Samsung Smartphones With Bendable OLED Screens Tipped For 2017 Launch
In fact, according to Bloomberg, Samsung could release at least two smartphones in 2017 that are equipped with bendable displays. According to the publication’s sources, one of the displays is capable of bending in half, which could make it the modern equivalent of a flip phone. The second smartphone is expected to feature a display that would measure 5 inches in its normal state. However, the display could be unfurled to a full 8 inches, which would give it more of a tablet form-factor, providing more real estate for movies, games, and productivity apps.
We’ve already seen Samsung’s patent applications for bendable displays similar in concept to what’s expected next year, so perhaps all of the planets are aligning to make it a production reality.
“This product could be a game-changer if Samsung successfully comes up with a user interface suitable for bendable screens,” said IBK Securities analyst Lee Seung Woo. “Next year is a probable scenario. Their biggest obstacle was related to making transparent plastics and making them durable, which seems resolved by now.”
Late last month, Samsung showed off a prototype 5.7-inch display at SID Display Week 2016. The bendable AMOLED display measures just 0.3mm thick and can be rolled up to create circle with a radius of just 10mm.
To get an idea of where Samsung is going with bendable and flexible displays, check out this cringe-worthy concept video from 2014:
