SAMSUNG

Company patents a unique smartphone with a flexible sliding display

In the Q1 of 2019, Samsung launched the Galaxy Fold which could be titled ‘one of the most innovative smartphones of the year’. However, the company is not stopping there, based upon freshly granted patents, it is working on yet another distinctive handset that features a sliding touch screen display which can conceal the top bezel.
To put it simply, the smartphone has a flexible display which is attached to a complex rack and pinion mechanism that allows it to slide upwards or downwards. Due to which, it can either hide or reveal the bezel above the display that accommodates the selfie camera and the earpiece for receiving phone calls.
Even though this is not that first time we are coming across a smartphone with a sliding display, the previously launched Mi Mix 3 is a prime example of this idea; but instead of the whole display assembly sliding upwards or downwards on Xiaomi‘s offering, Samsung’s device has a movable flexible display which is a completely different implementation.

According to the illustrations, whenever the user receives an audio or video call, they can slide the display downwards which will reveal the earpiece, front camera while simultaneously accepting the incoming call. Similarly sliding the display back upward will result in ending the call.
It is currently unknown, whether or not this fancy sliding display provides for any other function except for answering calls. With that being said, it does provide the smartphone with a high screen-to-body ratio that gives it an elegant look.

To wrap things up, the concept behind the patent definitely looks intriguing, however, it cannot be confirmed whether this particular device will see the light of the day or not. Presumably, the technology could make its way to future offerings from the company for which we will have to wait patiently.

by Sahil