A foldable is exactly that — a folding phone. Unlike bar-type smartphones with a single body, foldables consist of a central hinge and two folding sides. The hinge serves as the central axis for opening and closing the phone. Over time, Samsung has introduced unique, cutting-edge technology into the hinge mechanism of its Galaxy Z Fold series to create a revolutionary hinge design with each release. In addition, Samsung has continued to reduce the thickness of the Galaxy Z Fold series so the phone can be carried anytime, anywhere.

Samsung Newsroom looked back at the evolution of the Galaxy Z Fold series’ sleek profile and distinctive hinge design — now thinner, sturdier and compact as ever.

[2019] Galaxy Fold

The Dawn of Foldable Phones: Folding and Unfolding

Thickness when folded: 15.7-17.1 mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.9-7.6 mm Weight: 276 g

As user lifestyles continue to diversify, so too do their needs. Samsung has consistently introduced advanced technologies each year to meet these changes. First unveiled in 2019, the Galaxy Fold featured a groundbreaking form factor — the first to deliver a natural, big-screen experience when unfolded and a compact, portable experience when folded. The act of “folding and unfolding” emerged as a new category of mobile interaction, and Samsung applied never-before-seen hinge technology to ensure this functionality felt natural and intuitive.

The inward-folding hinge not only felt familiar and easy to use, but it also provided robust display protection. The phone could be smoothly opened like a book, yet stay flat and thin when folded. The palm-sized dimensions were key to its convenience. With the first Galaxy Fold, Samsung achieved a maximum folded thickness of just 17.1 millimeters and ushered in the era of smart foldables.

[2020] Galaxy Z Fold2

The Era of Flex Mode: Hideaway Hinge and Sweeper Technology

Thickness when folded: 13.8-16.8 mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.0-6.9 mm Weight: 282 g

In 2020, the successor to the pioneering Galaxy Fold was released. The Galaxy Z Fold2 took foldables to the next level with an all-new sophisticated and refined design. The most notable of its several innovative features was the Hideaway Hinge, which seamlessly connected the body of the smartphone while supporting stable folding and unfolding. Users could mount the Galaxy Z Fold2 at various angles with the Hideaway Hinge to easily take selfies and make video calls in Flex Mode.

The Hideaway Hinge’s more than sixty parts made the innovative dual CAM mechanism a reality. The flat surface between two ridge-shaped parts, CAM helped keep the device open or closed and enabled Flex Mode. By increasing the number of CAM structures and springs, the hinge could reliably support wider angles. The Hideaway Hinge was mounted on an optimal location on the Galaxy Z Fold2 for an even slimmer design and a maximum folded thickness of just 16.8 millimeters.

Since the hinge was constantly folded when the device was opened or closed, there was an inevitable gap between the front of the device and the hinge housing. To effectively minimize this gap, Samsung needed to develop a component that would be long-lasting and elastic without adding extra bulk. Inspired by the brush of a vacuum cleaner, Samsung made use of delicately cut optical fibers to address this issue: Sweeper Technology. Sweeper Technology protected the phone’s display from external dust and debris that could enter through the gap , providing a more fluid foldable device experience.

[2021] Galaxy Z Fold3

The Solution to the Foldable Phone’s Biggest Challenge: Waterproofing

Thickness when folded: 14.4-16.0 mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.4 mm Weight: 271 g

It’s a given that today’s smartphones are waterproof. However, the hinge that opened and closed the screen on foldables would always be exposed to the elements. If liquids such as beverages or even rainwater leaked inside, the device would be at risk of immediate malfunction.

The Galaxy Z Fold3 was the first foldable to be water resistant, one of the biggest challenges that previous foldable devices faced. Samsung’s waterproofing technology was applied to two areas — the outer part of the display and the hinge. The outer part of the display was surrounded by a rubber band that prevented dust and liquid from entering, whereas the metal parts of the hinge were made of corrosion-resistant materials and coated with a long-lasting lubricant. The terminal connecting the two mainboards bordering the hinge was sealed with a silicone-based cured-in-place gasket (CIPG) that prevented liquid from entering the device. Additionally, flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) cables were used to protect sensitive components.

A robust material that withstands external shocks and reduces the risk of deformities or scratches, Armor Aluminum was used to help the Galaxy Z Fold3 achieve an even thinner and lighter form factor.

Armor Aluminum was applied to the two edges that make up the exterior and to the housing that surrounds the hinge. Various components were densely packed inside the Galaxy Z Fold3’s Hideaway Hinge to enable Flex Mode and ensure smooth opening and closing. To support these functions, the hinge housing needed to be made from sturdy materials.

The Sweeper Technology that closed the gap between the hinge and the body of the foldable evolved too. As the device became slimmer, the sweeper’s bristles were shortened to improve aesthetics while still keeping the hinge safe from dust and external particles. These innovations allowed the Galaxy Z Fold3 to be as thin as 16.0 millimeters when folded.

[2022] Galaxy Z Fold4

From Rotating to Linear: A Slimmer, Lighter Hinge

Thickness when folded: 14.2-15.8 mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.3 mm Weight: 263 g

Unveiled in 2022, the Galaxy Z Fold4 saw a significant reduction in weight and thickness. At 263 grams, the device weighed nearly 20 grams less than the Galaxy Z Fold2 at 282 grams. The maximum folded thickness was 15.8 millimeters, making this foldable the thinnest in the series at the time. Once again, Samsung loaded its signature foldable with innovation — resulting in an easy-to-grip, thin and lightweight body.

Redesigned to be 21% lighter than its predecessor, the new hinge of the Galaxy Z Fold4 accommodated the wider width and shorter length of the Cover Screen. While the previous foldable in the series used interlocking gears to ensure even screen folding and unfolding, the Galaxy Z Fold4 changed the hinge motion from rotary to linear. This adjustment drastically reduced weight, thickness and the number of parts, which streamlined manufacturing and improved the device’s resilience. With the Galaxy Z Fold4, Samsung built its slimmest, lightest hinge at the time while upholding the same level of durability as the previous form factor.

[2023] Galaxy Z Fold5

Flex Hinge: The Secret to a Fully Foldable Phone

Thickness when folded: 13.4 mm Thickness when unfolded: 6.1 mm Weight: 253 g

In 2023, the Galaxy Z Fold5 introduced the world to the next generation of foldable smartphones. Moving away from the traditional Hideaway Hinge, Samsung unveiled a new type of mechanism called the Flex Hinge — demonstrating a leap forward in foldable innovation. With improved flexibility and a wide range of features, the Flex Hinge made it possible for the display to curl into the hinge like a water droplet using four drive shafts and a dual rail structure that allowed parts to glide along it. Thanks to this hinge technology, the two screens could be evenly folded without any creases or gaps.

This new folding mechanism resulted in the lightest and thinnest Galaxy Z Fold series device yet. More than two millimeters thinner than its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold5’s maximum thickness is 13.4 millimeters when folded. The foldable also weighs 253 grams — 10 grams lighter than its predecessor — making it more compact, portable and stable when folded. The phone’s sleek, solid shape could be appreciated from any angle.

Each year, Samsung refines the Galaxy Z Fold series by leveraging precise engineering and meticulous manufacturing processes. Every detail is studied carefully, from internal mechanisms to exterior design. Reimagining the hinges and device thickness — core attributes of the foldable — has enhanced the utility of the Galaxy Z Fold series immensely. Samsung will continue to build on its legacy of unprecedented foldables, ensuring that more people can utilize them for an even more convenient life.

Discover the next generation of Samsung’s innovations at Galaxy Unpacked 2024 on July 10 in Paris.

Versatile, compact and stylish, the Galaxy Z Flip is made for fast-paced, modern lifestyles and for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement. Built to inspire creativity, the device packs everything you need for content creation and sharing into a form factor that fits in the palm of your hand.

Flex Your Creativity

The Galaxy Z Flip’s unique form factor is designed to provide hands-free experiences, making it easy for you to create content no matter where you are.

Thanks to its Hideaway Hinge, the device can stand on its own at various angles. Simply pop open the device, place it on a desk or on the floor, and you can start filming your latest dance challenge video without extra accessories or stands.

With Flex mode, you can easily snap hands-free selfies for your social media feeds or capture steady, stunning Night Hyperlapse videos with just the Galaxy Z Flip. The feature also lets you easily set up live streams to connect with your followers or instantly collaborate with other creators via video call.

Capture the World Differently

From spontaneous selfies to hilarious GIFs of funny moments, the Galaxy Z Flip gives you new ways to capture your experiences.

The Quick selfie feature uses the device’s powerful rear cameras to create high-quality self-portraits. Double click the power button when the phone is folded and the cover display will transform into a selfie viewfinder. You can then click the volume button to capture a shot. If you are taking a groupie with your friends, you can tap on the cover display to switch to the Ultra Wide lens.

With so many ways to create photos and videos, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which one to go for in the moment.

Single Take on the Galaxy Z Flip is a dream tool for digital creators. The feature is especially useful for shooting action-packed scenes.

Just hold down the shutter button and the camera will capture the moment in a wide range of formats. What’s more, the feature even recommends the best shots, which means you don’t need to scroll through your gallery to find the perfect post.

Elevate Your Content

Ask any digital creator and they will tell you that taking photos and videos is just the start of the creative process. From image editing to caption writing, there are many steps when it comes to producing engaging content.

Equipped with quick and easy image editing tools, the Galaxy Z Flip is a mobile creative powerhouse. As soon as you take a shot, you can start polishing your image, try out different filters, and put your next post together on the device. The Multi-Active Window feature also allows you to run two apps simultaneously on the main display. With the ability to edit photos on the top half of the display while writing captions or responding to comments on the bottom half, you can multitask and manage your platform on the go with ease.

Fashion Meets Technology

Featuring a bold and playful design, the Galaxy Z Flip is perfect for those who see technology as a way to express themselves. Available in various luxurious color options, including Mirror Purple, Mirror Black, and Mirror Gold for the Galaxy Z Flip, and Mystic Gray and Mystic Bronze for the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, the device will turn heads and bring individuality to your outfit.¹

¹ Color availability may vary depending on country or carrier.

Check out the video below to hear Samsung experts break down the intricacies of the Hideaway Hinge and sweeper technology.

*Subtitles are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and Korean

In this second installment of a two-part series on the Galaxy Z Flip’s Hideaway Hinge, we will take a look at another key innovation, which helps to protect the device from dust and dirt – the sweeper technology.

Sweeper Technology

In designing the Galaxy Z Flip’s hinge, Samsung engineers not only had to account for the spaces between the body and the hinge, but also meet three specific conditions: Elasticity (to account for shifts in the gap size); long-lasting flexibility (the hinge is tested to withstand 200,000 folds¹); and slimness (to keep the device’s sleek form factor).

Finding a solution that protected against particles and met those conditions meant dozens and dozens of failed prototypes. But then, one of Samsung’s top engineers noticed that the way fibers were used in vacuum cleaners was similar to what was required for the Hideaway Hinge. The sweeper fibers were not only pliable enough to cover all the gaps as the smartphone folds and unfolds, they also remained flexible after long-term usage.

Now let’s take a look at how Samsung engineers overcame all those challenges and what the outcome of their efforts looks like.

¹ 200K folds based on internal testing conducted by Samsung, results may vary.

When you hear the word hinge, you probably think of the simple component that lets a door open and close. The Hideaway Hinge on the Galaxy Z Flip is so much more than that. It’s an innovation marvel and the backbone of the device – it quite literally holds the entire smartphone.

Designing the hinge was no easy feat. Samsung had to tackle some huge problems to ensure that it was ready for consumers.

First, Samsung had to invent a hinge that is strong, stable and offered a smooth experience, without adding any extra bulk. Second, Samsung had to come up with a way to prevent small particles, like dust and sand, from entering the tiny gap between the hinge and screen.

To solve both of these problems at once, Samsung engineers developed a patented Hideaway Hinge technology that combines two completely new, groundbreaking innovations: the dual CAM mechanism and sweeper technology. In this first installment of a two-part series, we will explore the first innovation of the Hideaway Hinge: the dual CAM mechanism.

Hideaway Hinge’s Dual CAM Mechanism

The ridge-shaped dual CAM mechanism is a key component of the Galaxy Z Flip’s Hideaway Hinge and revolutionary, gradual folding experience. Because of this innovative technology, the Galaxy Z Flip can open, close and stand on its own at different angles. It’s the difference between a light switch that can only go on and off and a dimmer that offers many more degrees of control.

In addition, the precisely crafted dual CAM mechanism keeps the Hideaway Hinge slim, and the Galaxy Z Flip small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

Here’s how the dual CAM mechanism works:

“At Samsung, we were encouraged by the excitement for the Galaxy Fold. Galaxy Z Flip is an important next step as we look to build the foldable category by bringing to consumers a new form factor, new display and most importantly, a new kind of mobile experience,” said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “With Galaxy Z Flip’s unique foldable design and user experience, we’re redefining what a mobile device can be, and what it enables consumers to do.”

Foldable Heritage

The category-defining Galaxy Fold began the foldable era. Now, Galaxy Z Flip is shaping it for a new decade. As the first device in the Z series, Galaxy Z Flip introduces a new device portfolio that reaffirms Samsung’s commitment to leading the category, and leveraging technologies and form factors to create foldable experiences that will surprise and delight in the years ahead.

Fashion Meets Technology

Galaxy Z Flip’s compact, stylish design is created for those who see technology as a way to express themselves. And all of the innovations that go into Galaxy Z Flip ensure they can do so.

• Style that Fits in Your Pocket – Designed for ultimate portability, Galaxy Z Flip folds into the size of a wallet, so you can easily fit it in your pocket or bag. When closed, it is a stylish, compact palm-sized device. When opened, its screen size nearly doubles to reveal a stunning 6.7-inch display². With its stylish color palette, sleek rounded corners and forward fold that closes with a satisfying snap, Galaxy Z Flip is sure to turn heads.
• Samsung’s First Foldable Glass Display – Galaxy Z Flip features an Infinity Flex Display with Samsung’s proprietary bendable Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), making it slimmer with a sleek, premium look and feel that has never been seen with a foldable device before. The centered in-display camera cutout at the top also means there’s no notch and no distractions, with Samsung’s first-ever 21.9:9 ratio, so you can enjoy even more of your favorite content such as cinema-ratio 21:9 shows and movies.
• New Hideaway Hinge – Galaxy Z Flip’s Hideaway Hinge is a work of engineering art. It’s backed by a dual CAM mechanism – small but sophisticatedly designed to ensure every flip and fold is smooth and stable. Galaxy Z Flip can stay open at a range of angles, like a laptop screen. The Hideaway Hinge system also integrates Samsung’s new sweeper technology, which uses nylon fibers crafted by micro-height-cutting technology to repel dirt and dust.

The Next Foldable Experience

Galaxy Z Flip is built for the modern, on-the-go lifestyle. Now you can do more, from multiple angles – hands-free. This unique foldable experience is unlike any other smartphone on the market today.

• Do more – Hands-free – When Galaxy Z Flip unfolds, it can stay open at multiple angles, unlocking opportunities for selfies that show more of the world around you and expressive video chats with Google Duo – all hands-free.
• Flex mode – Samsung worked closely with Google to design Flex mode – a custom-built user experience for Galaxy Z Flip’s unique forward folding form factor. When the device is free-standing, the display automatically splits into two 4-inch screens so you can easily view images, contents or videos on the top half of the display, and control them on the bottom half. Easily watch and navigate YouTube³ – stream on the top while searching for other videos, reading descriptions and writing comments on the bottom.
• Game Changing Camera – Galaxy Z Flip literally stands on its own so that you can capture more, on-the-go – from timed group shots to vivid nighttime content. You can create content for your social media feeds from the best angle and enjoy video recording with a 16:9 ratio that’s perfect for uploads to social media platforms, hands-free – no tripod needed. Capture stunning Night Hyperlapse videos or vivid low light shots with Night mode – no flash needed. Just open your device and place it on a table. When closed, quickly capture one-handed high-quality selfies using the rear camera without unfolding.
• Notifications on Your Terms – Whether Galaxy Z Flip is closed, standing upright or open, never miss a text, call or reminder. When closed, check the date, time and battery status at a glance on the cover display⁴. Get real time notifications so you can easily answer a call without unfolding or respond to a text by simply tapping the notification and unfolding your Galaxy Z Flip.
• Multi-Active Window – Seamlessly multi-task with Multi-Active Window – simply open the Multi-Window Tray to drag and drop the apps you want to use. Scroll through an article on the latest fashion looks on the top half while shopping for your favorite pieces on the bottom⁵.

Galaxy Foundation and Ecosystem

As a Galaxy device, Galaxy Z Flip brings the Galaxy ecosystem into its brand new foldable experience. It boasts flagship-level performance and features across camera, display, battery, security as well as services like Samsung Health, Samsung Pay, Samsung Knox and more⁶. Enjoy a versatile camera experience with 4K video capture, Live Focus and Super Steady recording⁷. Galaxy Z Flip features an optimized dual battery system that holds more power without taking up more space – wired or wirelessly quick charge, plus with Wireless PowerShare⁸, you can wirelessly charge up your Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch or even a friend’s device. Samsung Knox protects users and their device from the chip to the software level and receives monthly and quarterly security updates. Users also get services that enable secure payment options with Samsung Pay, health and wellness tracking and monitoring with Samsung Health, and access to more than 5,000 Samsung and partner smart products through SmartThings.

Availability

The Galaxy Z Flip will be available in limited quantities in Mirror Purple and Mirror Black, starting in select markets including the U.S. and Korea on February 14, 2020, followed by Mirror Gold in select countries. For more information about Galaxy Z Flip, please visit news.samsung.com/galaxy, www.samsungmobilepress.com or www.samsung.com/galaxy.

Product Specifications

*All specifications and descriptions provided herein may be different from the actual specifications and descriptions of the product. Samsung reserves the right to make changes to this web page and the contents herein, including without limitation, functionality, features, specifications, GUI, images, videos, benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, capabilities, and any other product information, without notice.

¹ Display measurements are diagonal, and actual viewable area is smaller due to rounded corners and camera hole punch.

² Display measurements are diagonal, and actual viewable area is smaller due to rounded corners and camera hole punch.

³ Flex mode compatibility with YouTube will be available in the near future with Android Support Library.

⁴ App Continuity works with select applications; compatible apps growing through third party developers.

⁵ Works with select applications.

⁶ Based on average battery life under typical usage conditions. Average expected performance based on typical use. Actual battery life depends on factors such as network, features selected, frequency of calls, and voice, data, and other application usage patterns. Results may vary.

⁷ Super Steady recording only available on rear camera.

⁸ Wireless PowerShare works with most Qi-Certified devices. Requires minimum 30% battery to share. Speed and power efficiency of charge varies by device. May not work with some accessories, covers, or other manufacturer’s devices. If you have trouble connecting or charging is slow, remove any cover from each device. May affect call reception or data services, depending on your network environment.