Over the years, smartphone manufacturers have pushed the boundaries of design by introducing handsets that stretch, bend, and fold in innovative ways. Samsung, a leading player in this space, recently offered a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into its vision for the future of mobile displays during a visit to Samsung Display's headquarters in South Korea. This exclusive tour, held in a previously off-limits room, showcased several cutting-edge concept displays that could shape the next generation of smartphones.
Along one wall of this secretive room, a series of concept prototypes were mounted on machines that continuously bent, folded, and rolled them, demonstrating the impressive flexibility and durability of the screens. Although I wasn't permitted to physically handle these displays, watching them in motion highlighted the potential for new form factors that go beyond what is currently available on the market.
Consumer technology exhibitions such as CES (Consumer Electronics Show) and Mobile World Congress have increasingly become platforms for companies to unveil ambitious innovations. While many of these concepts never make it to commercial release, they provide insight into how manufacturers are experimenting with ways to make devices more intuitive and engaging. Samsung has been a major force in the foldable smartphone market, having launched several models such as the clamshell-style Galaxy Z Flip, the book-style Galaxy Z Fold, and the hybrid Galaxy Z TriFold, which blends phone and tablet features. The tech giant is also expected to reveal its Galaxy Z 8 series at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event.
During my June visit to Samsung's global headquarters, I was given an exclusive preview of the company's latest mobile display technologies and a glimpse of what consumers might expect in the near future. Samsung did not disclose detailed specifications for these prototypes, but the designs themselves speak volumes about the direction the company is exploring.
One of the standout prototypes is called the Flex S. This concept display folds into a distinctive Z shape, setting it apart from the Galaxy Z TriFold, which folds into a C shape and closes like a pamphlet. When unfolded, the Flex S opens up to a tablet-sized screen, ideal for activities like watching movies or streaming video content. I personally appreciated this form factor when reviewing the TriFold, as it provided a large, immersive display that could easily be folded away when not in use-perfect for relaxed viewing while lying in bed.
Another intriguing prototype is the Out Foldable, which features screens on the exterior of both panels. Unlike Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, which houses its main display inside when folded, this design places displays on both the front and back, unfolding into a wider, mini-tablet-like layout. Its concept resembles early foldable devices such as the 2019 Huawei Mate X. While the idea is visually impressive, I have some reservations. The wrap-around external display might be more susceptible to scratches and damage, and I question the practicality of having a touchscreen on the back of a phone. Despite these concerns, the Out Foldable stands out as a bold and innovative approach to foldable design.
The Flex Slidable is another concept that caught my attention. As its name implies, this model expands horizontally by rolling out to provide a wider screen. This could be particularly useful for gaming or watching videos, where a broader display enhances the experience. The design reminded me of LG's rollable smartphone teased at CES 2021, which was ultimately canceled after the company shut down its mobile division. Similarly, Motorola unveiled a rollable smartphone concept in 2023 with a screen that extends upward, and Lenovo showcased laptops with vertically and horizontally extendable displays at the same CES event. Whether Samsung's rollable ideas will make it out of the lab and into consumers' hands remains to be seen, but the concept certainly shows promise.
Samsung also presented the Flex Hybrid, a prototype that combines features from other concepts. This device can both fold and roll open to reveal a larger screen, offering a compact design while minimizing the risk of damaging the display. By integrating a rollable component with a foldable design, the Flex Hybrid provides extra screen real estate without adding excessive bulk. This addresses a common criticism of the Galaxy Z TriFold, which, when folded, feels thick due to its three display panels. The Flex Hybrid's approach could eliminate the need for multiple folding panels by relying on a rollable screen that extends when needed and retracts when not.
In addition to these flexible displays, Samsung showed a few other prototypes that stood out for their technical prowess. One such display boasted an astonishing peak brightness of 5,000 nits-nearly double the 2,600 nits achievable by the current Galaxy S26 Ultra. While such intense brightness may be uncomfortable to view indoors, it holds great potential for improving screen visibility in bright outdoor conditions, making it easier to use smartphones under direct sunlight.
Another prototype featured bezels so thin they were nearly invisible, measuring just 0.6 millimeters around the screen. To demonstrate this, Samsung placed the phone-sized concept device atop a tablet display, creating a seamless image of colorful cathedral windows that appeared as one uninterrupted screen. From a distance, it was almost impossible to tell that a phone was embedded within the tablet. This bezel-less design creates a more immersive viewing experience by maximizing screen space. However, it also raises questions about usability-such as whether the lack of borders might lead to unintentional screen taps while holding the device.
As with all concept technologies, it is unclear if or when Samsung will incorporate these displays into commercial products. Yet, gaining a firsthand look at these innovations provides a fascinating glimpse into the possible future of smartphones. Samsung's ongoing research and development in flexible and rollable displays, ultra-bright screens, and near-borderless designs demonstrate the company's commitment to pushing mobile technology beyond current limits.
In summary, Samsung's latest concepts reveal a bold exploration of form factors that challenge traditional smartphone designs. From the Z-shaped Flex S and the externally screened Out Foldable to the horizontally expanding Flex Slidable and the multifunctional Flex Hybrid, these prototypes showcase remarkable versatility in how screens can bend, fold, and roll. Complemented by advances in brightness and bezel reduction, these innovations promise richer, more immersive user experiences. While not every concept will make it to market, they underline Samsung's leadership in shaping the future of mobile displays and hint at exciting possibilities for the devices we'll use in the years ahead.