Image via Let’s Go Digital, designed by Giuseppe Spinelli (aka, Snoreyn)
Watch: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip could feature foldable glass screen [video]
Samsung is patenting a Galaxy Flip phone with a transparent cover that can detect touch input. Here’s what we know about the Galaxy Z Flip.
Image via Let’s Go Digital, designed by Giuseppe Spinelli (aka, Snoreyn)
The Galaxy Unpacked event is inching its closer. Samsung is expected to release another foldable phone, the Galaxy Z Flip. Here’s what you need to know.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip rumours
The patent documents were filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) back on 16 September 2019, and approved by the patent office on 9 January 2020.
Budget clamshell device
Rumour has it that the Z Flip will be a cheaper alternative to the Galaxy Fold; which sold out during its first day of release in South Africa, despite the setback and launch delays.
The Galaxy Z Flip is said to be a clamshell device with a significantly larger flexible display. Samsung recently filed a patent for a folding phone with a transparent cover that can be operated via touch input.
Fingerprint sensor
According to the patent documents – which can be viewed here – the smartphone will also have an in-display fingerprint sensor and can be operated with an S Pen.
Samsung has not yet released a folding phone that supports the S pen of the high-end Galaxy Note series. We are therefore crossing our fingers and toes that support will be offered in the future.
The document details the specifics of three models: two clamshell phones and a side-flip model. According to Let’s Go Digital, we may see this tech when the Galaxy Z Flip is finally revealed.
Watch: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip preview
Ultra-thin bendable glass screen
The device will reportedly be the first to feature a bendable glass screen made of diamond crystal. The ultra-thin glass will be able to bend easily without breaking, but strong enough to protect the phone’s inner-workings.
The innovative new screen would not require an integrated front display, which would save on manufacturing costs. Let’s Go Digital explains:
“This cover is translucent, so that the user can continue to see and operate the lower screen section. […] Moreover, an extra compact form factor can be created in this way, making the device extremely handy and easy to carry with you.”
![Samsung Galaxy Z Flip]()
Image via Let’s Go Digital, designed by Giuseppe Spinelli (aka, Snoreyn) 
Image via Let’s Go Digital, designed by Giuseppe Spinelli (aka, Snoreyn)
When will the Samsung Z Flip be released?
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip will likely be unveiled at the official Unpacked event; set to take place in San Francisco on 11 February 2020.
Unpacked invitations have already been sent out, hinting that a second phone would be released alongside the Samsung Galaxy S20 (previously believed to be the S11.)
Note: The high-resolution 3D renders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip used in this article were created by Let’s Go Digital.
