Google’s rumored foldable phone could be among the first outside Samsung’s offerings to feature ultra-thin glass (UTG). According to ETNews, Samsung Display will soon accept UTG orders from companies beyond the Samsung family. Apparently, one of those companies considering the tech is Google.
While the fine details surrounding Google’s rumored Pixel foldable remain a mystery, the report suggests it will employ a foldable OLED panel and UTG — both supplied by Samsung Display. This combo could give the Google foldable a similar feel to the Galaxy Z Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip line. Although UTG is more fragile than traditional glass, it does provide a little more durability than plastic displays.
It’s unclear if or when Google will launch its foldable, but ETNews‘ report does add to the growing list of evidence that one is in the works. In February, a report surfaced that Samsung would supply Google, Oppo, and Vivo with foldable display technology. A device, presumed to be Google’s foldable, also received a passing mention in the recently launched Android 12 beta build.
Samsung Display will reportedly begin shipping UTG to other firms from the second half of 2021. Google may not be the only firm interested, either. In June 2020, tipster Digital Chat Station hinted that Huawei and Xiaomi were in line to purchase “ultra-thin flexible glass.” It’s unclear if Samsung Display is supplying the duo with UTG.
