Google To Adopt Samsung Dual-Edge Display With Panels From LG?

Future Google smartphones may look a lot like the Samsung Galaxy S8 if recent reports are to be believed. Google is looking into an $880 million investment deal with LG Display Co. to manufacture flexible OLED displays for future Google smartphones, according to ETNews.

Since the deal is not yet finalized, it is likely the upcoming Google Pixel 2 may not feature a curved display. However, devices thereafter may be among the first Google smartphones to adopt the new design.

Curved display smartphones are gearing up to be the new standard of design. Samsung pioneered the look on the Galaxy Note Edge in 2014. The device features a single curve on its right side, but Samsung quickly followed up with the first dual-edge curved display on the Galaxy S6 in 2015.

Early in its inception, Samsung’s curved display was thought to have a functional purpose. However, over time the company resigned that dual-edges would primarily be a way to stand out in the market. Samsung began also licensing the design to other smartphone makers in 2016. Since then manufacturers such as Vivo and BlackBerry have also adopted a curved display design.

In particular, Samsung uses the dual-edge so devices can maintain a larger display while being more compact. Following the Galaxy Note 7, all Samsung flagships are expected to feature a dual-edge design. Both the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus have curved edges. The upcoming Galaxy Note 8 is also expected to be a curved smartphone.

Rumors suggest the upcoming iPhone 8 may also feature a dual-edge display after reportedly partnering with Samsung to produce 160 million display panels. However, reports have not yet been confirmed.