Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 design just leaked — and we hope this isn't it

Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 design only leaked — and we promise this isn't it

(Image credit: Pigtou)

A new batch of renders of the Samsung Milky way Fold 2 purportedly based on patents has hit the web, courtesy of @xleaks7 and Pigtou, and it teases a surprising change for Samsung's forthcoming foldable that we don't like.

If these renders are accurate, the Fold 2 could pack an even worse exterior brandish compared to the original model, shaped more similar a strip than a total-on impact screen.

Samsung Milky way Note 20 release date, price, specs and more
The best phones right now

This would be a controversial design determination no uncertainty, especially since display annotator Ross Immature tweeted in Apr that the external screen on the Fold 2 would be growing from 4.six inches to half-dozen.2 inches. The main display on the Galaxy Fold 2 is rumored to exist a huge vii.7 inches, so it would be awkward to forcefulness users to apply such a large panel only to, say, respond to a text.

If this strip functions annihilation like the tiny exterior display on the Samsung Milky way Z Flip, it'll mainly exist used to serve notifications, or perhaps at least offering the power to have or turn down calls. Y'all would exist using the main display nearly all of the time.

On the plus side, this design move would keep costs of Samsung's 2nd-gen foldable down. It also lends an arguably more bonny aesthetic than the screen on the outside of final year's Fold, with its unapologetically ginormous bezels to a higher place and beneath the brandish that only looked airheaded.

Aside from the notable screen differences, the adjacent Galaxy Fold is also said to incorporate a redesigned hinge that allows the two sides of the device to fold flat, once again, merely like on the Z Flip.

Samsung Galaxy Fold 2 render — (Image credit: Pigtou)

This was something that wasn't possible on the original device; there was an unsightly gap when you'd shut the beginning Galaxy Fold that invited debris and dust to society its fashion into the handset'south inner-workings and behind the flexible display, where they'd be pressed upward and out from within, damaging that expensive plastic panel.

On the inside, the Galaxy Fold ii's primary screen looks largely the same, which isn't particularly surprising given that we've heard Samsung intends to use the aforementioned basic chassis for this upcoming model. Pigtou does point out the existence of what looks to be an alarm slider on the left side of the telephone, similar to what OnePlus has on its devices. Information technology'southward a useful characteristic that allows y'all to easily silence your phone without having to unlock information technology, and one all manufacturers should emulate.

Interestingly, on the back of this Fold 2 return, yous'll come across but a dual-lens camera module. That looks quite unremarkable compared to the quad-optic systems Samsung's been pushing on its flagship products equally of late, though information technology'south defensible here. These foldable devices are more than nearly blueprint and productivity than photography, subsequently all, and maybe a iv-camera stack wouldn't really fit with Samsung's priorities in shipping the Fold 2 at a relatively attainable price.

Looking at this return, nosotros have to wonder if what we're looking at is a cheaper Galaxy Fold Lite, which has been rumored to launch at some point. Perhaps Samsung will offer a cheaper Galaxy Fold with a narrow strip for an external display and fewer camera lenses alongside a more premium model with a panel that fills well-nigh of the forepart of the device, and eyes lifted from the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra.

Overall, this render would be an bonny 1 for a potential Lite variant, and one Samsung would be well advised to ship. That said, it is just a mockup based on a combination of patents and leaks, and and so it's hardly a confirmation of the visitor's future plans. With an Unpacked event reportedly on tap for August 5, we may just accept to wait a little more a calendar month to see how much of this design makes it to a final Samsung foldable device.

Adam Ismail is a staff writer at Jalopnik and previously worked on Tom's Guide covering smartphones, motorcar tech and gaming. His love for all things mobile began with the original Motorola Droid; since then he's owned a variety of Android and iOS-powered handsets, refusing to stay loyal to one platform. His work has also appeared on Digital Trends and GTPlanet. When he's non fiddling with the latest devices, he's at an indie popular show, recording a podcast or playing Sega Dreamcast.