Samsung’s push to make foldable devices mainstream is showing no signs of slowing down. No Tae-moon, the head of Samsung Electronics’ MX Business, is confident that foldable phones and tablets will no longer be niche markets but will become part of the mainstream. And now, Samsung is set to unveil the Galaxy Z Tab, a tri-fold tablet, alongside the Galaxy Tab S9 series, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to make foldable devices more commonplace.
Industry sources suggest that the Galaxy Z Tab will feature an AMOLED display of 10 inches or more, larger than the 7.6-inch screen of the Galaxy Z Fold4 released in the second half of last year. The device is expected to support 120Hz refresh rate and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 AP, which is found in premium smartphones. With these specifications, the Galaxy Z Tab is set to rival traditional tablets in terms of functionality and performance.
The Galaxy Z Tab’s most significant feature is undoubtedly its triple-folded display with two hinges, which enables the device to serve as both a tablet and a smartphone. The folded screen serves as a cover screen for smartphone functions, and the display shrinks to the size of a regular smartphone when fully folded. Samsung has previously filed patents related to electronic devices featuring displays that can be both folded inwards and outwards.
According to Samsung’s tri-fold patent registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Galaxy Z Tab is expected to feature an S Pen. A long slot is indicated on the middle display and the back of the right display based on the state of fully unfolding the device, allowing for the placement of the S Pen. This feature is sure to appeal to users who prefer a stylus for note-taking, drawing, and other activities.
The Galaxy Z Tab’s release price is expected to be much higher than that of the Galaxy Z Fold4, given the larger display of 10 inches or more. The Galaxy Z Fold4 is priced at $1,799 (approximately 2.37 million won). However, Samsung is banking on the Galaxy Z Tab’s unique features to attract buyers who are willing to pay a premium for an innovative device.
Samsung Display is expected to supply the display for the Galaxy Z Tab. The company is a leader in foldable OLED displays and drew attention by unveiling the Flex In & Out, a foldable display that can be folded both inward and outward, at CES 2023 in Las Vegas in February. With its cutting-edge technology, Samsung Display is poised to dominate the foldable OLED display market.
In conclusion, the Galaxy Z Tab is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to making foldable devices mainstream. With its impressive features and functionality, the Galaxy Z Tab is set to be a game-changer in the tablet market. If successful, the device could pave the way for more innovative foldable devices from Samsung and other manufacturers in the years to come.