Alleged Leaked Images of Samsung's Clamshell-Style Galaxy Fold Appear Online

Leaked images allegedly showing Samsung's next folding smartphone have appeared on Weibo, offering a preview of what the company's Galaxy Fold successor could look like.

clamshell galaxy fold

Images via Wang Benhong - Weibo

First spotted by mobile leaker Ice Universe, the images depict a clamshell-like device reminiscent of a traditional flip phone that folds up into a compact palm-sized phone, making it small enough to easily fit into a pocket. Two cameras can be seen on the back next to a digital clock readout.

Bloomberg first reported in March that Samsung plans on releasing two additional folding smartphone models to succeed the Galaxy Fold. One was described as a clamshell-like device that folds from top to bottom, like the one shown in the images. Another, high-end folding smartphone is also reportedly in the works.

Samsung actually shared concept images of its clamshell device in October, and these images do bear a resemblance to them. Samsung offered no details at the time on when it planned to bring the handset to market, but earlier this month Bloomberg reported that the Galaxy Fold clamshell device would be launched in February alongside the Galaxy S11.

clamshell galaxy fold leak

Images via Wang Benhong - Weibo

Here's where some of the details don't add up though. Bloomberg's latest report claimed the Galaxy Fold successor will get the same five-camera setup that's coming to the Galaxy S11, but the device in these leaked images appears to have only two cameras. It could be that Samsung decided having a giant photographic arsenal strapped onto the back of a flip phone wasn't a good look, but we'll just have to wait and see.

The new clamshell-like Galaxy Fold is expected to be more affordable than its book-style predecessor, which costs $1,980 in the U.S. Last month, Motorola announced the resurrection of its Razr brand in the form of a similar-looking vertically folding Android phone. The new mid-range Razr will cost $1,499 when it's released in January, so it'll be interesting to see if Samsung is willing or able to keep the price down on its next flagship foldable.

There are no rumors suggesting that Apple has plans to release a foldable smartphone in the near future, but Apple is undoubtedly looking into foldable devices given that its major competitors are coming out with them. In the past, Apple has patented some foldable display technology, and a rumor earlier this year suggested Samsung has provided folding display samples to Apple.

Top Rated Comments

NBAasDOGG Avatar
45 months ago
Meanwhile at Apple...



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Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Iconoclysm Avatar
45 months ago

Meanwhile at Apple...


This is so naive. Meanwhile at Samsung, they're selling you the prototypes for devices they haven't figured out how to make yet. And you're busy hating the company that sells working products...
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
itsmilo Avatar
45 months ago
This whole folding thing is a desperate attempt to find something new and exciting for the hell of it, isn’t it? who asked for this really
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
realtuner Avatar
45 months ago

Meanwhile at Apple...




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Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MarkAtl Avatar
45 months ago
I still don’t think the materials are durable enough to last many fold/unfold cycles and stress on that part of the screen.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PickUrPoison Avatar
45 months ago

Clamshell makes sense, it's the most reasonable and sensible phone style. A shame Samsung keeps beating Apple to the punch these days.
Pretty sure it’s all Tim Apple’s fault. He’s a beancounter who only cares about $$$$. Steve would never allow it, he’s spinning as we speak. Apple’s truly lost its way, and can’t innovate anymore. They spent all their money on the spaceship. It’s gonna cost £5,000!

Or maybe it’s Jony Ive’s fault, because he wants everything thinnnnner—and folding it doubles the thickness... do’h! And he’s fat. And I hate the way he talks. And spells his name.

/s
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)