But every time I glance at the new Galaxy Z Fold 6, my mind drifts back to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 5. It makes me wonder: What really counts as a redesign these days? Well, I decided to dig a bit deeper and scout out some of the most off-the-wall, futuristic foldable phone concepts that haven’t hit the shelves yet.
As we started with the buzz around the Galaxy Fold 6, let’s zoom in on a concept straight from Samsung’s innovation lab. Just recently, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the South Korean tech giant unveiled a new concept known as the “Flex in & Out Flip.”
This device is designed to fold not just in the traditional sense but also backward, adding a whole new dimension to usability. Picture a 6.7-inch display – mirroring the Galaxy Z Flip 5 – that gracefully bends without obscuring the camera, thanks to a cleverly asymmetrical design.
![The Flex in & Out Flip concept device (Image credit–CNET) - Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/inout.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
It’s still in the concept phase, but Samsung’s definitely on to something, potentially revolutionizing its foldable line-up. It even teased a peek at a book-style phone that bends both ways, blurring the lines between the phone’s inner and outer worlds.
Why fold twice when you can fold thrice?
![Concept of a tri-folding smartphone (Image Credit–LetsGoDigital) - Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/samsung-tri-fold-phone-patent.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![Concept of a tri-folding smartphone (Image Credit–LetsGoDigital) - Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/samsung-tri-fold-phone-patent.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Shifting focus from Samsung, Huawei, another giant in the smartphone arena, is making waves with its own innovative designs. It has already impressed with the book-style Mate X3, but there is a buzz that it might be pioneering the world’s first triple-folding smartphone, possibly unveiling it this year. The idea of a phone that folds not once, not twice, but three times isn’t entirely new. Brands like TCL have toyed with similar concepts, but none have made it to the market yet. A triple-fold design promises a sprawling screen, almost like carrying a tablet in your pocket. But this innovation isn’t without its challenges, particularly concerning the device’s bulk.
![The triple-folding concept smartphone by TCL (Image credit–TCL) - Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/tcl-plex-1.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![The triple-folding concept smartphone by TCL (Image credit–TCL) - Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/tcl-plex-1.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Foldables are often under the microscope for their thickness compared to their traditional counterparts. Naturally, a phone that folds three times might seem destined to be bulkier. However, Huawei isn’t one to shy away from a challenge and is known for crafting some of the slimmest foldables around.
Sci-fi today, reality tomorrow?
![Image Credit–Oppo - Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/sec-kv-1440-1.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![Image Credit–Oppo - Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/sec-kv-1440-1.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Now, let’s talk about some designs that seem straight out of a sci-fi movie. First up, we have Oppo’s “slide-phone” – a unique take on the foldable genre with a triple hinge mechanism. This nifty device can transform its display size in stages – from a mini display for quick calls to a larger one for more complex tasks.
Oppo’s innovation doesn’t stop at sliding phones. It has dabbled in rollable phone concepts, too, showcasing a phone whose display can unroll to your desired size, powered by a motor. Talk about stretching the imagination!
![Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/dims-1.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/dims-1.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Speaking of rollables, Motorola tossed its hat in the ring last year with a concept that merges a rollable phone with a wearable device. Picture this: a phone you can actually wear on your wrist. Sure, it’s a bit unconventional, and comfort might be a question mark, but it’s a bold statement in smartphone design.
![Image Credit–Motorola - Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Beyond-the-handset-Motorola-reveals-a-vision-for-a-wearable-smartphone.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![Image Credit–Motorola - Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Beyond-the-handset-Motorola-reveals-a-vision-for-a-wearable-smartphone.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Rollable phones might just be the next big thing, and the tech giants know it. Both Apple and Samsung have been busy patenting their own versions. Samsung’s recent patent teases a phone that not only rolls but also slides.
Meanwhile, Apple’s patent sketches a different take on the rollable phone, looking more like a piece of rolled paper. These are just patents for now, but they hint at a future where our phones could morph in ways we’ve barely imagined.
![Drawing from Apple's patent for a rollable device (Image Credit–Apple) - Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-02-at-11.14.38.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![Drawing from Apple's patent for a rollable device (Image Credit–Apple) - Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-02-at-11.14.38.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
And it’s not all about screens and high-tech features. Some concepts, like Andrea Mangone’s 0/1 Phone, advocate for a digital detox. This design is all about minimalism, offering just the essentials and inviting users to take a breather from the constant buzz of notifications.
![Image Credit– Andrea Mangone - Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/supercombo-scaled.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
![Image Credit– Andrea Mangone - Beyond the Fold and Flip galaxy: exploring innovative foldable phone concepts](https://b2450150.smushcdn.com/2450150/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/supercombo-scaled.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Wrapping it up, our journey through the evolving tech landscape is a testament to endless human creativity. As we witness these innovative concepts inch closer to reality, it’s clear we are on the brink of something groundbreaking.