Samsung has recently introduced its latest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Galaxy Z Flip 5. Despite not having significant specification upgrades, these devices have attracted considerable attention due to a captivating feature known as the Waterdrop Hinge, also referred to as the “Flex Hinge” by Samsung.
Everything you need to know about the Waterdrop Hinge
The Waterdrop Hinge is a groundbreaking development in foldable smartphone design, gaining popularity through the OPPO Find N series. When the phone is folded, the hinge forms a sleek and elegant water-droplet or teardrop-shaped cavity, eliminating the bothersome gaps typically associated with traditional hinges.
The Flex Hinge not only enhances the phone’s aesthetics but also increases its durability, providing protection to the internal components and foldable screen during everyday use. Unlike conventional single-axis hinges, the Waterdrop Hinge flexes across multiple dimensions, contributing to the phone’s slim and streamlined appearance.
One of the most significant advantages of Samsung’s Flex Hinge is its “no gap” feature. This addresses the common issue with older U-shaped hinges, where dust and debris could infiltrate and harm the internal display. With the seamless design of the new hinge, the device enjoys enhanced protection.
Moreover, the Waterdrop Hinge addresses the creasing problem faced by earlier foldable devices. By reducing stress on the display, it ensures a smoother and crease-free experience for users.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Z Fold5 boast a slimmer design compared to their predecessors, making them more compact and portable. The hinge design permits the devices to lay flat and offers a firm grip within a range of 75 to 115 degrees. At their fully unfolded state, the phones offer a standard angle between approximately 178.5 to 181.5 degrees. The range of motion might be affected by third-party accessories, but cautious handling can prevent any issues.
Furthermore, the Flex Hinge allows Samsung foldable to be adjusted at various angles, offering users the chance to explore novel software applications and features. Samsung acknowledges that users may experience a slightly loose feel when opening and closing the device and may occasionally hear or feel some noise during operation. These attributes are not flaws but rather natural qualities resulting from the enhanced, smoother motion enabled by the new hinge.
The Waterdrop Hinge features a new dual-axis hinge mechanism comprising three parts: a flexible panel, a mechanical hinge, and a display surface. While flexible OLED panels and folding mechanics are commonly used in the industry, the display surface presents challenges due to its sensitivity to contamination, affecting the cost and reliability of foldable devices.
The Waterdrop Hinge design incorporates folding points on both sides of the waterdrop shape, reducing tension on the display and creating compressive stress when the panel is folded. This unique method ensures the display folds neatly, maintains its shape, and avoids putting any tension on the screen, ultimately enhancing the durability and reliability of foldable devices.
The benefits of the Samsung Flex Hinge are numerous: a slimmer design with greater portability, improved motion, reduced gap when closed, Flex Mode functionality within a specific angle range, and reduced crease size. The angle when fully opened falls within the range of approximately 178.5 to 181.5 degrees. However, third-party covers and accessories may impact the range of motion, requiring caution during usage to avoid excessive force when opening or closing the device.
Interestingly, the Waterdrop Hinge technology is not entirely new, as it was first seen in the Motorola Razr 2019 and later adopted by various Chinese companies. OPPO popularized this hinge through their Find N series foldable phones. Samsung held the patent for the Waterdrop Hinge as early as 2016 but took the time to observe and learn from others before integrating it into their devices.
Now, with the inclusion of the Flex Hinge in the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Flip5, Samsung has embraced this trend, offering a smoother display and a thinner body, further enhancing the foldable experience. The future holds promising upgrades and improvements in foldable devices, and it is estimated that over 100 million foldable devices may be shipped globally within the next five years.
