The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 could have a much less visible fold thanks to a possible design change. According to a report on the Korean site NaverSamsung could adopt a “teardrop”-style hinge that allows the display to become a teardrop shape when closed, creating a much smoother curve that leaves fewer wrinkles (via SamMobile).
While Samsung has certainly made improvements to the fold over the years, it’s still quite noticeable in its fourth-generation foldables. Both the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 use a “U” hinge design that places the screen at a more acute angle when closed. This creates a more prominent crease and also puts more pressure on the screen.
Other foldable smartphones have already transitioned to a drop-style hinge to avoid these issues, like the Oppo Find N2, which has a noticeable imperceptible it crumples when unfolded, along with the third-gen Motorola Razr.
As Naver pointed out, Samsung initially patented a teardrop hinge back in 2016, though why it didn’t decide to go with it until now we don’t know. SamMobile speculates that Samsung wanted to wait until it could bring an IPX8 water resistance rating to the new display, which it first introduced on its third-generation foldable devices in 2021. That could help Samsung’s foldable phones stand out against Find N2 from Oppo and Motorola. Razr, as neither device is rated for water resistance.
In addition to a more subtle crease, Naver reports that the design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 could also make both halves of the screen lie flat against each other when the phone is closed, unlike previous generations of the Galaxy Z Fold which leave a little space. This should (hopefully) make the device a bit easier to fit in your pocket.
It’s still unclear if Samsung will bring the drop-style hinge to the Galaxy Z Flip 5, and we’ll have to wait a bit longer to find out, as Samsung is expected to reveal the new foldable phones in August. At least we have next month’s Galaxy Unpacked event to look forward to, where the company will likely unveil the Galaxy S23.
