Foldables are over half a decade old already, yet, some problems still plague the poor devices, mostly all related to the foldable screen. As I don't need to tell you, regular glass can't bend to the extent that foldable phones need, so most of them opt for using what is essentially plastic to cover the inside screen.
Of course, plastic is less durable than glass, which means that these screens tend to scratch a lot easier than others. There's also the entire issue of the crease which can make the foldable display look a little unsavory when fully opened. A rumored upgrade to the screen for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 may make strides towards improving these issues.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 Is Expected To Come With Thicker “Ultra-Thin Glass”
X
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is the company's foldable for this year, and while there have been leaks surrounding Samsung's foldable devices for 2024, the upcoming Z Fold 6 naturally has been getting most of the attention. Today is the Z Flip's day though, as The Elec has reported on a potential improvement in the material used for the clamshell foldable's screen.
The foldable screen uses what Samsung calls “Ultra-Thin Glass”, which is a proprietary material from Samsung that is apparently actual glass covered with a thin plastic layer to improve scratch resistance (since UTG doesn't have the same durability as regular glass). Currently, the thickness of Samsung's UTG is just 30 microns, but it seems it will get a 66% boost in thickness to 50 microns.
According to reports, this should result in the phone coming with a smaller crease in the foldable display. Considering the fact that Samsung hasn't been doing as much as others in eliminating the crease, this is good news for us consumers.
This Should Mean A More Durable Screen
At the same time, thicker glass generally means more durable glass, which is another step towards defeating the other enemy of all foldable devices, which is a relatively easy-to-scratch screen. Perhaps in another five years of living with foldable smartphones, their screens will be relatively tough and creaseless.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 Might Be The One To Come With A New Hinge
The crease in the screen of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is expected to get slightly better only because the ultra-thin glass is getting a little thicker, but the real solution to fixing a crease is dependent on the hinge design, and most companies have revolutionized their hinges to achieve the smallest possible crease. The Z Flip 6 is expected to come with the same one as last year though.
However, it seems like Samsung's clamshell foldable for 2025 might be the one to come with a redesigned hinge and potentially yet another redesign of the ultra-thin glass. Both of these combined might be enough for the most minimal crease on any of Samsung's foldables as of now.
If Samsung does a good job in 2025, it might just be about time for me to go the way of the foldable, but for now, I'll be patient enough to see what they bring this year.
