The latest Samsung folding phone will be able to fold in TWO directions and will feature an in-display fingerprint sensor
3D render created by LetsGoDigital's Giuseppe Spinelli(Image credit: LetsGoDigital)
Samsung is well-known for its range of folding phones, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip. However, after a new patent was published on 15 April, it looks like Samsung could be set to add another folding phone to its roster.
This patent shows a design for a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip-style handset with a few extra twists. This new clamshell camera phone shows an elongated display that is able to flip in both directions. This means that users would be able to flip the screen closed to protect it, or fold it the other way to access a screen on both the front and rear of the phone.
Of course, as reported by LetsGoDigital, users would also be able to use the handset in a fully open position, which would give them access to both screens as one combined display. This is certainly an intriguing concept, so it will be interesting to see whether this design (or something similar) will make it to the market.
(Image credit: Samsung / LetsGoDigital)
However, the dual-flip element isn't the only exciting design tweak in this latest folding phone from Samsung. There is also a dual punch-hole selfie camera detailed in the patent that seems to replace the need for a main rear camera (as users can simply fold the phone 'backwards').
It also seems that there could be an in-display fingerprint sensor included with this new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip handset. This would be the first folding phone that would include a fingerprint scanner that would be processed under the screen (the original Samsung Galaxy Z Flip uses a physical button on the side instead).
It's not clear whether this Galaxy Z Flip-like handset will ever become available to consumers – or whether it will indeed include a double punch-hole camera or an in-display fingerprint sensor. However, we'll certainly be keeping a keen eye out for any more interesting rumors…
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With over a decade of photographic experience, Louise arms Digital Camera World with a wealth of knowledge on photographic technique and know-how – something at which she is so adept that she's delivered workshops for the likes of ITV and Sue Ryder. Louise also brings years of experience as both a web and print journalist, having served as features editor for Practical Photography magazine and contributing photography tutorials and camera analysis to titles including Digital Camera Magazine and Digital Photographer. Louise currently shoots with the Fujifilm X-T200 and the Nikon D800, capturing self-portraits and still life images, and is DCW's ecommerce editor, meaning that she knows good camera, lens and laptop deals when she sees them.
