Samsung has released a range of foldable phones or foldable screen phones over the years. Namely, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold which has evolved from its initial launch until now. Basically, a foldable phone is a phone that can be folded. Unlike conventional smartphones that only have one long screen, foldable phones have a hinge in the middle and two sides of the smartphone that can be folded. This hinge plays a crucial role in defining a foldable phone that can be opened and closed.
Over time, Samsung has introduced and developed advanced, unique, and revolutionary hinge technology with each launch of the Galaxy Fold series. Additionally, Samsung continues to reduce the thickness of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series to make these foldable phones easier to carry wherever and whenever. So, what is the evolution of the slim profile and unique hinge design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series which is now thinner, stronger, and more compact? Find out more about it below!
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Over the Years:
[2019] Galaxy Fold, Samsung’s First Foldable Smartphone
Folded thickness: 15.7-17.1mm
Open thickness: 6.9-7.6mm
Weight: 276g
Meeting the diverse lifestyles of users, Samsung continues to bring cutting-edge technology to meet their needs every year. Launched for the first time in 2019, the Galaxy Fold became the first revolutionary smartphone to provide a larger screen experience when opened and remained compact when folded. The concept of “folding and unfolding” became a new part of mobile interaction, where Samsung used innovative hinge technology to ensure an intuitive user experience. The inward folding hinge not only provides convenience and ease of use, but also protects the screen well. This device can be opened smoothly like a book, yet remains flat and thin when folded. Its pocket-sized dimensions make it very practical. With the first Galaxy Fold, Samsung managed to create a foldable phone with a maximum thickness of only 17.1 millimeters, marking the beginning of the foldable smartphone era.
[2020] Galaxy Z Fold2, FlexMode Era: Hidden Hinge and Sweeper Technology
Folded thickness: 13.8-16.8mm
Open thickness: 6.0-6.9mm
Weight: 282g
In 2020, the successor to the Galaxy Fold, the Galaxy Z Fold2, was launched. This foldable phone brought innovation to the next level with a more sophisticated and elegant design. One of the most attention-grabbing features at the time was the Hideaway Hinge. This technology connects the smartphone body, providing a stable and seamless folding and unfolding process. With the Hideaway Hinge, users can adjust the position of the Galaxy Z Fold2 at various angles easily when taking selfies and making video calls in FlexMode. The Hideaway Hinge consists of more than sixty components that enable the innovative dual CAM mechanism to function properly. CAM is a flat surface between two parts that helps keep the device open or closed and supports FlexMode usage. By increasing the number of CAM structures and springs, the hinge on the device becomes more stable and robust when opened at a wider angle. The Hideaway Hinge also makes the Galaxy Z Fold2 appear slimmer, with a maximum thickness of only 16.8 millimeters when folded. Hinges that are often folded will create a gap between the front of the device and the hinge. To reduce this gap, Samsung has developed durable, lightweight, and elastic components called Sweeper technology. Inspired by the brush in a vacuum cleaner, this technology protects the phone screen from dust and dirt that may enter through the gap, enhancing the user experience with a more durable foldable device.
[2021] Galaxy Z Fold3, Foldable Waterproof for Everyday Use
Folded thickness: 14.4-16.0mm
Open thickness: 6.4mm
Weight: 271g
While it is common for smartphones to have waterproof features, the hinges used to open and close the screen on foldable phones are more vulnerable to exposure to water. Damage is inevitable if liquids such as drinking water or rainwater enter the hinge. The Galaxy Z Fold3 became the first waterproof foldable phone. This waterproof technology is applied to two main areas, namely the outer screen and the hinge. The outer screen is protected by rubber strips to prevent dust and liquids from entering, while the hinge’s metal part is made of rust-resistant material and coated with long-lasting lubricants. The terminal that connects the two mainboards around the hinge is sealed with a silicone gasket to prevent liquids from entering the device. Additionally, flexible printed circuit cables are used to protect sensitive components. The Galaxy Z Fold3 is equipped with Armor Aluminum material that is resistant to external shocks to reduce the risk of damage or scratches. This material also makes the Galaxy Z Fold3 thinner and lighter. Armor Aluminum is embedded on the two edges that form the outer hinge part and on the protective cover surrounding the hinge. The Hideaway Hinge on the Galaxy Z Fold3 is made up of various components condensed to support FlexMode, ensuring that the device can be opened and closed smoothly. To support these functions, the hinge casing is made of strong material. Developments have also been made on the Sweeper technology that closes the gap between the hinge and the device body. As the device becomes thinner, the brush bristles are trimmed to improve aesthetics while still protecting the hinge from dust and external particles. These innovations allow the Galaxy Z Fold3 to have a thickness of just 16.0 millimeters when folded.
[2022] Galaxy Z Fold4, Thinner and Lighter
Folded thickness: 14.2-15.8mm
Open thickness: 6.3mm
Weight: 263g
Introduced in 2022, the Galaxy Z Fold4 underwent a significant reduction in weight and thickness. With a weight of 263 grams, this device is nearly 20 grams lighter than its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold2, which weighed 282 grams. The maximum thickness when folded is 15.8 millimeters, making the Galaxy Z Fold4 the lightest foldable phone series from Samsung at that time. Proving Samsung’s unique innovation in foldable phones with thin, lightweight, and easy-to-grip designs. Designed to be lighter by 21% compared to the previous model, the new hinge of the Galaxy Z Fold4 has wider and shorter dimensions than the Cover Screen. Unlike previous foldable devices that used locking gears to ensure uniform opening and folding of the screen, the Galaxy Z Fold4 changed its hinge movement from rotational to linear. This change significantly reduces weight, thickness, component count, and simplifies the manufacturing process while increasing the device’s strength. With the Galaxy Z Fold4, Samsung has built the lightest and most compact hinge to date, while still maintaining the same level of strength and durability as the previous model.
[2023] Galaxy Z Fold5, The Secret of the Foldable Phone with FlexHinge
Folded thickness: 13.4mm
Open thickness: 6.1mm
Weight: 253g
In 2023, the Galaxy Z Fold5 was introduced as the latest generation of foldable phones. Unlike the traditional Hideaway hinge, Samsung introduced a new mechanism called FlexHinge, marking a significant leap in foldable device innovation. With enhanced flexibility and more comprehensive features, FlexHinge allows the screen to curve into the hinge like water droplets with four drive shafts and a double rail structure that facilitates smooth sliding. This hinge technology allows both screens to fold flat, without folds or gaps. With this latest technology, the Galaxy Z Fold5 becomes the lightest and thinnest Galaxy Z Fold series device to date. Compared to its predecessor, the maximum thickness of the Galaxy Z Fold5 when folded is only 13.4 millimeters. This foldable device also weighs 253 grams or 10 grams lighter, making it more compact, portable, and stable when folded. Its sleek and sturdy shape from every angle adds a premium touch.
Each year, Samsung develops the Galaxy Z Fold series using precise techniques and detailed manufacturing processes. Every aspect is studied in depth, from internal mechanisms to external designs. By updating the hinge and thickness of the device, as well as the core elements of foldable phones, Samsung has significantly improved the utility of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series. Samsung will continue to strengthen its position as a leader in the foldable phone industry to ensure that this technology can benefit more people and provide a better quality of life.
Witness the Next Innovation at Galaxy Unpacked
Samsung will hold Galaxy Unpacked on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 8:00 PM WIB, in Paris, France. This event also marks the opening of pre-orders for the latest Samsung Galaxy Z series devices. Through its official website, Samsung announced exclusive offers available to those who pre-register from June 26 to July 9, 2024. “Samsung continues to bring revolutionary innovations to enhance the user experience. In the near future, Global Unpacked Samsung will bring consumers, including those in Indonesia, to experience the latest Mobile AI technology. To not miss this opportunity, consumers in Indonesia can register on samsung.com and enjoy various exclusive benefits. We are excited to invite users to enjoy many new, anti-mainstream ways…”.
