- Samsung Electronics is among the first companies to introduce foldable smartphones
- Foldable glass is approximately 20 times more expensive than tempered glass
- Samsung supplies display panels for smartphones and smart TVs to many brands
Samsung Electronics, as per a report published by a Korea-based news portal, is exploring manufacturing capabilities in the folding-glass arena. The company retails two folding smartphone models in many markets currently. It is also a supplier of display panels for smartphones to many brands. Interestingly, glass is a critical part of the display panels.
The company’s mobile division, as per the report, has already met with some manufacturers of foldable-glass. Samsung used to source ultra-thin glass from Dowoo Insys. It is also to be noted here that the Korea-based company had acquired a share in Dowoo Insys in 2019.
Various smartphone brands are looking to launch foldable devices
While it is not hidden that Samsung supplies various key components, display panels and camera modules to a lot of smartphone brands, the company being able to manufacture folding-glass on its own might increase its profits.
Competitive pricing, as per the report, might also be a reason behind Samsung’s foldable-glass manufacturing idea. The report highlighted that foldable-glass is about 20 times expensive than the tempered glass used in smartphones.
Samsung Display, if successful, might be able to supply foldable OLEDs to various smartphone brands. The company, on the other hand, might also be able to help Samsung Electronics bring down costs of manufacturing foldable smartphones it retails under the Samsung banner.
Xiaomi, Motorola, Huawei, TCL, and various other brands are exploring options to launch foldable smartphones. Samsung Display, might also become a supplier of completely-built foldable display units to many such brands.
