The launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 has once more ignited discussions about foldable devices. While Samsung’s third-gen foldable phones arguably have more durable screens at this point, they still fall victim to at least one of the most important flaws of such foldable displays. It’d be an extended time before we reach the perfect bendable glass, but LG Chem, LG’s chemistry business, claims it already features a solution which will make creases a thing of the past.
Like ordinary smartphones, foldable devices have screens made from different layers. Within the foldable display context, the foremost important part next to the flexible panel itself is that the cover display or “cover window” on top that protects the sensitive pixels of the panel. This year, for Samsung’s foldable devices, that material is its new Ultra-Thin Glass that promised 80% better durability than last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 2.
However, LG is presenting a replacement “Real Folding Window” material that claims to try to be even better. Its biggest claim to fame, a minimum of consistent with LG, is its glass-like hardness combined with plastic-like flexibility. This leads to having no creases, one among the most critical problems with foldable screens, without leading to cracks commonly related to bending glass.
LG Chem is so confident about the sturdiness of its foldable display cover that it claims there could be no need even for a polyethylene terephthalate or PET film on top. This film is employed to guard the ultra-thin glass but leads to a softer texture compared to plain glass on conventional smartphones. While the Galaxy Z Fold 3 has improved that layer, it’s still easily scratched by a pointy fingernail.
While LG’s “Real Folding Window” sounds promising, the significant question is whether or not there’ll be manufacturers willing to back the new technology. With LG’s withdrawal from the mobile race, Samsung and TCL seem to be the most critical niche display market names. Of course, LG does have customers for its traditional OLED and LCD panels, including Google, who could use this cover display for its future Pixel Fold.
