Samsung To Launch Clamshell Galaxy Fold Next Year, Report Claims

Samsung might be launching an all-new second generation Galaxy Fold device next year, a report claims.

Reports about Samsung finishing its work on fixing the troubled Galaxy Fold device have poured in, and yet the Korean tech giant hasn’t released the would-be first mainstream foldable smartphone in the market. Despite this fact, a report claims that Samsung is already working on a new Galaxy Fold device, one with a new design, and might release it next year.

Citing anonymous sources in the supply chain, Digitimes said Samsung is already developing the second-gen Galaxy Fold device and suggested that this all-new device could be released next year. The report said the new device will feature a clamshell design similar to the Motorola Razr clamshell, with a 6.7-inch in-folding display in front, and a 1-inch display for when the device is folded shut.

The report also suggests that Samsung is working on a third foldable device. TechRadar noted that there’s no information about the alleged third device, except that it’s coming in the future.

Possible Designs

The new report seems to indicate previous reports describing Samsung’s plans for second-gen Galaxy Fold devices.

Earlier, a report from Korean news site ETNews said Samsung is working on a foldable smartphone with a clamshell design. The display, when unfolded, measures 6.7 inches. This device has a 1-inch display for notifications when it’s closed, similar to how the beloved Motorola Razr worked when closed. Based on these details, it’s clear that the device is designed for maximum portability.

Another report said Samsung is working on an 8-inch Galaxy Fold with support for the S Pen. The report said “the second-generation Galaxy Fold is summarized as a folder-based phone based on the Galaxy Note series.” Whether this is because it has S Pen support or not remains to be seen. It’s also unclear if this is the third device hinted at by the very recent Digitimes report.

What’s clear right now is that Samsung is in a race to release its first foldable smartphone before Huawei releases its own Mate X. With U.S. President Donald Trump deciding to loosen his stance on the Chinese tech giant, Huawei might be able to do it sooner -- which means Samsung has to work faster.