If we first talk about the first surround display phone so only one name that comes to our mind is the Mi Mix Alpha. It was the first and as yet the only surround displays smartphone that has been officially introduced. After that many smartphone manufacturer started publishing the patent for the related module.
In 2018, LetsGoDigital first reported on a Samsung phone with a double-sided display. A new patent shows that Samsung still sees a future in such devices.
Samsung Galaxy smartphone with wrap-around display
According to the information, back in July 2021, Samsung Electronics filed a patent with the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) for a ‘Method and apparatus for operating functions of an electronic device having flexible display’. The 46-page documentation was released on November 18, 2021, and is also included in the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Office) database for the worldwide protection of the patented technology.
To get to know in the details, graphic designer Parvez Khan, aka Technizo Concept, has created a series of 3D renders based on Samsung’s patent.
The wrap-around display smartphone from Samsung can be operated via the touchscreen and via pen input, as stated in the detailed description. Samsung has already shown with the Galaxy Z Fold 3 that the company is able to make the S Pen compatible with a flexible screen. The Z Fold 3 is the very first foldable phone with S Pen support.
The patented Samsung Galaxy phone has a large flexible display that covers the front, the sides and the back of the phone. A relatively wide frame edge is visible at the top, which can accommodate the necessary sensors and cameras. The power button is placed at the top – since there is no space on the sides to place physical buttons.
The shoulder buttons are placed on the side, making them easily accessible when gaming in landscape mode. Icons and shortcuts are displayed on the right side. On the other side, status symbols such as the time, battery indicator and network strength can be displayed.
One or more cameras are placed on both the front and rear. With a simple swipe, the user can move content from the front display to the rear screen – and vice versa.
Meanwhile, Samsung mentions in the documentation the possible integration of a projector and/or hologram functionality – whereby 3D images are displayed in the air, using interference from light. In 2018, the company also captured a Samsung hologram smartphone.
