April 19, 2024

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[ET NEWS] Samsung Electronics seems to have picked an in-folding type for its first foldable smartphone that is widely expected to debut next year, industry sources said on Sept. 28.

The Korean tech giant started working on an in-folding phone that tucks the screen inside when folded about four to five years ago. But more recently it shifted focus to an out-folding type that is more difficult to make. 

Concept image for In-folding (left) and out-folding phones

Related:
[Q&A] Samsung Note 9 will be foldable: mobile chief


Sources said Samsung may have decided to adopt the in-folding type due to the development of related technologies, which means the phone’s imminent launch can be possible. The firm reportedly aims to realize a curvature radius of 3 millimeters.

“Samsung has nearly developed technologies related to the in-folding type phone. It means a lot for it to return to the type,” said an industry source on condition of anonymity.

On Sept. 12, Samsung’s mobile chief Koh Dong-jin also hinted that the firm’s first foldable phone is likely to become the next Note phone, tentatively called the Galaxy Note 9.

“We have the foldable phone in our roadmap for the Note series and are working to solve a series of hurdles before unveiling it next year,” he said at a media conference for the Galaxy Note 8 launch.

It was the first time that Samsung has clarified the launch date for the rumored phone.

“We are preparing for a foldable phone launch but it is still under development,” a Samsung spokesperson said, declining to further elaborate.

By Yoon Kun-il and Park So-ra 
(benyun@etnews.com) (srpark@etnews.com) (jylee@heraldcorp.com)
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