Samsung's Innovative Waterdrop Hinge Design: Could it Revolutionize Foldable Notebooks? Here's What We Know

The new waterdrop hinge design has grown in popularity among smartphone manufacturers trying to introduce the next generation of foldable devices since it provides benefits such as increased durability and a less noticeable central crease. Recently, Samsung followed numerous Chinese manufacturers in launching its new foldable portfolio for the year with the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. Each manufacturer employs a distinct set of components to produce the same effect. Samsung is also preparing to apply the same design principles to its Galaxy Book series.

The Waterdrop hinge design complements the folding display

According to the Korean publication TheElec, Samsung was exploring transferring its new foldables' waterdrop hinge concept to a larger tablet. According to the insider, a foldable notebook could be released next year. The waterdrop hinge would replace the conventional hinge found on the firm's and other manufacturers' regular notebooks for this unique folding notebook. While the waterdrop hinge design complements the folding display nicely, it also makes the entire item lighter. However, the advantages stop there because a waterdrop hinge makes the notebook thicker than those with a standard hinge.

LG and HP want to make their U-shaped hinges lighter than those on current foldable notebook models

According to the same source, LG and HP want to make their U-shaped hinges lighter than those on current foldable notebook models. Samsung wanted to sell a foldable notebook last year but decided against it owing to "low consumer demand." The electronics behemoth had also contemplated using either Samsung Display or BOE for the OLED screens on its folding notebook. The brand plans to release this more prominent foldable form factor in the second half of next year.

Until the release of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, Samsung used their previous V-shaped hinge design, which resulted in a deeper and more noticeable crease in the centre of its folding display. Samsung's new waterdrop hinge design secures the phone's main display in a safer U-shape (rather than the previous V-shape). It also makes the handset more resistant to drops, which can otherwise quickly destroy the internal gears, failing to open the primary display entirely.

The waterdrop hinge was previously used on various foldable devices by other manufacturers before Samsung. This includes the Oppo Find N2, Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, and Xiaomi's Mi Mix Fold 2. On the other hand, Samsung is the only manufacturer to offer an IPX8 rating with its foldables, which is currently the highest rating for water resistance among similar products.