Report: Samsung is making in-folding displays for Google, OPPO, Xiaomi

Google confirmed back in 2019 that it was investigating foldable phones, with 9to5Google then reporting the first details regarding a foldable Pixel phone last year.

Now, Korean-based news outlet The Elec (h/t: SamMobile) has reported that Samsung Display is making an in-folding foldable screen for Google. There wasn’t much in the way of detail though, save for the outlet claiming that Google requested a 7.6-inch foldable display. This is the same screen size as the Galaxy Z Fold 2, suggesting an identical form factor rather than a clamshell design like the Galaxy Z Flip.

The Elec also reported that Samsung Display was making foldable displays for OPPO and Xiaomi as well. The OPPO screen is said to be a clamshell design that folds from top to bottom, measuring 7.7 inches unfolded and with a 1.5-inch to two-inch screen on the outside. This would be a significantly bigger main screen than the Galaxy Z Flip’s 6.7-inch display.

More reading: The best foldable phones you can buy right now

Meanwhile, Xiaomi is purportedly using an 8.03-inch in-folding display with a 6.38-inch external screen. In other words, this also suggests a similar form factor as the Galaxy Fold line. It’s unclear whether this foldable and the upcoming Xiaomi foldable reportedly code-named Cetus are the same device.

The Elec reports that all three devices will launch this year, suggesting we’ll finally see more major manufacturers joining the foldable phone market. The news also comes less than a month after another Korean news outlet reported that several Chinese brands (including OPPO and vivo) were working with Samsung Display on foldables slated for a 2021 launch.

Either way, Samsung has built up a massive advantage over rival devices with its Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Fold lines. And with Samsung touting features like ultra-thin glass, it’s going to be an uphill battle for rival manufacturers to make a dent in the market.