Samsung is working on adding a new material to its foldable phones to make them more budget-friendly. The South Korean tech giant has been testing different composites to incorporate into the production of its foldable phone lineup. Along with reducing costs, Samsung aims to leverage one of the most widely available materials: glass.
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According to a report from The Elec, the next Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models are expected to feature glass backplates. This change would not only lower production costs but also reduce the weight of the devices. Although Samsung has previously explored metals like titanium and stainless steel, ongoing geopolitical issues could complicate the import of these materials.
Sources indicate that Samsung is concerned about potential trade tensions between the United States and China, which could worsen when Donald Trump takes office. The president-elect has proposed tariffs on Chinese imports as part of his stance on fentanyl, prompting Samsung to avoid unnecessary risks. Currently, China supplies the titanium used in the Galaxy Z Fold SE, so Samsung is now experimenting with alternative materials.
Why Would Samsung Use Glass on the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip?
Samsung plans to use glass for the backplates of its Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models to make the phones lighter and more affordable. Another advantage of using glass is its wide availability, which reduces reliance on China for materials. However, switching to glass also comes with challenges for the company.
In foldable phones, the backplate is not just decorative but also supports the hinge mechanism and acts as a stand. This means Samsung’s engineers must conduct extensive reliability and performance tests to ensure the glass meets the necessary durability standards before it can be approved for production.
Rumors about a new material align with reports of groundbreaking battery technology for Samsung’s foldable devices. According to a leak, Samsung has patented a foldable battery designed for devices with three screens (tri-fold). This innovative battery features three folding points, allowing it to adapt to the device’s design. The standout feature is its single-cell structure, which can fold without damaging its integrity or affecting performance.
Samsung is betting on the foldable market, which gained momentum after the pandemic. The company aims to make foldable devices the new standard. To achieve this, it must address key challenges, including reducing production costs and ensuring long-term durability and reliability for its phones.
These advancements are expected to be revealed at Samsung’s next developer conference in late 2025. If the plans are confirmed, the first Galaxy Z Fold or Z Flip featuring a glass backplate could launch in 2026 or 2027.
