Evolution Galaxy Z Fold series: thinner, stronger and more compact than ever.

The main feature of a folding phone is precisely this: it is foldable. Unlike bar and one-piece smartphones, these devices consist of a hinge, which serves as a central axis for opening and closing the phone, and two flexible side parts.

Over time, Samsung has incorporated a unique and advanced hinge technology into its Galaxy Z Fold series to create a revolutionary design with each release. In addition, the company continues to reduce the thickness of this series to make it comfortable to wear on any occasion.

Below is the evolution of the hardware and hinge design that sets the Galaxy Z Fold series apart as it gets thinner, stronger, and more compact.

[2019] Galaxy Fold

The Dawn of the Foldable Phone: Folding and Unfolding

As users’ lifestyles continue to diversify, so do their needs. Every year, Samsung introduces cutting-edge technologies to help them cope with these changes. First introduced in 2019, the Galaxy Z Fold showcased an innovative form factor: it was the first to offer a natural, large-screen experience when unfolded and a compact, portable option when folded. The act of “folding and unfolding” emerged as a new category of mobile interaction, and Samsung used hinge technology to make this functionality feel natural and intuitive.

The inward folding hinge was not only familiar and easy to use, but also provided reliable screen protection. The phone could be opened smoothly like a book, but when folded, it remained flat and thin. With the first Galaxy Z Fold, Samsung achieved a maximum folded thickness of just 17.1 millimeters, marking the beginning of the era of smart foldable devices.

[2020] Galaxy Z Foldable2

The Era of Flexibility: Hidden Hinge and Sweeper Technology

In 2020, the Galaxy Z Fold2 was introduced, taking foldable devices to the next level with a sleek, sophisticated, and completely new design. The most notable and innovative feature was the Hideaway hinge, which perfectly connected the body of the smartphone while providing a stable folding and unfolding experience. Users can rotate the device at different angles with the hinge to easily take selfies or make video calls in a flexible manner.

More than sixty parts of the Hideaway Hinge made the innovative dual CAM mechanism a reality. The flat surface between the two ribbed parts helped to keep the device open and closed, enabling Flex mode. By increasing the number of structures and springs, the CAM hinge will support wider angles. Similarly, it fits perfectly on the Galaxy Z Fold2, as it has become even thinner and has a maximum thickness of only 16.8 mm when folded.

Since the hinge was constantly flexing when opening or closing the device, there was inevitably a gap between the front of the device and the hinge structure. To minimize this, Samsung developed a strong and flexible component that did not add unnecessary bulk. Inspired by the brush of a vacuum cleaner, finely chopped optical fibers were used to solve this problem: Sweeper technology. This protected the phone’s screen from dust and external debris that could penetrate through the space.

[2021] Galaxy Z Foldable3

The solution to the biggest problem with foldable phones: waterproofing

Modern smartphones are waterproof. However, the hinge that opens and closes the screen on foldable devices has always been open. If liquids like drinks or rain leaked, the device could become inoperable.

The Galaxy Z Fold3 was the first waterproof foldable device. Samsung’s waterproofing technology was applied in two areas: the outside of the screen and the hinge. The outside of the screen was surrounded by a rubber band to protect against dust and liquids, while the metal parts of the hinge were made of corrosion-resistant materials and coated with durable grease. The terminal connecting the two motherboards adjacent to the hinge was sealed with a hardened silicone-based gasket to prevent liquids from entering. In addition, flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) cables were used to protect sensitive components.

Armor Aluminum, a durable material that is resistant to external impacts and reduces the risk of deformation or scratches, was used to help the Galaxy Z Fold3 achieve an even thinner and lighter form factor. It was applied to the two edges that make up the outer part and to the structure surrounding the hinge. Various components were tightly packed inside the Hideaway Hinge to enable Flex Mode, ensuring smooth opening and closing.

The Sweeper technology also evolved, closing the gap between the hinge and the body of the foldable device. As the device became thinner, the brush bristles were shortened to improve aesthetics and protect the hinge from dust and foreign particles. These innovations allowed the Galaxy Z Fold3 to become thinner, at 16.0 millimeters when folded.

[2022] Galaxy Z-fold4

From Rotary to Linear: A Thinner, Lighter Hinge

Introduced in 2022, the Galaxy Z Fold4 saw a significant reduction in weight and thickness. At 263 grams, the device weighed almost 20 grams less than its predecessor. The maximum thickness when folded was 15.8 mm, making it the thinnest in the series. Once again, Samsung has infused its signature foldable model with innovations, resulting in a thin, light, and comfortable body.

The Galaxy Z Fold4’s new hinge, redesigned to be 21% lighter than its predecessor, accommodates a wider, shorter screen. While the previous foldable used interlocking gears to allow the screen to fold and unfold smoothly, the Fold4 changes the hinge’s motion from a rotational one to a linear one. This adjustment reduces the weight, thickness, and number of parts, allowing for faster manufacturing and increased durability. With this device, Samsung has created the thinnest and lightest hinge yet, while still maintaining the same level of durability.

[2023] Galaxy Z Fold5

Flexible Hinge: The Secret to a Fully Foldable Phone

In 2023, the Galaxy Z Fold5 introduced the next generation of foldable smartphones. Moving away from the traditional Hideaway hinge, Samsung introduced a new type of mechanism: the Flexible Hinge, which turned out to be a huge step forward in innovation in foldable devices. With increased flexibility and a wide range of functions, this hinge allowed the screen to bend on the hinge like a drop of water, using 4 drive shafts and a dual-rail design that allows the parts to slide along it. This way, the two screens can be folded evenly, without creases or gaps.

This new folding mechanism has created the lightest and thinnest Galaxy Z Fold ever. More than two millimeters thinner than its predecessor, it measures 13.4 millimeters thick when folded and weighs 253 grams, making it more compact, portable, and stable when folded. The elegant and solid form of the phone feels great from any angle.

Every year, Samsung improves the Galaxy Z Fold series with precision engineering and meticulous manufacturing processes. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the internal mechanisms to the external design. Samsung will continue to build on its legacy of unparalleled foldable products, ensuring that more people can use them to live more conveniently.

Discover the next generation of Samsung innovations at Galaxy Unpacked on July 10 in Paris. The event will be streamed live on Samsung.com.co and the Samsung YouTube channel at 8 a.m. Colombian time.