Representational imageSamsung has filed a patent for what could be the most ambitious foldable design to datea quad-fold smartphone featuring four interconnected panels and three hinges. The documentation, labeled under the title ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING BENDABLE DISPLAY, signals Samsungs continued dominance in foldable display innovation, staking a claim beyond the current tri-fold concepts from competitors such as Huawei and TCL.As reported by SamMobile, the patent reveals a device structured with four panels connected horizontally via three hinges, each supporting a continuous flexible display. Unlike outward-folding designs seen in some of Huaweis prototypes, Samsung opts for an inward-folding configuration. This format shields the display when folded, which could mitigate issues related to screen durabilitystill one of the major concerns for foldable devices. Such a design would likely make use of Samsungs proprietary Ultra Thin Glass (UTG), which has progressively improved since its debut on the Galaxy Z Fold series, offering enhanced scratch resistance and reduced crease visibility.Designer: SamsungRepresentational imageIts all in the layout. Three hinges divide four distinct panels, meaning the device could morph through multiple configurationspocket-friendly phone, dual-fold for notifications, tri-fold for tablet duties, and finally, a full unfold for productivity overkill. Technically, however, this quad-fold concept introduces substantial complexity. Managing the mechanical strain across three hinges, while preserving uniform display tension and longevity, will be challenging. However, Samsung Displays experience with flexible OLEDs and hinge durability testing could make this feasible. If each panel measures approximately 6 inches diagonally, the fully unfolded device could reach 12 inches or more, eclipsing even tablets like the iPad Pro and approaching the size of compact laptops while retaining the portability of a smartphone when folded.This device is sort of a potential shift in the usability paradigm. A quad-fold would allow a variety of usage modes. Users could adopt a single-panel phone mode, a dual-panel intermediate, a tri-panel for tablet-like applications, and the full quad-panel layout for productivity scenarios, multitasking, or immersive media consumption. Such versatility could address the current limitations of foldables, where most devices primarily offer two modesphone and tabletwithout much nuance in between. And lets not pretend Samsung isnt strategically nudging Apple here. Cupertino hasnt even officially admitted it wants to fold anything, and Samsungs already diagramming folding sandwiches. Huaweis tri-fold prototype might hit the market first, but Samsung seems to be saying, Why stop at three?Image Credits: World Intellectual Property OrganizationBut before you start planning your next upgrade, a sobering note: this might be little more than strategic patenting. Samsung has a history of filing forward-thinking designs to build a defensive moat, not necessarily to ship every concept. Still, the fact that these schematics exist, complete with hinge mechanics and potential use-case scenarios, tells us the company is at least exploring the limits of foldable tech far beyond its existing Z Fold lineup.Samsungs quad-fold also subtly outmaneuvers Huawei and TCL by focusing on inward folding. Why does this matter? Huaweis outward-folding designs, while flashy, expose the flexible display to the wildscratches, dust, and the occasional existential dread of dropping it. Samsungs inward-fold protects the fragile display like a medieval knight shielding its heart. With Samsung Display likely at the helm of this engineering feat, expect Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) iterations to reinforce this massive canvas, possibly with even better scratch resistance and less visible crease lines than the current Z Fold 5.Representational imageThe real question is whether Samsung will commercialize this in the Galaxy Z Fold family or launch it as a new series entirely. A Galaxy Z Flex Ultra, perhaps? There was a news-nugget in the past that Samsung would call this the Galaxy W because of the letters 4-line shape, but it seems like Samsungs ditched that nomenclature. However, considering Samsungs playbook, we might see a tri-fold device emerge firstsince the same patent also showcases a triple-panel, dual-hinge design with USB-C and triple cameras. This could be Samsungs immediate answer to Huawei and TCL while the quad-fold remains in the lab, terrifying hinge designers worldwide.At the end of the day, Samsungs quad-fold is just a concept, although the highly detailed patent leads me to believe theyve got a working prototype somewhere in their R&D division thats just waiting to *ahem* get left behind in a cab the way Googles engineers tend to do with their phones. The design, at least on paper, is complex and probably hideously expensive (think Galaxy Z Fold Ultra pricing, $2,000+ easy), poised to frustrate and delight tech enthusiasts in equal measure. Whether it dethrones anyone or simply creates a new throne entirely, Samsungs ready to bend the rules, literally.Representational imageThe post Samsung Is Working On Worlds First Quad-Fold Smartphone To Directly Challenge Huawei and TCL first appeared on Yanko Design.