Sometime last month, there were reports that Samsung is planning to use an under-screen camera (UDC) for the first time on the Galaxy Z Fold3. Of course, we already know that the Samsung Galaxy S21 will miss out on this feature. According to reports out of South Korea, the Galaxy Z Fold3 will likely use the on-screen camera. The report claims that Samsung Display has developed a screen that supports UDC. This information is from an industry insider according to the report.
The gap between the pixels becomes wider to allow light to pass through. Even so, because the light is refracted by the OLED display layer, it needs a special algorithm to correct the image. The camera module is from Samsung LSI.
Only the area above the camera lens has a wide gap because this will affect the image quality of the display. As of now, only the ZTE Axon 20 5G uses the on-screen camera technology. The image below is a macro shot of the ZTE Axon 20 screen. The under-screen camera of this smartphone also uses a similar method to Samsung’s.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 is expected to be unveiled in the third quarter of 2021. The adoption of UDC will help consolidate its new flagship position.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 may use two hinges and a sliding keyboard
Samsung currently has several foldable smartphones, such as the Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold 2 which are both 5G models. Presently, all foldable phones in the market have one thing in common – they can fold once. Nevertheless, it is obvious that smartphones will eventually also be introduced with a flexible display that can be folded twice. A good example of this was already shown at the beginning of last year when Xiaomi demonstrated its first foldable smartphone. Well, the company is yet to launch this smartphone anyway.
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According to recent information, Samsung is also working on such models. For example, there were reports of the Galaxy Z Dual Fold smartphone recently. This model comes with a lower display that also acts as a virtual keyboard. Newly found documentation shows that Samsung is also considering developing a foldable smartphone with a slide-out keyboard, for convenience we call this device the Galaxy Z Fold 3.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold with a dual-hinge and three-screen parts
When this smartphone folds, it is remarkably slim. According to the patent, the display can fold twice using the dual hinge. Thus, the flexible display consists of three equal display parts. When it folds, you have a narrow, compact phone, while unfolded you have a tablet-sized display.
Part of the screen can always be used, even when folded. Notifications and incoming messages and calls can be displayed on this. This screen part is also large enough to be able to reply directly to a WhatsApp message. You can also use it to browse through your phone book to find a contact.
Because part of the screen always remains visible – even when you carry the phone with you on the go – the risk of screen damage is greater. Although Samsung uses UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) for the Z Fold and Z Flip, the screen protector placed over it is significantly less scratch-resistant. Hopefully, a solid solution will be sought for this before Samsung decides to release a folding phone with a (partially) outwardly folding display.
The applied hinge ensures that you can close the phone completely, without visible seams. This makes this phone extremely compact to carry with you. It also reduces the chance that dust particles and dirt can enter the hinges. Of course, we know it has a negative effect on the operation of the device.