Samsung is considering using a droplet-shaped hinge to reduce the crease on its foldable device.
Samsung may reduce the crease on its Galaxy Z Fold 5 by using a “droplet”-style hinge. A report by the Korean site Naver suggests that the hinge allows the display to form a teardrop shape when closed, creating a gentler curve and less visible crease.
The company has improved the crease on its foldable devices over time, but it’s still visible on its fourth-gen foldable like the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4. These devices use a “U”-shaped hinge design that causes a sharper angle when closed, resulting in a more prominent crease and increased stress on the display.
Other folding smartphones have already adopted droplet-style hinges. This is to reduce crease visibility. Examples include the Oppo Find N2 and the third-gen Motorola Razr. These devices have less noticeable creases when unfolding.
According to Naver, Samsung patented the teardrop hinge in 2016 but hasn’t used it until now. SamMobile suggests that Samsung may have waited to introduce the hinge until it could add an IPX8 water resistance rating to the new display. This could help Samsung’s folding phones stand out against competitors like Oppo Find N2 and the Motorola Razr, which don’t have a water resistance rating.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 design is said to have a more subtle crease. Both halves of the display will sit flat against each other when closed. This eliminates the small gap present in previous versions. The aim of this design change is to make the device more pocket-friendly.
Samsung’s plans for the droplet-style hinge on the Galaxy Z Flip 5 are currently unclear. We will have to wait until August when Samsung is expected to unveil its new folding phones. However, we can anticipate Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event next month, where they will likely reveal the Galaxy S23.
