In 2021, the general public is finally interested in folding smartphones. And Samsung is the world leader in this product category.
Last year, the Korean giant reported that its folding smartphone shipments increased fourfold thanks to the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and at Galaxy Z Flip 3. In addition to the improvements in the technical sheet, Samsung has offered more robust devices, but also less expensive.
In addition, for the next few years, Samsung has very good growth prospects for folding smartphones. And currently, rumors are already circulating regarding the improvements that the Korean giant might bring to its next models: the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4.
Some sources had suggested that on these models, Samsung might embed fingerprint scanners placed under the screen. Indeed, it should be known that if the Galaxy S22 and the S22 Ultra have biometric sensors under the display, on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 this is not the case.
Unfortunately, according to an article published by the media Business Korea, on the next folding smartphones from Samsung, we would still have to settle for old-fashioned biometric sensors that are not integrated into the screen. Apparently, getting this technology on a foldable device is more complicated.
According to the explanations of the Korean media, Samsung would have actually planned to install fingerprint scanners under the screens of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Galaxy Z Flip 4. But recently, the number one smartphone would have backtracked. Instead of being integrated into the screen, the fingerprint scanner would be placed on a button on the edge.
Business Korea nevertheless specifies that this decision would not have been made because of technological limitations, but rather because Samsung would have estimated that the fingerprint sensors under the screen are less ergonomic on a folding smartphone.
But of course, this information is unofficial.
A more resistant screen on the Galaxy Z Fold 4?
According to these new rumours, there would therefore be no evolution with regard to biometric sensors. On the other hand, Samsung would have developed a new technology to make the screen of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 more resistant.
As a reminder, if the Z Fold 3 was able to gain in resistance compared to Samsung’s first folding smartphone, released in 2019, it is thanks to the use of a technology called UTG or ultra-thin glass. And according to recent rumors, on the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung would use an improved version of this material called Super UTG.
Besides the gain in screen resistance, the Super UTG would also allow the Galaxy Z Fold 4 to support a real S-Pen stylus, but not a version of the accessory that has been modified so as not to damage the screen.
Also, given that Samsung has decided to discontinue its Galaxy Note series, it would make sense for it to improve S-Pen support for other models. And currently, it is rumored that like the Galaxy S22 Ultra, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 might have a stylus completely integrated into the design.