We’ve been hearing that Samsung is working on foldable devices for years now, but according to a new report, we’ll finally see a foldable product come to market later this year.
Samsung is planning to launch foldable smartphones in Q3 2017, say sources speaking to the Korea Herald. It’s reported that Samsung is aiming to launch more than 100,000 units of these foldable devices. However, Samsung hasn’t made a final decision about the launch because of concerns about the device’s marketability and profitability.
Specific details of the foldable smartphone aren’t given, but it is said that the panels will face outward when folded. When unfolded, the device can be used as a 7-inch tablet.
The device described in today’s report sounds similar to a product from a 2014 Samsung concept video, which is the source of both images in this post. You can see the concept video for yourself right here.
Today’s report also claims that LG is expected to create more than 100,000 units of its own foldable devices in Q4 2017.
Obviously we’ll have to wait until Samsung’s foldable device launches before making any judgments about it, but the prospect of a foldable smartphone certainly is interesting. With it, you could fold the smartphone up so that it has a smaller footprint when you’re making a call or storing it in a pocket or bag, and then fold the device out into a larger tablet when you want more space for browsing or watching a video.
