Typically, folding smartphones are equipped with two batteries, placed on either side of the hinge. On Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold6, for example, we have a 2,425 mAh battery on one side, and another 1,975 mAh battery on the other. This system makes it possible to have folding devices with acceptable autonomy. But it is possible to optimize the use of space inside a folding smartphone, or even increase the energy storage capacity, if the battery could be folded along with the screen.
At the moment, this technology does not exist. But this has already been imagined by Samsung engineers, as shown by a patent from the Korean giant which was recently spotted by the VeePN Blog site. Available on the website of the American patent office, the document describes a foldable battery. In addition to the fact that this would allow more flexibility in space management inside folding smartphones, it could also optimize the power supply of folding smartphones, because using a single battery is always better than using two batteries connected by cables.
Soon on Samsung folding models?
As usual, caution remains in order. Indeed, the existence of this patent does not allow us to assert that it will be used on a commercial product. But in any case, the document shows us that Samsung continues to look for new methods to improve its folding smartphones. In any case, if Samsung manages to develop the foldable battery described in the patent, it would be an important development for the folding smartphone segment.
In the patent, Samsung shows designs for bi-folding smartphones that use a foldable battery. But there are also drawings that depict devices that fold more than twice. However, rumors suggest that Samsung is developing a smartphone that folds in three, in order to compete with Huawei’s Mate XT.
Folding smartphones: sales taking off, but not enough
Thanks in part to Samsung, global shipments of folding smartphones continue to grow. For example, IDC expects folding smartphone shipments to increase by 10.5%, while smartphone shipments will increase by 6.2%. However, despite the headlines in the tech press and despite this growth, the analysis firm indicates that this type of device still has a low volume of shipments, compared to the entire smartphone market.
The firm also mentions a rate of growth which is slowing down. “(…) the pace of growth is slowing, as Chinese suppliers (who are driving this segment) are redirecting their efforts and investments towards GenAI smartphones. Sustainability concerns and lack of unique use cases are also holding back growth”indicates IDC.
- Samsung engineers have imagined a foldable battery for smartphones
- The technology is described in a patent from the Korean giant
- But the existence of this patent does not allow us to affirm that the foldable battery is under development
- In any case, such a battery would have many advantages
