Samsung explores flip-style foldable with dual front screens in new patent

Samsung may be exploring a new design for its next flip-style foldable smartphone. The highlight here is what looks like a dual-display on the front when folded. This is interesting, as the front already has a large cover display, but it could feature another smaller secondary display. This design has been patented and published on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) platform. Samsung regularly explores different designs for its upcoming products, and this one is another example of it. Also, there’s no certainty that this patent will be used for a future Samsung product, but if it does, then we might see it on a future Galaxy Z Flip series model.

The patent images show the Samsung foldable phone from different angles, giving us a good look at its design. Overall, it looks like a Galaxy Z Flip series phone, which has a clamshell folding design. The most striking design change is on the front, where we see a small circular cutout, which could be the secondary display. Why? Because there’s a cutout for the dual cameras on the side, and the main cover screen as well. What might be more interesting is that only the circular cutout is the cover display, but this design would seem quite dated even among Samsung’s own foldables.

What exactly the circular display is meant for is something we can’t decipher from the patent images. The cover display on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 already functions as a shortcut screen for the foldable, with access to apps, widgets, notifications, and settings. It also works as a viewfinder for the main cameras to take selfies. Also, for flip-style foldable phones to evolve, the better option would be to make the cover display as feature-rich as possible, so that you can use the phone folded as much as possible.

So, it’s not clear what exactly the secondary display would function as. It also looks similar to the Huawei P50 Pocket, which has a circular camera module and a small cover screen. Some possibilities could be an always-on display for specific information, and one that doesn’t consume too much battery. It could even work as a dedicated notification light or just add to the overall unique aesthetics.

When unfolded, the Samsung foldable looks much like the other Z Flip models with its tall, elongated display. The patent images also show a button on the right side of the phone when folded.

As mentioned above, this design may or may not materialise, but the concept does seem interesting for the future of Samsung’s flip-style foldables. If it does launch in the future, it would be part of the Galaxy Z Flip series, offering users a refreshing design for those who want a new look. While this patent is speculative, it highlights Samsung’s continued innovation in foldables. Consumers considering a flip foldable now should evaluate current models like the Z Flip 7 based on their immediate needs, rather than holding out for unconfirmed future designs.