Samsung Unveils Future Foldable and Slidable Phone Concepts

Samsung Display has offered a glimpse into the future of smartphone design with experimental concepts.

Two "slidable" prototypes were showcased, including the Flex Slidable, which expands from a compact 4.7 inches to a larger 7.2 inches. This device utilizes a hidden display that slides out, though the mechanism was observed to be somewhat slow in its current developmental stage.

Further pushing innovation, the Flex Hybrid concept integrates both foldable and slidable display technologies. This unique design allows the screen to expand to 7.2 inches while also incorporating a foldable section, aiming to provide both portability and an immersive entertainment experience.

Samsung Display's executive vice president, Byung Duk Yang, indicated that while the display technology may be ready, the company is carefully considering real-world usage patterns and reliability before a commercial release. Overcoming engineering obstacles is crucial for these novel form factors.

In addition to flexible screens, Samsung also demonstrated displays featuring nearly invisible bezels. These screens boast borders as small as 0.4mm, significantly reducing the bezel size compared to current market offerings, potentially outdoing upcoming designs from competitors.