Phones
Samsung patents unique Galaxy Z Flip phone with foldable and sliding display
Samsung regularly patents foldable and expandable smartphone models. Some are based on the already available Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 foldable smartphones, while others have a completely different form factor. The Korean company is expected to achieve that success with upgraded models this year.
And now we have a feasible design for one of Samsung’s future Flip series Foldable smartphones (via-letsgodigital). This is not a concept render, it is a design based on a Samsung patent. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) released the documentation for the smartphone design patent from Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Slide foldable smartphone
The device has been touted as a “multi-folding electronic device” that is essentially a foldable smartphone. But it’s not like the current Galaxy Z Flip ClamShell foldable. Although it is still folded horizontally, it is stretchable.
When folded, this phone is as compact as the Galaxy Z Flip 3. You can open it to get the full-size smartphone screen. On top of that, you can double the screen real estate by dragging up the screen where the device can roll from the bottom. When completely removed, the device is twice as big as Flip3.
According to the documentation, the device is built to split the entire screen into two straight halves and two flat halves. It allows users to, for example, play multiplayer games simultaneously on the same device. This patent documentation explains that Samsung does not equip this foldable smartphone with a secondary display on the outside.
The patent application does not always prove that such a product is under development or that the company is considering it. While foldables for smartphones are definitely moving forward, we may still be a few years away from realizing multi-folding smartphones. It is also equipped with foldable and rollable technology.
Samsung could launch Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special (Slim) Edition as W25 in China. The smartphone’s naming decision remains a big confusion. Adding more fuel to the fire, two sources shared more information on what could happen.
Display supply chain source Ross Young claimed that Samsung replaced the W25 with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition. FYI, the company previously launched Galaxy Z Fold phones under W branding with a different rear design.
This development was followed by Evan Blass’ comment on Ross’ revelation. The leaker says “It is the W25” indicating that Samsung would launch the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition as W25 in China, continuing its foldable lineup.
It is reported that the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition has a slimmer design than the Z Fold 6. The company has also reduced weight despite bringing a larger main and cover screen as well as continuing S Pen support.
The 200-megapixel camera is another possible upgrade of the Fold 6 SE. The phone is rumored to be equipped with S24 Ultra’s primary camera. Notably, the Fold 6 stick with a 50-megapixel sensor used in previous models too.
Last heard the Z Fold Slim/SE could introduce the best crease control yet. The under-display camera is also said to be upgraded to a new 4MP solution. Less visible creases will be a breakthrough in Samsung’s foldable segment.
Samsung could announce the limited edition foldable phones later this month. The handset could only be available in South Korea and China, with the largest volume will likely be shipped in the Chinese market to counter local brands there.
Editor’s Opinion:
Samsung should’ve teased Special Edition during Galaxy Z Fold 6 launch
Samsung still doesn’t want to cancel the Exynos 2500 in the Galaxy S25 series. A new report from a Korean media outlet suggests that the company still believes that the 3nm yield will improve and reach the mass production milestone.
Hankyung reports that Samsung could make a final decision on the Exynos 2500 in Galaxy S25 later this month or early next month. The current stage doesn’t imply Exynos in Samsung’s upcoming flagship smartphones.
Samsung had high hopes for Exynos 2500 due to its cutting-edge 3nm foundry process. The chipset is still under development, but a lower-than-expected yield rate is ruining Samsung’s dreams of debuting in-house 3nm Exynos for Galaxy.
A Samsung official stated, “We will consider the possibility of using Exynos until the very end.”
The Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus come with an Exynos 2400 processor. The Galaxy S24 Ultra exclusively uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. However, the same chip distribution is currently unlikely in next year’s flagship smartphone family.
Following overheating and throttling reports in the Exynos 2200, Samsung canceled the Exynos 2300. The Galaxy S23 series exclusively used Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor supplied by Qualcomm.
Reason why Exynos is imp:
If Samsung opts to solely rely on Qualcomm, it will likely face higher costs, even if it tries to negotiate a premium price. This cost burden is becoming more prominent, especially as MX’s operating profit is declining despite rising sales.
Addressing yield issues and using Exynos in Galaxy S25 would be ideal for Samsung’s System LSI and MX Division. Meanwhile, any performance issue won’t allow Samsung Elec to pursue Exynos 2500 in the flagship smartphone lineup.
In October 2024, Samsung updated its Galaxy Enhance-X app, which brings the popular Camera Shift feature to more devices. This feature helps you take and edit full-body photos easily. If you own a compatible Samsung device, you can take advantage of the Camera Shift feature.
Camer Shift Feature
The Camera Shift feature lets you enhance your photos by focusing on specific subjects. It was initially available only on the Galaxy S24 series, but now it’s expanded to other models.
The latest update includes a simpler and user-friendly design. Instead of navigating through three separate menus, you can now access everything from a single menu.
With improved recognition capabilities, the Camera Shift feature can now better identify children, upper body shots, and group photos. You can also apply special effects to specific people in group images, giving you more creative control.
Moreover, the update also includes a Colorization feature that adds color to black and white images and a Motion Clipper feature to allow you to create GIFs from Motion Photos.
Eligible Devices
The Camera Shift feature is available for several Samsung flagship devices. Here’s a list of the eligible models:
Galaxy S series
- Galaxy S24
- Galaxy S24 Plus
- Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy S23 Plus
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S22
- Galaxy S22 Plus
- Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S21
- Galaxy S21 Plus
- Galaxy S21 Ultra
Galaxy F Series
- Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy Z Flip 3
Galaxy Tab series
- Galaxy Tab S8
- Galaxy Tab S8+
- Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S9
- Galaxy Tab S9+
- Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S10+
- Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
If you have any of these devices, you can use the new features. It is worth mentioning that your Galaxy device must be updated on One UI 6.1.1 or a later version to enjoy the new feature of the Camera Shift feature. However, the company is preparing to make these features available for devices running One UI 6.1
Be sure to download or update Galaxy Enhance-X through the Galaxy Store to explore new features.
How to use One UI 6.1 Camera Shift feature on your Samsung Galaxy