Samsung, a leader in foldable technology, continues to push the boundaries of mobile innovation with a newly surfaced patent for a bold new design—a quad-fold device with four panels and three hinges. This device could revolutionize the foldable smartphone market, offering an entirely new form factor for users.
The patent, titled “ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING BENDABLE DISPLAY,” describes a device that features four horizontal panels connected by three hinges, all under a single foldable display. The accompanying illustrations suggest a quad-fold smartphone, a daring concept that takes foldable tech to the next level. While the patent indicates the idea’s potential, it’s likely still in the early stages, possibly a rough draft, or a strategic move by Samsung to lock down the design for future use when the technology and market conditions are ready.
READ MOORE: Pakistan’s Exports to the US at Risk as Trump Raises Tariffs to 29%
In addition to the quad-fold device, the filing also includes a tri-fold phone design with three panels and two hinges, featuring a USB-C port and a triple-camera setup. The tri-fold appears more refined and may be linked to the dual-hinge design teased at Galaxy Unpacked 2025. Although the tri-fold concept feels closer to reality, it’s the ambitious quad-fold that has garnered the most attention.
Samsung’s foldable journey, which began over six years ago, continues to outpace its competitors, including Apple, which has yet to introduce its own foldable device. Samsung’s commitment to foldable tech, from the original Galaxy Z Fold to this new quad-fold concept, helps solidify its position as the leader in this space.
While neither the tri-fold nor the quad-fold has a confirmed launch date, it’s likely that the quad-fold may remain a concept for the next few years. However, two variants of the tri-fold have been spotted in the GSMA database with model numbers SM-F9680 (likely for China) and SM-F968N (potentially for South Korea), suggesting the device may be available in these two countries.
