Samsung Electronics appears to be considering a new foldable smartphone design that expands the existing tri-fold structure. The key is an attempt to improve usability when folded, beyond simply increasing screen size.

PhoneArena, an IT media outlet, reported on Tuesday that Samsung's latest patent includes a design that keeps a structure similar to the Galaxy Z tri-fold while significantly expanding the external display.

A key feature of the patent is that, unlike earlier approaches focused only on enlarging the internal screen, it widens the aspect ratio of the external screen to increase usefulness even in the folded state. As a result, the device is expected to be wider than a typical portrait-style smartphone.

According to the patent images, the overall form factor is similar to existing tri-fold designs, but the wider external screen raises the possibility that the total screen size when unfolded could also increase. This is seen as a strategy to strengthen both the large-screen experience and real-world convenience when folded.

The changes also align with recent trends in the foldable market. China's Huawei has introduced the Pura X Max, a large foldable product, and Samsung is also being mentioned as a potential candidate to launch the Galaxy Z Wide Fold in July. Apple is also known to be preparing the launch of a foldable iPhone.

Some point out that commercialization and market success are separate issues. Existing tri-fold products have had limits in broad adoption due to high prices and an experimental nature. A new model may draw early attention, but price 부담 could act as an obstacle to expanding demand.

Foldable technology itself is gradually entering a more mature stage. Over the past 2 years, durability and crease-reduction technology have improved, significantly enhancing the user experience, and the latest products such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Oppo Find N6 show these changes.

It is uncertain whether Samsung's patent will lead to an actual product, but some say it is meaningful that foldable smartphones are evolving into a stage of redesigning the experience not only when unfolded but also when folded.