For the first time, it seems the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 will be taking up the “Z” name in its design because if you think about it, the current model, Galaxy Z Fold 2 is basically a foldable smartphone much like the original Galaxy Fold back in 2019.
But Samsung doesn’t seems to be backing down from making folding smartphones anytime from now as more report stated the Korean tech giant is planning on working on a more advanced model. But the reality is that smartphones are getting exciting again though majority of these out of the box smartphones are pretty expensive and probably won’t be available to the general public until they become the norm and so the cost of making them become lesser or whatever happen but I’m no business analyst or economist.
But let’s leave that aside and go to today’s story which is about Samsung cooking up a really great smartphone first reported as the Galaxy Z Dual according to LetsGoDigital. Parts of what was expected the device includes a virtual keyboard with which users can have a smoother experience typing but there is more to the story.
And that is where we’re going with the new “Galaxy Z Fold 3” assuming that is the name Samsung end up calling it. But this is based on found documentation showing Samsung planning to make room for a sliding keyboard which will be stored within the device itself. How cool does that sound?
So basically, this device can fold into three different shapes to form the letter Z shape and underneath the last panel is the virtual keyboard which can be drawn out for typing. I’m definitely falling for this concept if it’s ever true. Below is an artistic representation of this concept from LetsGoDigital.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold with double hinge and 3 screen parts
Speaking of the weird techs, the design of this thing is pretty unique and because of the fact that Samsung is allegedly planning to include double hinges on this device, that will ultimately give it it three screen parts laced together.
But let’s go back in time for the records. Back in the year 2018, Samsung Display filed a patent with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and the document was kept confidential for two years now. Within the documents were brief descriptions and about eight clear product sketches.
And within it is the Galaxy Z Fold 3 which is going to be developed with a very slim body – assuming that is what we’ll get by 2021. But one good thing about modern tech is the ability to translate documents into a 3D render which is something that LetsGoDigital is great at.
The media outlet partnered with industrial designer Sarang Sheth. Sarang is editor-in-chief at Yanko Design, a respected online magazine about modern, industrial designs to breath life to the documentations obtained.
As the patent has been applied for by Samsung Display, certain design features remain underexposed. In order to fully design the product, Sarang used the current top models from Samsung as a base. For example the color scheme and the camera system are derived from Samsung’s latest folding phone; the Galaxy Z Fold2.
The above image should explain the point I’m trying to make. As you can see, the device can be folded twice based on its triple equal parts. This is basically a tablet that can be broken into three equal parts and then joined together with hinges at every joint.
Another cool thing about this concept is the fact that you can use a part of the screen even when folded. Much like the current Galaxy Z Fold 2 with three screens whereby only the first outer screen is always functioning while the two inner screens are dormant until opened up.
Because of the folding technique tat could be employed in this device, it could affect the durability of the outermost screen since it gets exposed all the times. Again I wonder how the casing of this device will be designed because of its complicated design structure especially when folded up.
The hinge ensures that you can close the phone completely, without visible seams. This makes this phone extremely compact to carry with you. It also reduces the chance that dust particles and dirt can enter, which will have a negative effect on the operation of the device.
With that said, this is another opportunity for Samsung to employ its “Sweeper technology” which was made with the Galaxy Z Fold 2 helping to keep the hinge from debris. The durability of the technology is also top-notch based on durability tests that has been carried out.
With the dual hinge technology on this concept, the future Galaxy Fold 3 can be folded in multiple positions which can allow you place the device in different ways.
The user interface will change automatically depending on how you use the device. Several of these operating options are well reflected in the 3D renders made by Sarang.
Let’s talk about the sliding keyboard
The coolest thing about this device is the sliding keyboard which is meant to enhance the user’s experience. I sort of think this might be too extreme because an actual keyboard might just be too much for a device which majorityt of its users already own atablet or a computer.
But don’t get me wrong, it’s very likely that some people will find this idea to be interesting especially those who just want to work on the go but I don’t think Samsung will add this to the final product if at all.
Elsewhere, the camera is thought to being the same as the current Galaxy Z Fold 2 with nothing much to tell it apart in terms of their specifications and hardware but again the other important jobs done with photos taken are the software image processing and that could get better with the next-gen Galaxy Z Fold 3 because of the components that could help make that happen.
For example, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 is equipped with 5 cameras in total. The cover screen gives you access to a 10MP hole-punch selfie camera – similar to that of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. On the back a triple camera is built-in, this system includes three 12MP cameras with a wide angle, ultra-wide angle and a telephoto lens.
The overall body design of the device is slimmer than the current model but when stacked upon one another to fold it up, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 will definitely be thicker than your average thickened smartphone and will be obvious in our pocket. And like I mentioned above, I still do wonder if it’ll be possible to use a protective case on this thing if this is what Samsung wants to come up with by 2021.