Samsung is upping the ante in foldable tech, a new patent reveals a quad-fold device with three hinges and four panels. This ambitious design aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible, showcasing Samsung’s commitment to foldable innovation.
The patent, titled “Electronic Device Including Bendable Display,” details a device featuring four horizontal panels connected by three hinges, all under a single, foldable screen. Drawings suggest this could be a quad-fold smartphone, though it remains a concept that may undergo changes or serve as a preemptive patent to secure the idea.
A separate tri-fold phone design, included in the filing, incorporates three panels, two hinges, a USB-C port, and a triple-camera setup. This tri-fold design seems closer to production, potentially linked to a dual-hinge teaser from Galaxy Unpacked 2025. However, the quad-fold design captures more attention with its bold vision.
Samsung’s foray into foldable devices began over six years ago. This patent reinforces its leadership in the foldable market, outpacing competitors such as Apple. Samsung’s continuous exploration of the foldable form factor, positions it ahead of the competition.
Neither the tri-fold nor quad-fold devices have confirmed launch dates. The quad-fold may remain a concept for several years. However, two tri-fold variants were recently spotted on the GSMA database with model numbers SM-F9680 (likely Chinese version) and SM-F968N (possibly the South Korean variant), indicating potential limited availability in these two countries.
