[Conversation] Dialogue With a Developer of Samsung’s Bendable Screen – Samsung Global Press Center
The originator of flexible smartphones, Samsung Electronics has unveiled a sixth iteration of the Galaxy Z series. With gradual advancements in each update, the Galaxy foldable range continuously astounds users with inventive characteristics — winning over hearts in fresh, unimaginable manners.
The most recent Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 not only present intelligent AI functions and customization choices but also slimmer, more robust screens that endure the trials of time.1 Impossible to concoct overnight, these enhancements are an outcome of continuous endeavors from Samsung developers to furnish the utmost display experience conceivable.
The Samsung Newsroom engaged in a discussion with Jason Noh, a developer in the Display Division, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, to delve deeper into the revolutionary bendable displays in the Galaxy Z series.
The Initial Bendable Display Commences the Innovation Era
Samsung’s bendable innovation traces back to 2008 when the firm initially delved into bendable display research. The expedition towards this fresh technology posed a challenge for the display team as the screen needed to be bent while conserving optimum display quality and operation.
“We initiated research on bendable displays and executed numerous experiments long before our inaugural bendable device was launched,” disclosed Noh. “Although we all harbored a strong wish to become pioneers of bendable smartphones, it was a tough journey. Our team had to develop a top-notch display that could be bent but also resistant to debris — implying that we had to modify the plate supporting the display.”
To realize this, the developers conducted extensive research to lay the foundation for Samsung’s premier bendable smartphone. This encompassed inventing a metal plate that shielded the display from external substances and formulating a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) that aided the display panel in preserving its bending capabilities in diverse circumstances and environments. Subsequently, Samsung unveiled the inaugural Galaxy Fold in 2019.
Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6: A Convergence of Proficiency in Display Technology
In the six years post the introduction of the primary Galaxy Z Fold, Samsung dedicated itself to offering the best product experience by concentrating on three pivotal factors — a crystal-clear display, durability, and productivity. Through a profound understanding of consumer insights amassed over the years, the Galaxy Z series has consistently transformed to offer novel features. This year, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 have yet again surpassed consumer anticipation through an enhanced screen, elevated durability, and optimized productivity.
An Engrossing Viewing Encounter
The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 present an unrivaled viewing experience due to their capacious bendable screens. In particular, the Galaxy Z Flip6’s clear display incorporates Samsung’s exclusive Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) material with Infinity Flex Display — a technology initially embraced in the Galaxy Z Flip.
“We aimed to replicate the same touch display experience from traditional smartphones to foldable devices. This constant commitment to an improved user experience culminated in Samsung’s inaugural bendable glass display,” elucidated Noh. “By adopting UTG, we managed to deliver a clearer display — accompanying a premium appearance and texture that had not yet been observed on a bendable smartphone. UTG has been implemented ever since.”
The displays of the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 are each outfitted with a new Protect Layer configuration to minimize screen wrinkles compared to their precursors. Enhanced adhesive potency in the Galaxy Z Fold6 amid display and the set forges a less profound wrinkle to craft the flattest display of any Galaxy Z Fold series to date.
To furnish a more immersive display experience, the Galaxy Z Fold6 furnishes a brighter display of up to 2,600nit. The breadth of the screen has been widened by 1.0 mm when folded and a 2.7 mm escalation when unfolded while the length has been curtailed by 1.4 mm. This alteration in screen size offers advanced screen functionality to exhibit more details horizontally for enhanced convenience.2
Improved Resilience Meets Bendables
The displays on the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 are the most durable as of now in the Galaxy Z series. Shear Thickening Fluid (STF), a new substance that adjusts to distinct levels of pressure and furnishes resilience to deformations from impacts, was infused into the Protect Layer for heightened display durability.
“STF has been introduced to the latest bendable series to measure up to the heightened standards anticipated by Galaxy users. As a consequence of this endeavor, the durability of the bendable panel has been greatly enhanced compared to the prior series,” expounded Noh. Furthermore, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 are equipped with the water-resistant attributes3 initially implemented on the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 — the planet’s first water-resistant bendable smartphones. Applied to both the exterior of the display and the hinge, a rubber band envelops the exterior of the display to avert liquid from infiltrating and jeopardizing the display.
The latest Galaxy Z series bendables are impervious to dust as well. Sweeper technology in each gadget employs exquisitely cut optical fibers to shield the display from any external dust and debris that could infiltrate through the crevices between the front of the gadget and the hinge housing. This robust shield from external dust and water furnishes users peace of mind.
Optimized Productivity With S Pen
While the Galaxy Z Fold series presents numerous multitasking functions via its ultra-large screen, the developers pondered over how the vast screen could be harnessed more effectively and handily. To enrich multitasking and productivity, the S Pen was integrated for the Galaxy Z Fold series. Presently, Galaxy AI features on the Galaxy Z Fold6 are elevated to the subsequent level with the S Pen.
When the S Pen made its debut with the Galaxy Z Fold, the metal plate material had to be substituted with carbon fiber so the digitizers that recognize the S Pen could operate without disruptions. Positioned on the left and right flank of the display, the digitizers also had to detect the S Pen on the unfolding part of the screen with no additional components. Developers overcame this quandary by concocting a fresh solution that enabled the digitizers to discern the S Pen on the folded segment of the screen grounded on sophisticated computations.
With the S Pen, users can leverage productivity functions such as Circle to Search and Note Assist more effortlessly on the Galaxy Z Fold6’s enormous screen. These advancements are the fruit of the developers’ endeavors to deliver a distinctive gadget encounter.
An Infinite Voyage Toward the Flawless Display
Despite making substantial strides in bendable screens, the Display Division declines to hit pause. The developers aspire to perpetuate refining display quality.
“As pioneers of the bendable smartphone, our squad has amassed knowledge and expertise on what users anticipate from this design,” affirmed Noh. “To fulfill those expectations, we will not halt our quest toward the optimal display experience. The Galaxy Z series will persistently undergo enhancements to substantiate Samsung’s label as a trendsetter in bendable smartphones.”
1 Contrasted with precedent series.
2 Contrasted with Galaxy Z Fold5
3 Based on lab test conditions for immersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not recommended for beach or pool utilization. Rinse residue/dry if damp. The water resistance of the gadget is not perpetual and may diminish over time owing to typical depreciation.
