the same time.
In addition, the display has a different hinge design, and it is said that the crease condition will also be greatly improved, because the "water drop hinge" allows the display to form a looser shape when folded inward - like a water drop. This more subtle hinge will also put less stress on the display.
This isn't the first time Samsung Display has shown a "Flex In & Out" prototype, embracing a foldable all-around design. In 2021, a "Flex In & Out" display was also unveiled at the International Information Display Conference (IMID) in South Korea. However, the method was different, and the display shown at that time was folded like an "S", forming multiple parts. As of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 released in August 2022, Samsung's Fold series still uses displays that only fold flat in one direction.
However, the new screen is likely to appear in the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.
This design will solve what some believe is the imperfect "U" shaped hinge in the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4, which creates a pronounced crease. This will also make the Galaxy Z Fold 5 more similar to foldable smartphone rivals with less prominent creases, such as the OPPOFind N2 and the third-generation Motorola Razr.
It's not yet known when Samsung will release the Z Fold 5, and we expect the company to release it in August alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 5. Meanwhile, all eyes are on the new Samsung Galaxy S23 series, which Samsung will unveil at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event on February 1.