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Samsung patent reveals a radical new look that could be used for the Galaxy S11
Based on a patent filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (via LetsGo Digital), it would appear that Samsung is thinking about making a radical change to the design of its smartphones. The patent, filed late last year and published last week, is titled 'Electronic device with full display,' and Sammy wasn't kidding. The illustrations from the patents and the renders created by LetsGo Digital show the handset's screen curved not only on the sides but also on the top and bottom. This takes the curved screen in use on the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ to another level. Also of note is the more rounded form factor of the phone illustrated in the patent.
According to the patent, phone manufacturers are limited by optical sensors and home keys when reducing the size of the bezel on a handset. The technology in the patent helps to solve that issue while the curved screen helps to improve the grip on the phone. To get the bezel-less look, the patent envisions the phone coming with an in-display fingerprint scanner; that isn't anything special these days. After all, the Samsung Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ both feature an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader. And the front-facing sensors and cameras will be found embedded in the screen.
Will Samsung use this design for the Galaxy S11?
Recently Oppo and Xiaomi both demonstrated under-display cameras, so the technology to do this is already here. And that means that the Samsung Galaxy S11, which we would expect to be unveiled next February, could have this new look. Also, you might note that the illustrations include a vertically mounted rear camera module. This is interesting because the latest Galaxy Note 10 renders show a change from the horizontally placed housing on the Galaxy Note 9 to the vertically positioned rear cameras for the upcoming model. The renders place the cameras near the left upper edge of the rear panel.
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Render from LetsGo Digital based on the illustration found in the patent
Samsung's first curved edge screen was found on 2015's Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+ But the dual curves were used to disseminate information rather than offer an enhanced cinematic experience. In other words, the experience using the phone is nothing like the one users would have with the device envisioned in the patent. Phone manufacturers are pulling out the stops seeking ways to offer screens that allow as close to an edge-to-edge display as possible. The Oppo Reno has its 'shark fin' that pops out with the selfie camera and the OnePlus 7 Pro uses a popup selfie snapper.
Quote:
"A curved display on Galaxy phones offers you a dual-curve phone screen. The beautiful integration of glass and steel, paired with the flowing lines and sloping curves of its design delivers a seemingly boundless viewing experience and holds better in your hand when used over long periods of time.
The curved edges are not only visually appealing but functional as well as they allow for viewing incoming notifications and alerts without drawing the focus away from what’s on screen or when the device is asleep."-Samsung
Illustration from Samsung's patent
On the other hand, companies like Samsung file a large number of patents each year and not all of them are implemented.
