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Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold
A foldable phone is a device that can be folded in half, unlike traditional smartphones. It features a central hinge and two folding sides that facilitate its opening and closing. Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series has seen Samsung continuously enhancing the hinge mechanism, incorporating advancements with each new release. Concurrently, the company has focused on reducing the thickness of the Galaxy Z Fold series to enhance portability. Samsung Newsroom has recently highlighted the evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, emphasizing how it has become thinner, sturdier, and more compact with each successive version.
Galaxy Fold – 2019
The Emergence of Foldable Phones: Opening and Closing
- Folded Thickness: 15.7-17.1mm
- Unfolded Thickness: 6.9-7.6mm
- Weight: 276g
As people’s lifestyles evolve, so do their needs. The Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series reflects Samsung’s commitment to innovation, introducing new technologies annually to adapt to these changes. In 2019, Samsung launched the Galaxy Fold, featuring a unique design that offered a large screen when unfolded and a compact form when folded. This revolutionary “folding and unfolding” interaction was made possible by Samsung’s advanced hinge technology. The inward-folding hinge not only enhanced usability but also provided robust display protection. Opening the phone like a book was smooth, maintaining a flat and thin profile when folded, which made it exceptionally portable. With the Galaxy Fold, Samsung pioneered foldable devices, starting with a phone that measured just 17.1 millimeters thick when folded. The Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series continues to redefine smartphone innovation.
Galaxy Z Fold2 – 2020
The FlexMode Era: Hideaway Hinge and Sweeper Technology
Folded Thickness: 13.8-16.8mm
Unfolded Thickness: 6.0-6.9mm
Weight: 282g
In 2020, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Fold2, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold devices. This successor to the original Galaxy Fold elevated the foldable phone concept with its sleek and refined design. A standout feature of the Galaxy Z Fold2 was its Hideaway Hinge, which seamlessly connected the phone’s two parts, ensuring smooth folding and unfolding. With the Hideaway Hinge, users could position the Galaxy Z Fold2 at various angles, enhancing usability for activities like taking selfies and video calling in FlexMode.
The Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold hinges was made possible by more than sixty parts, creating an innovative dual CAM mechanism. This mechanism, positioned between two ridge-shaped parts, ensured smooth opening and closing and enabled FlexMode. By increasing the number of CAM structures and springs, the Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold hinge could reliably support wider angles. Strategically positioned on the Galaxy Z Fold2, the Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Hideaway Hinge contributed to a slimmer design and a maximum folded thickness of just 16.8 millimeters. Constant folding of the hinge when opening or closing the device created a gap between the front of the device and the hinge housing. To effectively minimize this gap, Samsung needed to develop a component that was durable and flexible without adding extra bulk. Taking inspiration from the brush of a vacuum cleaner, Samsung utilized delicately cut optical fibers to create Sweeper Technology. This technology safeguarded the phone’s display from external dust and debris that could potentially enter through the gap, ensuring a smoother foldable device experience.
Galaxy Z Fold3 – 2021
The answer to the foldable phone’s primary challenge: achieving waterproofing.
Folded thickness: 14.4-16.0mm
Unfolded thickness: 6.4mm
Weight: 271g
Today’s smartphones, including the Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, are typically waterproof, but foldable phones face a unique challenge due to their exposed hinges. The Galaxy Z Fold3 marked a significant milestone by becoming the first foldable phone to tackle this issue with its water-resistant design. Samsung incorporated waterproofing technology not only on the outer display but also on the hinge itself. The display was surrounded by a rubber band to effectively block out dust and liquids, while the hinge utilized corrosion-resistant materials and a durable lubricant coating. Additionally, a silicone-based gasket was employed to seal the terminal connecting the mainboards near the hinge, preventing liquid ingress. Flexible printed circuit board cables were also utilized to safeguard sensitive components from moisture damage, ensuring robust durability in varied conditions.
Armor Aluminum, a strong material that can withstand external shocks and reduce the risk of deformities or scratches, was used to help make the Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold even thinner and lighter. This material was applied to the edges and hinge housing of the device. Inside the Hideaway Hinge, various components were tightly packed to enable FlexMode and ensure smooth opening and closing. The hinge housing needed to be made from sturdy materials to support these functions. The Sweeper Technology, which closes the gap between the hinge and the body of the foldable, also evolved in the Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. As the device became slimmer, the sweeper’s bristles were shortened to improve aesthetics while still protecting the hinge from dust and external particles. These innovations allowed the Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold to be as thin as 16.0 millimeters when folded.
Galaxy Z Fold4 – 2022
Changing from rotational to linear: A slimmer, lighter hinge
Folded thickness: 14.2-15.8mm
Unfolded thickness: 6.3mm
Weight: 263g
The Galaxy Z Fold4 was revealed in 2022 with a noticeable decrease in weight and thickness. Weighing 263 grams, the device was almost 20 grams lighter than the Galaxy Z Fold2, which weighed 282 grams. It also had a maximum folded thickness of 15.8 millimeters, making it the thinnest foldable in the series at that time. Samsung once again showcased its innovative design by creating a device that was easy to hold, thin, and lightweight.
The new hinge of the Galaxy Z Fold4 is now 21% lighter than the previous model, making it more accommodating to the wider width and shorter length of the Cover Screen. Unlike the previous foldable in the series that used interlocking gears for screen folding, the Galaxy Z Fold4 now has a linear hinge motion. This change has significantly reduced weight, thickness, and the number of parts, making manufacturing more efficient and improving the device’s durability. Samsung has managed to create its slimmest and lightest hinge yet with the Galaxy Z Fold4, while maintaining the same level of durability as before.
Galaxy Z Fold5 – 2023
Changing from rotational to linear: A slimmer, lighter hinge
FlexHinge: Enabling Full Foldability
Folded Thickness: 13.4mm | Unfolded Thickness: 6.1mm
Weight: 253g
In 2023, the Galaxy Z Fold5 showcased the latest in foldable smartphone technology. Instead of the usual Hideaway Hinge, Samsung introduced the innovative FlexHinge, marking a significant advancement in foldable design. The FlexHinge allowed for enhanced flexibility and a variety of features, enabling the display to fold smoothly into the hinge like a water droplet. This was made possible by four drive shafts and a dual rail structure that allowed components to move seamlessly along it. Thanks to this new hinge technology, the two screens could be folded evenly without any creases or gaps.
The latest folding mechanism has made the Galaxy Z Fold series device the lightest and thinnest yet. The Galaxy Z Fold5 is over two millimeters thinner than its predecessor, with a maximum thickness of 13.4 millimeters when folded. It also weighs 253 grams, which is 10 grams lighter than the previous model, making it more compact, portable, and stable when folded. The phone’s sleek and solid shape can be admired from any angle.
Samsung improves the Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series every year through precise engineering and meticulous manufacturing processes. They carefully study every detail, from internal mechanisms to exterior design. By reimagining the hinges and device thickness, which are core features of foldable phones, Samsung has greatly improved the Evolution of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. Samsung is committed to continuing its legacy of innovative foldable phones, making them accessible to more people for a more convenient life.
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