[Interview] Conversation With a Samsung Foldable Display Developer

The pioneer of foldable smartphones, Samsung Electronics has introduced a sixth generation of the Galaxy Z series. With progressive improvements in each iteration, the Galaxy foldable lineup continues to surprise users through innovative features — capturing hearts in new, unimaginable ways.

The latest Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 not only offer intelligent AI features and personalization options but sleeker, more durable displays that stand the test of time.¹ Impossible to be created overnight, these enhancements are a result of continuous efforts from Samsung developers to provide the best display experience possible.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with Jason Noh, a developer in the Display Group, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, to learn more about the innovative foldable displays in the Galaxy Z series.

The First Foldable Display Marks the Beginning of Innovation

Samsung’s foldable innovation dates back to 2008 when the company first embarked on foldable display research. The journey toward this new technology was not easy for the display team as the screen needed to be folded while maintaining optimal display quality and functionality.

▲ Jason Noh

“We carried out studies on foldable displays and conducted countless experiments way before our first foldable device launched,” explained Noh. “Although we all shared a strong desire to become the pioneer of foldable smartphones, it wasn’t easy. Our team had to create a high-quality display that could be folded but resistant to debris — which meant we had to change the plate supporting the display.”

To achieve this, the developers carried out extensive research to lay the groundwork for Samsung’s first foldable smartphone. This included inventing a metal plate that protected the display from external substances and developing a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) that helped the display panel maintain its folding capabilities in various conditions and environments. With that, Samsung unveiled the first Galaxy Fold in 2019.

Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6: An Accumulation of Mastery in Display Technology

▲ Galaxy Fold

In the six years following the introduction of the initial Galaxy Z Fold, Samsung devoted to providing the best product experience by focusing on three essential factors — a crystal-clear display, durability and productivity. Through a deep understanding of consumer insights accumulated over the years, the Galaxy Z series has constantly evolved to provide new features. This year, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 have once again exceeded consumer expectations through an enhanced screen, improved durability and maximized productivity.

An Immersive Viewing Experience

The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 boast an unmatched viewing experience thanks to their large foldable screens. In particular, the Galaxy Z Flip6’s clear display integrates Samsung’s proprietary Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) material with Infinity Flex Display — a technology first adopted in the Galaxy Z Flip.

▲ Noh explains the Galaxy Z Flip’s foldable display.

“We wanted to bring the same touchscreen experience from bar-type smartphones to foldable devices. This continued commitment to a better user experience led to Samsung’s first foldable glass display,” explained Noh. “With the adoption of UTG, we were able to deliver a clearer display — complete with a premium look and feel that had yet to be seen on a foldable smartphone. UTG has been used ever since.”

The Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 displays are each equipped with a new Protect Layer structure to reduce screen crease compared to their predecessors. Increased adhesive strength in the Galaxy Z Fold6 between display and the set creates a shallower crease to form the flattest display of any Galaxy Z Fold series yet.

To deliver a more immersive display experience, the Galaxy Z Fold6 offers a brighter display of up to 2,600nit. The width of the screen has been expanded by 1.0 mm when folded and 2.7 mm increase when unfolded while the length has been reduced by 1.4 mm. This change in screen size offers enhanced screen usability to display more information horizontally for greater convenience.²

Enhanced Durability Meets Foldables

The displays on the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 are the most durable to date in the Galaxy Z series. Shear Thickening Fluid (STF), a new material that adapts to different amounts of pressure and provides resistance to deformations from impacts, was added to the Protect Layer for enhanced display durability.

▲ (From left) Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6

“STF has been introduced to the latest foldable series to meet the high standards expected by Galaxy users. As a result of this effort, the durability of the foldable panel has been enhanced greatly compared to the previous series,” explained Noh. In addition, the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 come with the water-resistant features³ first implemented on the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 — the world’s first water-resistant foldable smartphones. Applied to both the outer part of the display and the hinge, a rubber band surrounds the outer part of the display to prevent liquid from entering and damaging the display.

The latest Galaxy Z series foldables are resistant to dust as well. Sweeper technology in each device utilizes delicately cut optical fibers to protect the display from any external dust and debris that could enter through the gaps between the front of the device and the hinge housing. This sturdy protection from external dust and water gives users peace of mind.

Maximized Productivity With S Pen

While the Galaxy Z Fold series offers several multitasking features via its ultra-large screen, the developers contemplated how the big screen could be utilized more efficiently and conveniently. To enhance multitasking and productivity, the S Pen was adopted for the Galaxy Z Fold series. Now, Galaxy AI features on the Galaxy Z Fold6 are elevated to the next level with the S Pen.

When the S Pen was first introduced to the Galaxy Z Fold, the metal plate material had to be changed to carbon fiber so the digitizers that identify the S Pen could function without interruptions. Located on the left and right side of the display, the digitizers also needed to sense the S Pen on the screen’s folding part with no additional components. Developers overcame this challenge by creating a new solution that allowed the digitizers to recognize the S Pen on the folded part of the screen based on sophisticated calculations.

▲ (From left) Carbon fiber plate and metal plate

With the S Pen, users can utilize productivity features including Circle to Search and Note Assist more smoothly on the Galaxy Z Fold6’s massive screen. These advancements are the result of the developers’ efforts to provide a differentiated device experience.

An Endless Journey Toward the Perfect Display

Despite making significant progress in foldable screens, the Display Group refuses to stop. The developers strive to continue improving display quality.

“As a pioneer of the foldable smartphone, our team has accumulated knowledge and experience on what users expect from this form factor,” said Noh. “To meet those expectations, we will not stop our journey toward the perfect display experience. The Galaxy Z series will constantly undergo improvements to prove Samsung’s title as a trailblazer in foldable smartphones.”

¹ Compared to previous series.
² Compared to Galaxy Z Fold5
³ Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Rinse residue/dry if wet. Water resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear.